Featured Artist Keith Kaucher
Fast angles and suave curves infuse this slick Ranchero with a newstalgic spin. It's a Mustang GT-inspired, '72-esque adaptation of the classic Fairlane/Torino-based Rancheros-a model beloved by our featured artist, Keith Kaucher.
Rancheros and their Chevy ilk are the sport trucks that almost were. Today's low-slung, street-smart pickups are a direct descendent from musclecars like this, although a dropped and 'bagged Ranger would be so lucky to have the '05 Pony Car chassis, suspension, and powertrain built into Keith's concept. Jump doors behind the main doors open only when the front doors are open, allowing access to the cab's rear jump seats and storage compartment.
Keith designs custom wheels for the aftermarket industry, as well as body kits, tailpipes, steering wheels, and engine accessories. His father taught him to draw his first car when he was 5 years old. His dad worked as an aerospace engineer at the time, so that could explain why Keith's concept is shaped to launch itself into an imaginary Ford dealer near you.
Keith Kaucher also designs custom cars and hot rods for clients and magazines. This rendering is a tangible custom that will roll from Keith's sketchpad and onto the streets of Georgia some time this fall. It's a '79 El Camino owned by Frank Koss. Keith extended the nose by 4 to 6 inches, shortened the tail by 10 inches, and welded the gate shut. Front fender arches taken from a '79-'87 Malibu/El Camino were turned backward and placed on all four corners of the Elky. Niche F-18 20s and 18s roll in low-profile racing rubber. Chevelle Super Sport hood vents and a floating bar grille accented with a '57 Chevy badge punctuate the car's low-drag outline. Disappearing lights lurk behind the custom grille, while '91-'96 Corvette brake lights emphasize the high-perf pedigree. A Camaro-style spoiler, underlined by a recessed grille, mirrors the front end's nose-down attitude.
Curves sweep wider than a smile inside this El Camino. And while the powertrain is yet to be determined, you can bet that no matter what they choose, the satisfaction of watching a high-speed, low-drag Elky cruise by will be just as sweet.