(1987 Zimmer E-Z Rider Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab)
Zimmer was an American automaker based in Syracuse, New York. The original company was founded in 1978 as Zimmer Motorcars Corporation by Paul Zimmer as a manufacturer of neo-classic automobiles.
A neoclassic, in automobile circles, is a relatively modern car that is made somewhat in the image of the classic cars of the 1920s and 1930s without being necessarily intended as a full replica. They are vehicles that hold the design prior to Ponton design, so they still keep the wheel arches separate from the bodywork.
The Zimmer Golden Spirit was the flagship of the Zimmer Motorcars Corporation with more than 1,500 produced during its production run from 1978 to 1988. The original Golden Spirit was built using a Ford Mustang chassis and drivetrain.
(Zimmer Golden Spirit)
At its peak in the 1980s, Zimmer Motorcars Corporation employed 175 people and generated $25 million in annual revenue.
In 1988, Bob Zimmer sold his shares in the company and purchased an automobile dealership. Shortly after that, Paul Zimmer suffered a major heart attack and became less involved. At that time a group of employees and members of the Board of Directors attempted to direct the operation of the company and were not able to navigate such a large entity during a difficult economy and the loss of the company’s most important and influential member.
Zimmer Corporation fell into serious economic distress and the $325 million a year parent company was forced into bankruptcy, taking down with it all of its operating divisions, including the highly successful and profitable $25 million a year car company.
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E-Z Rider Package:
In 1987 Zimmer Motor Vans offered an ‘E-Z Rider’ appearance package for the Ford Ranger. The 1987 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab you see at the top of this page features a grill guard, fog lights, dually fenders, bed rails, cab spoiler light bar, and cab marker lights. This was a $3,500 package 35 years ago which is equivalent to a $9,000 upgrade in today’s dollars.
According to the brochure below, the Zimmer E-Z Rider package offered:
Exterior and Interior Features Standard
- Custom alloy aluminum wheels with extra wide tires
- Dooley fenders
- Chrome grille guard
- Aluminum running boards
- Light shield or light bar with space age styling
- Custom automotive paint
- Chrome bed rails
- Chrome rain shields
- Tri-band antenna
- Front can marker lights
- Overhead console
- C.B. radio
- Center floor console with storage
- Cup holders and arm rest
Exterior and Interior Feature Options
- Slider rear window
- Exterior sun visor
- Fog lights
- Chrome tailgate protector
- Security alarm system
The Ford Ranger shown here also received custom striping to go along with the factory 2-tone paint scheme.
Although the E-Z Rider package received the ‘Dooley fenders’ it did not have dual rear wheels, but used a wider tire instead.+
The Zimmer Ford Ranger you see here is listed for sale on facebook marketplace and can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2594596150670643/
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