Ford Bronco Concepts and Prototypes Through the Years | American Icons

Did you know that Ford launched several concepts and prototypes before it started manufacturing the new Bronco? All carmakers have used this approach for decades to draw the attention of potential buyers. Although it may seem redundant and even confusing, there is a good reason for having several concepts with different design outlines. By analyzing the public’s reactions to different variants, manufacturers can decide on the final product’s best shape. And with cars as specific as Ford Bronco, this is crucial, as there is no room for error. This article will go through the concepts and prototypes that shaped the Bronco as we know it today.

Bronco Dune Duster

The Dune Duster was a highly-customized version that Ford showed off at the 1965 Detroit Auto Show alongside the standard Bronco. The design is the work of a man called George Barris, a custom car builder famous for creations such as the original Batmobile or Beverly Hillbillies truck.

Meanwhile, the base was a standard Bronco in a roadster variant, which received many modifications. It came with a special paint with walnut inserts, roll bar, and chrome-plated exhaust tips. Furthermore, a wide range of upgrades made the interior more luxurious and flamboyant, including leather bucket seats, a wooden steering wheel, and a padded instrument panel.

Bronco Wildflower

Debuting at the Ford truck exhibit in 1970, Bronco Wildflower adopted a quite eye-catching design. The central theme included petal-shaped drawings that covered all body panels. Moreover, a vivid blue, yellow, and red color scheme gave it a sort of psychedelic feel.

Other than that, Wildflower followed the general idea that came together with Dune Duster. Both inside and out, it displayed how custom options and upgrades can transform an ordinary vehicle into a unique piece.

Big Bronco Concepts

By the early 70s, the Chevrolet Blazer and Jeep Cherokee started threatening Bronco’s market position. As an answer, Ford introduced several Big Bronco Concepts during 1973. Unlike the first generation’s unique configuration and drivetrain, the Big Bronco basis was a shortened F-100 chassis. This meant the new Bronco could share the running gear and body panels, significantly lowering production costs.

One interesting fact is how the original Big Bronco got its first fiberglass rooftop. While working on the prototype, engineers at Ford fitted it with a modified Chevy Blazer rooftop. Although the final version – called Shorthorn – almost went into production, the oil crisis that hit the market delayed it. Still, all Big Bronco concepts had an enormous impact on the second generation of this iconic vehicle.

Bronco Montana Lobo

The futuristic Montana Lobo, which started as a 1977 second-generation Bronco, takes a special place on our list. By going through a series of changes and modifications, this intriguing concept offered various unconventional design and engineering solutions. The most notable amongst them were transparent Plexiglass doors, which were also removable.

With a roll-bar with integrated spotlights and side louvers, the Montana Lobo also had a distinctive silhouette. Meanwhile, at the back, there were things like a retractable load ramp and integrated storage compartments. To round up the theme, Ford installed a digital instrument cluster and a pair of ventilated seats.

Bronco DM-1

While following the futuristic-based designs popular among car manufacturers at that time, Bronco DM-1 brings in one unique novelty. Until then, all Broncos, both prototypes and production models, used a standard body-on-frame configuration and a rugged 4WD system. However, the DM-1 used a monocoque chassis based on Ford Escort, mated to low-drag fiberglass body panels.

Still, the car had real off-road potential, since the concept used a 4×4 system borrowed from the Bronco II. Nonetheless, some still perceived it as a jacked-up minivan with chunky tires. Inside, there was a digital instrument dashboard just like in Montana Lobo and an innovative GPS-navigation system. Although it may have seemed a bit out of place at the time, DM-1 had all the modern small crossover elements.

Bronco Concept

Unlike many concepts on this list, this focused on reinventing the recipe brought by the original Bronco SUV. Sparking the audience at the 2004 International Auto Show, it also proved the retro-inspired styling had a huge potential. Furthermore, it reiterates all authentic design aspects of the 60s car with square body lines and slab sides. Other interesting details include a removable roof and the front bumper with an integrated winch.

The interior also follows that theme, using minimalist instrumentation with a modern touch. While most would expect a classic V8 engine, the flat hood hides a 4-cylinder turbo-diesel from the Mondeo. It sent power to the wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission mated to an intelligent 4×4 system. Despite the noticeable interest, the rise of fuel prices and the upcoming recession meant that it never saw the light of day.

Bronco R Prototype

While off-road enthusiasts are anxiously waiting for the new Bronco to arrive and hit the roads, Ford teased them with another prototype. This time, a true racing machine made to compete at Baja 1000 and test out the new platform’s off-road capabilities. However, that hardcore exterior shares most of the key drivetrain components with the upcoming production model.

Being almost a pre-production test mule, this prototype gives a glance at what the new Bronco has to offer. And judging on what we could see during this 1000 mile journey, it’s hard to imagine that anybody will be disappointed. Aside from aftermarket component failures, the engine and 4×4 systems had no issues even when coping with the harshest terrain.

Last Words

Through the years, Ford developed many concepts and prototypes that helped shape the Bronco into the vehicle we all know and recognize. With a futuristic and authentic design, cars like Montana Lobo and DM-1 were maybe too ahead of their time. However, concepts like Big Bronco or the 2004 Concept had a significant impact on upcoming trucks’ future design.

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