The Ruger Touring Car

[Ruger168]

One of 2 cars that Bill built in CT. and 2 of the early number plates.

 

[WendyZXZ]

That is a great looking car!

 

[Rumrunner]

The man was a genius. Didn't he also design one of his yachts?

 

[don44]

Nice cars.

 

[RugerHound]

Wow! Pretty darned neat!

 

[rjwinz]

I recall reading in a 1960's era Popular Mechanics that he was trying to build an indestructible car - just like his guns. Heavy frame, fiberglass body, even a hand brake. Wonder if I'm looking at a prototype here?

 

[Ruger168]

rjwinz, that is exactly what you are seeing. This car is amazing. You should try to find some of the write ups about it.Motor Trend did a story in December 1970 and True Magazine did one in September 1969. It has a Ford 427 V-8, a 130" wheelbase and weighs 3480 pounds. The projected retail cost was $13,000. Bill told me that the government wanted to get to involved so he scrapped the project.

 

[contender]

Yep, sturdy cars, both of them. And, there was even a write-up in Playboy about one.

 

[NH Rugerman]

Had the pleasure a couple of years ago to see both of them up close and personal...have some great pictures but don't post pics. Bill Jr opened his old Mill in Newport and allowed some folks to see his personal collection which has now been sold off...and the Mill building is for sale currently.

The Ruger Tourers are still with Bill Jr....

 

[Toyman]

I attended armorer's school at New Port fall 1980. We went to Mr. Ruger's hunting preserve close to New Port to shoot. Whole others were shooting I spied his car setting near a garage so I took a photo.