Built For Performance, Purpose, and Patriotism
When the North American Ford Ranger returned for 2019, enthusiasts immediately started wondering how far the platform could be pushed.
Few answered that question more dramatically than Hennessey Performance.
Among a reported 500 Rangers transformed into VelociRaptor-spec trucks, this 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat stands apart as serial number 001 — the very first example of the run, and arguably one of the most significant next-generation Rangers ever built.
And it isn’t just special because of the badge.
It’s special because of what it became.
The First VelociRaptor Ranger
Starting with a factory Shadow Black Ranger Lariat, Hennessey gave the midsize truck a full performance and off-road makeover inspired by desert racing prerunners.
At the heart of the build is Ford’s turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost, upgraded with:
- Revised engine management tuning
- High-flow induction system
- Stainless cat-back exhaust
- Estimated output of 360 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque
That’s a substantial jump over stock and enough to transform the Ranger’s personality from capable midsize pickup to genuine high-speed off-road machine.
Backing it is Ford’s 10-speed automatic and optional electronic locking rear differential, giving the truck serious trail credentials to match the added power.
Built to Wear the VelociRaptor Name
Hennessey didn’t stop at horsepower.
This Ranger received the company’s Stage 1 4-inch suspension lift, widening its stance and improving off-road capability, while 17-inch gold-finished Method 315 wheels wrapped in 285/75 BFGoodrich All-Terrain KM2s give it a purpose-built look.
Additional upgrades include:
- VelociRaptor modular steel front bumper
- Modular rear bumper
- Rock sliders
- Rigid LED light bar and auxiliary pods
- Widened wheel arch extensions
- Orange Ford grille lettering
- Receiver hitch
- Flag mount behind the cab
- TruckVault bed storage system
The combination gives the truck a true overland-meets-prerunner personality.
It looks like it belongs bombing through Baja, but could just as easily show up at an expedition camp.
Serial Number One
What makes this truck truly historic is the serialized provenance.
A plaque mounted to the center console identifies it as VelociRaptor #001, with a matching serial plaque in the engine bay confirming its place as the first truck of the limited production run.
For collectors, that matters.
First-of-series vehicles have a significance all their own — and it’s rare to see one with under 6,000 miles.
Custom Touches Beyond the Catalog
This Ranger also goes well beyond the standard Hennessey package.
Unique touches include:
- Carbon-look exterior accents
- Custom patriotic murals on the tailgate and roof
- Gold-painted engine bay accents
- Hennessey embroidered Ebony leather seats
Inside, it keeps the Lariat luxury features intact:
- Dual-zone climate control
- Adaptive cruise control
- Power sliding rear window
- 8-inch SYNC infotainment with navigation
- All-weather floor mats
- Leather interior
It’s equal parts collector truck, showpiece, and trail-ready build.
A Truck With a Mission
What elevates this Ranger beyond just another rare build is its connection to the Sabot Foundation.
Donated by its original owner in 2021, the truck was used to support the nonprofit’s work helping veterans transition to civilian life while promoting suicide prevention, awareness, and holistic wellness.
When it crossed the Bring a Trailer auction block in March 2025, the entire sale — including buyer’s premium — benefited the foundation.
The final hammer price?
$50,000.
For a truck originally built to showcase performance, it ultimately became a vehicle serving a much bigger purpose.
That makes it memorable in a way horsepower figures alone never could.
Why It Matters To Ranger Enthusiasts
The first North American T6 Ranger quickly proved itself as a capable platform, but builds like this showed just how much potential Ford left on the table.
Long before factory high-performance Rangers multiplied, Hennessey was already imagining a midsize desert truck with big-power ambitions.
And this one was the first.
Not #27.
Not #183.
#001.
That alone makes it noteworthy.
That it helped support veterans makes it something more.
Vehicle Specifications
- Base Vehicle: 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew
- Conversion: Hennessey VelociRaptor #001
- Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I4
- Output: 360 hp / 440 lb-ft (estimated)
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Suspension: Hennessey Stage 1 4-inch lift
- Wheels: 17-inch Method 315
- Tires: 285/75 BFGoodrich KM2
- Mileage: Under 6,000 miles
- Production: Reportedly 1 of 500
- Sale Price: $50,000 (March 27, 2025)
Final Thoughts
There are rare Rangers.
There are highly modified Rangers.
And then there are trucks that tell a story.
This one checks every box — limited-production Hennessey build, serial number one, low-mile collector piece, and a charity-backed mission supporting veterans.
That makes this more than a featured vehicle.
It’s a piece of Ranger history.
Photo Gallery
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures contributed by owners worldwide. TheRangerStation.com has been referenced in print, video and online by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, and experience-based information.
