The first-generation Ford Ranger Raptor sold a total of 3,630 units in South Africa in the four years between its debut in May 2019 and the final month of 2022.
During the same time, the manufacturer’s local assembly plant in Pretoria produced 24,557 examples of the bakkie, with 20,927 (85%) of these shipped to export markets such as Europe.
When it was unveiled, the first-generation Raptor was a wholly-unique offering in the South African bakkie scene offering a high-output engine and purpose-built Fox shocks that allowed the double cab to carry a family of five with a packed trailer to the bushveld, and do awesome jumps when it gets there.
Four years later and the sporty Ford still has no direct competitor, with its success inspiring the launch of a second generation with even more power, improved abilities, and a menacing look.
1st-gen Raptor on the used market
The first-generation Raptor is now in the domain of the used market, and, as of the time of writing, there are 142 listings on AutoTrader for the bakkie ranging from R599,900 to R1,049,990 – as well as one bullet-resistant model going for R2,049,990.
Each one is driven by a 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel engine capable of putting out 157kW and 500Nm, paired with a 10-gear transmission which is complemented by lightweight magnesium shifter paddles.
The 4×4 offers numerous drive modes including normal, sport, grass/gravel/snow, mud/sand, rock, and the model-exclusive Baja which is angled towards high-speed off-road driving akin to what takes place at the famous Baja 1000 race in Mexico.
In addition, the Raptor gained several enhancements over and above the standard Ranger Wildtrak at the time, including a wider body kit, strengthened chassis, a 2.3mm-thick steel bash plate, front recovery hooks, larger brakes, and distinctive 17-inch wheels covered in BF Goodrich all-terrain rubbers.
Most importantly of all, the high-rider also received specially-developed 2.5-inch Fox suspension that was able to withstand much more powerful shocks than the standard dampers, while simultaneously improving wheel travel by 32% at the front and 22% at the rear.
The first Raptor was then offered in five exterior hues namely Absolute Black, Colorado Red, Conquer Grey, Ford Performance Blue, and Frozen White.
In October 2021, a Raptor Special Edition (SE) was launched to reinvigorate sales with a few key differentiating features setting it apart from the original.
Notably, the SE boasts a standard rear sports hoop, a lockable roller shutter over the load box, red tow hooks, and a black/red sticker package running over the bonnet, roof, sides, rear wings, and tailgate,
Inside the cabin, upgrades continued by means of red contrast stitching in place of the previously-used blue stitching.
The SE also had its own colour options comprising Agate Black, Blue Lightning, Frozen White, and Sea Grey.
Keyword: How many 1st-gen Ford Ranger Raptors were sold in South Africa