The Big-Hearted story behind this Bigfoot

Aug 4

**The more things change the more some things stay the same.**

In an ever changing and evolving world it’s easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest in technology and design. It’s mind blowing to see cars become so advanced that they will even drive for us! And while advancement is a vital part of our existence that doesn’t mean we don’t sometimes long for what once was.

It’s crazy how attached we can become to an inanimate object like a car. So much memory and emotion gets tied up in them. Sometimes it’s the memory of knowing how hard you worked to save up the money to buy a certain vehicle, or perhaps you had your first kiss in one or drove your first child home from the hospital or it took you on countless adventures…you’re remembering some now, aren’t you.

That’s one of the many reasons why we were so moved by this 1987 Ford Ranger Bigfoot that was recently in the shop. Is it a rare vehicle? Yes…only about 300 were ever made. Is it in amazing condition? Yes! We were shocked at how well it has aged! Was it a one owner vehicle? Amazingly, yes! And it was not only the daily driver, but the family adventure vehicle! It was used and loved and holds the most priceless and beloved memories we just had to share with you.

***1987 Ford Ranger Bigfoot***

**Then….**

I asked Tracy, who inherited the truck from her dad, if she had any specific memories she wanted to share and this is what she sent me. I think her own words say it best:

Tracy with the same truck last week honoring that love

It had 23 miles on it…

“Boy- I’m not sure where to start- this truck has been such an integral part of my life since I was 15 years old. My dad bought it new 7/10/1987 I know that date because I have the original title- it had 23 miles on it- I would bet most of those were his test drive. My Mom who passed just this past May, would tell the story of him pouting on the curb like a toddler because he wanted it so badly and they were haggling back and forth all day with the Jolly John dealership. They eventually struck a deal that included the dealership's auto body shop painting my mother’s oven door from avocado to tan and he drove it home with the absolute biggest smile on his face. My dad adored his truck- it was his pride and joy. Since they only made 300 of them, no one else had one anywhere near us so we could spot my Dad driving anywhere anytime. The whole town knew his truck. Despite his love of the truck, he didn’t restrict its use; he used it to the fullest- we ate ice cream in it several times a week in the summer- we rode in the back all around town, sometimes standing and sometimes sitting on the wheel well. We went to the beach in it, We watched the July 4th parade sitting on the tailgate of that truck every year for over 25 years. He drove me and my friends everywhere in that truck and even let us practice drive in it. My childhood best friend Cherry and I would take turns sitting in the middle of the front seat reaching over to take the steering wheel from him. Yes, I did drive it the day I got my license at the age of 16- after I hand waxed it per his requirement! I drove it a lot as a teenager- and some of the driving wasn’t the stuff I’m the most proud of, but that truck always kept me safe.

For 105,000 miles and 27 years…

My oldest two kids (ages 31 & 29) grew up riding in that truck and watching parades on the tailgate and taking the steering wheel. They loved going places with “pepere” in his truck, sitting in the jump seats in the back with the rear power window down so they could feel the air. We even did an entire family professional photo shoot in that truck- with his kids and grandkids crawling all over it. My kids loved fishing with him. They went mostly to a little stocked pond in Springvale ME but That truck went fishing all over the place- with a favorite being north up to Chesuncook Lake where he proudly used his 4x4 abilities to get him and his fishing crew (all my uncles) to remote lodges. It towed a boat that was the same color and brought so much joy to my father for 105,000 miles and 27 years until he passed away in 2014. I don’t think there ever was any question or doubt as to what was going to happen to the truck when he passed- it just became mine. I was offered all sorts of money for it, but I really don’t care about the money-I will never sell it. It’s the wonderful memories and the connection to my cherished father that bonds that truck and I. Since his death in 2014 I have been slowly bringing it back to it’s glory. The interior is all in perfect Original shape (more so now after Revive got it cleaned up), but the exterior needed some love. Fixed the rust, repainted, shined up the chrome, new transmission, and more- still lots to go but it has so much going for it. My hope is to honor my Dad by restoring it fully, keeping it beautiful and showing it in the summer. At my first show yesterday- I found out it’s commonplace to name your antique car- so we're trying to find a name befitting of honoring my dad – nothing solid yet but some great ideas being tossed around.”

This is why we love what we do! What an incredible honor it has been for all of us to get to share in this story and to be able to bring this truck back to life! The night she picked up the truck she attended the Cruising with Friends event in Maine and won an award! We have no doubt this will be the first of many this truck will receive! This Friday, August 5th Tracy will be at Coppal House Farm between 3-5pm for their Classic Car and Truck Show as part of the Sunflower Festival that kicks off this weekend! Go and see this bad boy in person…you’ll be glad you did!

Thank you so much, Tracy for sharing these beautiful memories with us and for trusting us to help preserve this amazing truck so it can continue making more memories with the next generations.