Ford introduces open-air Bronco concept to celebrate anniversary

Ford marks Bronco’s 60th with open-air design

When Ford launched the Bronco in 1966, it came in three different body styles. The best known was the two-door hardtop, which inspired today’s two- and four-door Broncos. It also had a half-cab design that looked like a regular pickup with an extremely short bed.

The third style was completely open with no roof or doors. To celebrate 60 years of Bronco history, Ford has created a custom concept that recalls the original U13 Bronco Roadster. This new concept captures its spirit.

Custom concept revives U13 Bronco roadster form

The original U13 Bronco Roadster was sold without doors; metal door inserts were available. Ford’s new concept brings back that same completely open style.

It is just as exposed as the 1966 version, but now updated with custom touches unseen on regular modern Broncos. Ford explained that the project was built to commemorate the 60th anniversary. It is not a standard model, but a one-off design created to honor the Bronco legacy.

Inspired by a Wimbledon White U13 Bronco

Ford says the concept was modeled after a specific U13 Bronco. The design team used that exact vintage vehicle as a reference. The original was painted Wimbledon White and kept extremely bare, lacking extra features.

The Roadster Concept wears Wimbledon White paint with a contrasting brown ‘root-beer’ tailgate panel featuring 60th-anniversary script.

That rear section holds the 60th anniversary logo. As with the original, the doors were removed, and the exposed openings were neatly angled and finished.

Custom tailgate and vintage-inspired lettering

Much of the redesign focuses on the rear: Ford swapped the usual swing-out tailgate for a truck-style drop-down unit. Its sheet metal is custom and shows vintage-style “FORD” lettering. Even the drop-down handle looks old, possibly taken from a period Bronco.

To complete the exterior, Ford added plain steel bumpers at both ends. The vehicle rides on machined Fifteen52 Analog wheels. These resemble the Bronco Heritage trim wheels, reinforcing the retro look while still being modern enough to handle today’s roads.

Interior stripped bare for vintage-style cargo area

With no roof, the boundary between interior and exterior nearly disappears. Ford removed the rear seats and converted the area into a cargo bed. Because the drop-down tailgate can’t carry the full-size spare, it now sits secured in the new rear compartment.

Inside, the low-back front seats and grab handles are trimmed in silver leather. All carpeting was stripped away. Dash plastics were painted white to match bare steel panels and flooring.

Manual gearbox keeps Bronco concept simple

Mechanical details were not fully shared, but photos confirm some features. A manual transmission is visible, underscoring the classic theme. In today’s Bronco lineup, the 7-speed manual pairs only with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder.

That engine is rated at up to 300 hp and 325 lb-ft on premium fuel. Ford likely made no significant changes to the motor, since the focus was on design. Together with the manual gearbox, the setup reflects the raw and basic spirit of the first Bronco.

Ford confirms no production for Roadster concept

Ford has presented the Roadster as a one-off, non-production concept. The truck deletes the roof and doors and features a heavily opened-up body to evoke the U13 Roadster. That lack of safety structure makes production impossible.

Ford hasn’t detailed safety equipment; the concept’s focus is design and heritage rather than regulatory compliance.

Concept could inspire future Bronco accessories

Even though Ford will not sell the Roadster, the concept might spark ideas for future accessories. Open-air fans might see aftermarket door frame covers inspired by the concept. These could give a finished look when driving with doors removed.

Ford may also draw inspiration for future special-edition interiors. Some stripped-down or retro-styled cabin options could echo the silver vinyl and bare metal seen here. While not a production model, the Roadster still influences how Bronco style could evolve.

Bronco history spans six unique generations

Over nearly 60 years, Ford has built six generations of the Bronco. Each shared a focus on actual off-road performance with 4×4 drivetrains. From compact early models to today’s SUVs, the Bronco has always been a rugged choice.

The second generation grew into a full-size SUV, while the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations closely followed Ford’s F-Series pickup trucks. After being discontinued in 1996, the Bronco returned in 2021 as a completely new sixth generation with modern engineering.

