Forty years ago, Skyjacker opened its doors to off-road customers with lift kits and suspension systems for trucks that were a cut above the competition. The trend for innovation and seeing ahead of the curve has continued to be a hallmark of the company, but it’s times like today when it helps to take a look back and appreciate the sheer amount of progress made over four decades, and celebrate the friends and connections that have made it all possible.

Lonnie McCurry, Sr., chief operating officer of Skyjacker, took the opportunity to unveil a rest0-modded 1976 Ford Bronco and share a few words on the whole occasion: “This represents the first vehicle that Skyjacker started the brand on, and it was our honor to collaborate with Matchbox and their toy version of this truck.”

Handing the microphone off to Felix Holst, vice president of design at Matchbox, we were able to learn a bit of the backstory behind the joint venture: “Skyjacker and Matchbox’s relationship goes back a number of years, when we used their designs and logos for authenticity to models that we made, and it was a really happy coincidence that we submitted this graphic just at the time when these guys were looking for something special to do [for their project vehicle.]”

Aside from Matchbox, however, the Bronco was a cool collection of Skyjacker’s associates and connections, including a Bestop soft top, J.E. Reel Driveline driveshafts, Bushwacker fender flares, BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/As, one-off Hedman headers, and much more. “The concept was to utilize the trail-tested, tough-as-nails 1976 Bronco platform and beef it up with the full Skyjacker off-road treatment,” said McCurry. “The end result is a Matchbox Bronco that will tackle any terrain in its path—this a Bronco that all generations will love to ride.”

Rounding out Skyjacker’s booth were the new suspension systems for the next crop of GM and Ford trucks, namely the six-inch lift kits for the 2015 F-150 and 2014-15 Silverado/Sierra 1500. Follow up on new developments from Skyjacker by checking out the company’s contact information below.