An Off-Road Limo. Yep, You Read That Right!
I’m sure you have heard of the Five W’s, who, what, when, where, and why. While the Five W’s may be a bit cliché from old-time journalism standards, it is a good place to start. This off-road vehicle you'll see driving around Hammertown during King of The Hammers is sure to make you look twice... and it truly takes something special to grab your attention in a place like H-town! WHO: #27 Cagliero Racing (pronounced kah-lee-arrow). 4400 driver Jon Cagliero and his younger brother and co-driver, Phillip Cagliero, started their Ultra4 racing addiction in 2010. The brothers caught the racing bug as little tykes zooming around on motorbikes, much to their mom's dismay. Fellow Ultra4 driver Gary Ferravanti Sr. shared with Jon, a video of Ultra4’s biggest annual event, King of The Hammers (KOH). That’s all it took. Jon and Phil had their first Ultra4 race buggy by the end of that same year. Working their way towards some memorable wins, they would place in the top 20 just their second year competing at KOH in 2012. Then in 2013, their hard work paid off with an 8th place finish . Not to mention, winning the 2014 Unlimited class in John Goodby's Nor Cal Rock Race Series held in Rancho Cordova California! Jon's wife, Sam Cagliero, explains, "When they do well, they have fun. When they don't do well, they have fun.”
WHAT: Say hello to “Rokzine”. A 1999 Lincoln Town Car Limo. We’re talking first class, high class, for cruzin' the pits… Hammer-style. This off-road limo sits on a stretched chassis with a wheel base of 187 inches is fully equipped with 40” BFG Crawlers, and an Atlas Transfer case. For those of you needing an extra “boost up” inside, the Caglieros have added electric RV steps that kindly greet you as you open the passenger door. This, in my opinion, was very much like rolling out the red carpet. As you sit down, with the engine cranked, it sounds like you are in the cab of a monster truck... but with many more amenities!
The former airport limo was found on Craigslist this past Fall by Cagliero's 18-year old son Bricen, and operation “Rokzine” began. The idea was when the family spotted an old Cadillac 4WD limo watching an internet video of "Huckfest," an automotive jumping contest held in Pismo Beach, California. At that point, Bricen was certain and well-determined that dad was going to build one.
“Everything is new except for the motor,” claims Jon. In fact, 95% of the limo was built in-house. The limo, equipped with a 4.6 Ford engine, a stock tyranny, stock shafts, and ¾-ton brakes and steering. Axle housings include a 14-bolt in the rear, and a Dana 44 in the front. The chassis is supported by leaf springs on all for corners, and Dual Rough Country shocks to dampen the ride, with close friend Ferravanti taking on the drivelines.
“It turned out way better than I thought it would. It’s not as “oakie” as I thought it would be”, Jon added. “We are going to need sippy cup lids for our drinks though”. Now, of course, no off-road ride of luxury would be complete without a little mood lighting, and I’m not just talking about the LED multi-colored changing rock lights that run underneath the chassis, which were donated by Advanced Adapters - Jon added not one, not two, nor three, but FOUR functional exhaust pipes, AKA “Zoomies”... something you're more likely to see on a classic dragster than an off-road vehicle. “You gotta have 4-foot flames shoot out when you pull up!” Yes Jon… yes you do.
With the 2015 King of The Hammers looming when I visited the family at their Cagliero Ranch in Northern California, I asked Jon how he managed to prep his own race car and have time to start a new project. Jon explained that he would work on the limo while waiting on parts for the buggy. All the while, being a full-time farmer. The Cagliero race team is supported by many friends and family that pitch in to help accomplish the task at hand. As co-driver Phillip calls it, “The secret to success.”
WHEN: Look for it at the 2015 Nitto King of The Hammers present by 4 Wheel Parts WHERE: Johnson Valley, California... more correctly, Hammertown and it's surroundings WHY: “If you have to ask why… no ride for you!” –Jon Cagliero. Enjoy the gallery below and tune in at LiveatKOH.com for full KOH coverage February 1-7th! 
