Ford marked the 60th anniversary of the iconic Bronco off-roader by rolling out a series of special editions during Monterey Car Week. But it saved what was arguably the best for a surprise debut at the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The question is whether the Blue Oval brand might actually decide to put the Bronco Roadster Concept into production, even though it’s describing the show car as a “one-off.” More from Headlight.News.
Ford’s new Bronco Roadster Concept and the original Bronco U13.
Ford scored big when it brought the iconic Bronco badge back to life in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus. It’s given serious chase to competitors like Jeep and the Blue Oval brand offered some insight into how it plans to keep things fresh in the form of several special edition packages unveiled at Monterey Car Week.
The best, however, was saved for last, Ford rolling out a one-off Bronco Roadster Concept, a retro-futuristic take on the 1966 U13 Bronco – which it described as “the closest in execution to an off-road Mustang.”
The new Bronco Roadster hews surprisingly close to the design of the U13, so much so you might not recognize which one’s which with a first glance at the images shown here from the concept’s Pebble Beach debut.
An off-road sports car
The Ford team opted for a “reductionist” approach to designing the Roadster Concept.
In a post looking back at the history of the original U13 model, Bronco Chief Designer Robert Gelardi wrote that, “When Ford introduced the Bronco on August 11, 1965, it was marketed as ‘the world’s first four-wheel drive sports car.’ That wasn’t just advertising hyperbole. The Bronco team’s brief was to make a Mustang for off-road, and the result captured the same element – fun comes through simplicity – that made the pony car such an overwhelming success.”
Back then, Gelardi noted, there were actually three different Bronco body styles, starting with the U15 wagon which, he noted, “is most similar to the Bronco SUV we sell today.” Ford also had the U14 half-cab pickup and the U13 Bronco Roadster which, he added, “was the closest in execution to an off-road Mustang.”
The goal, for his team, was to create a modern take on the U13, but rather than gussy the concept up, Gelardi adopted a “philosophy of intentional reduction.”
“Go anywhere, open air”
Unlike the original U13’s swing gate, Ford went with a fold-down design for the Bronco Roadster Concept.
Starting out with the latest version of the Bronco SUV, the team stripped it back to bare essentials, eliminating the doors, as well as the roof. They did make a handful of upgrades, starting with the tailgate which replaced the original U13 swing-out design with a fold-down design. It did keep the stamped-in “Ford” mark, however. Basic steel bumpers enhance the retro element of the concept’s design, as do the machined Fifteen52 Analog wheels.
Modern safety standards needed to be taken into account, of course, so the Bronco Roadster Concept has a much thicker frame around the windshield, capable of meeting modern rollover guidelines. And the steering wheel is fitted with an airbag and controls for functions like the cruise system.
“What struck me about that original roadster was its compelling simplicity. It didn’t need big tires, a lift, or off-road lights to look good. It was just this pure expression of what I call ‘Go Anywhere, Open Air,’” said Gelardi.
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Remembering the past
Ford says it doesn’t intend to build the Roadster Concept.
“With the Roadster Concept, we want Bronco enthusiasts to know as we move into the future, we always remember our past,” Gelardi explained.
In his post, the Bronco design chief stressed the Roadster Concept is “not intended for production.” But it’s already generating plenty of buzz on social media since making an auspicious debut at Pebble Beach.
Ford is quick to note that today’s Bronco provides owners the opportunities to go al fresco. Depending upon the package they opt for they can remove not only the SUV’s doors but its roof, as well.
But, in a statement, Ford noted that it “continuously monitors how enthusiasts customize their vehicles, using these insights to inspire future design and product development.” Might such feedback convince Ford that a production version of the Roadster would be a good bet for production? We’ll simply have to wait and see.
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