2021 launch revived Bronco in modern sixth gen

In 2021, Ford introduced the sixth-generation Bronco. Styled with retro touches, it directly challenged Jeep’s Wrangler. Buyers could choose two- or four-door versions with removable tops and doors. Ford’s Suzy Deering said fans had waited for the return.

She explained the design stayed true to the Bronco’s go-anywhere heritage while adding innovation, durability, and off-road strength. With body-on-frame construction and nearly one foot of ground clearance, the 6th-gen Bronco became a serious off-road competitor.

Sixth gen offers Raptor and three engine choices

The sixth-generation Bronco dropped V8 power but gained advanced options. The Bronco Raptor uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 (418 hp/440 lb-ft).

Engines included the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder with a 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic, a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 with a 10-speed automatic, and the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 for the Raptor. This made the Bronco one of the last American SUVs with a manual transmission.

Fifth generation Bronco added more safety steps

From 1992 to 1996, the fifth-generation Bronco offered new safety improvements. These included four-wheel ABS and a driver-side airbag. Ford also secured the removable hardtop with #40 Security Torx bolts, making removal harder for safety reasons.

Luxury increased with features like leather seating and remote keyless entry. However, after 1996, the Bronco name was retired for over 20 years. Engines ranged from a 4.9-liter inline-six to 4.9-liter and 5.8-liter V8s, paired with 5-speed manuals or 4-speed automatics.

Fourth generation based on Ford F-150 pickup

From 1987 to 1991, the fourth-generation Bronco was based on the eighth-generation F-150. It received a new flat grille and composite headlights. Inside, Ford redesigned seats, door panels, and the dashboard.

These “brick-nose” Broncos had standard rear-wheel anti-lock brakes and an optional Touch Drive push-button 4WD system. Fuel injection was introduced, and manual and automatic transmissions gained extra gears later in production. Engine options included 4.9-liter inline-six, 4.9-liter V8, and 5.8-liter V8.

Third generation offered Eddie Bauer edition

Produced from 1980 to 1986, the third-generation Bronco was again based on the F-150. Early models had Dana 44 front axles and Ford 9-inch rear ends, later moving to Twin-Traction Beam front suspension.

Ford introduced a new Eddie Bauer package in 1985. It added two-tone exterior paint, tan cloth interiors, and an outdoors-themed gear bag. Engines included a 4.9-liter inline-six, 4.9-liter V8, and 5.8-liter V8. The 351 Windsor V8 became optional later, paired with 4-speed manuals or 3-speed automatics.

Second generation grew in size and capability

The 1978-1979 second-generation Bronco grew much larger than the first. It stretched 28 inches longer, 11 inches wider, and 4 inches taller. Built as a three-door wagon, it kept the lift-off roof.

Engines were only V8s, including 5.8-liter and 6.6-liter choices, with manual or automatic transmissions. Buyers could also get air conditioning, stereo systems, and tilt steering wheels. This larger Bronco competed directly with rivals like the Chevy K5 Blazer and Jeep Cherokee.

Ford is bringing electric and hybrid versions of the Bronco to the Chinese market. Full story in Ford expands Bronco lineup with electric and hybrid models in China.

First generation began Bronco off-road tradition

The first generation ran from 1966 to 1977. Approved by Lee Iacocca, it targeted the Jeep CJ-5, International Scout, and Toyota Land Cruiser. It was sold only with 4WD and came in three body styles, including a half-cab pickup.

Engines included 2.8-, 3.3-, 4.7-, and 4.9-liter options, with 3-speed manuals or automatics. Special Baja Bronco editions honored racing success with unique paint, tires, flares, and roll bars. This compact model began the long tradition that Ford celebrated 60 years later.

A significant safety recall impacts Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs over fire hazards. Read more in Massive recall launched for Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs with fire risk.

Ford’s open-air Bronco concept is turning heads, would you drive one this wild throwback? Drop your comments below.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.