Aussie Vehicle Icon – Ute

“Ute” is female name in Germany; but here, in Australia is the utility vehicle. You would find Ute is very popular car here; it is not only used as for work, but also for family using as well. Ever I was driving a Ute for 5 months while I lived in QLD, it was so handy, especially, I just moved back to Australia. Moreover, we have a boat, so carrying a tiny could be a hassle. But with a Ute, life becomes much easier. For some reasons, I find Ute implies some Aussies’ life-style and attitude; it’s practical and substantial oriented without being vanity. 

Ford Australian was the first company to produce a coupe utility. The story sounds like an urban legend: In 1932, a Gippsland farmer’s wife sent Ford a request for a revolutionary new car design: “Why don’t you build people like us a vehicle to go to church in on a Sunday, and which can carry our pigs to market on Mondays?” she asked. The job of designing a car of this versatility fell on the shoulders of 22 year old engineer Lewis Bandt, and two years later, the first Ford ute was released.

The original ute had a wheel base of 112 inches, a five foot five inch tray that could carry 1200 pounds (550kg). The car went on to become a huge success, and was exported to the US and dubbed ‘kangaroo chasers’.

Sadly, Bandt’s invention was also part of his final moments as he was killed in a collision with a sand truck. He was driving a vintage 1934 Ford Ute he had rebuilt for himself. Fortunately, Bandt’s legacy lives on with utes owned and operated by tradespeople and farmers all around the world.

(More information to heck:http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_future/Transcripts/s779287.htm)

Mr. Lewis Bandt 

Like other vehicles, Ute also could be good looking as well. It’s not particular for male driver, it’s could be very sexy for girls. I also find Aussies have special feeling about their Utes, there are ever specific Ute racing every year.