During the 60th birthday celebration of the Bronco, Ford’s Bronco Chief Designer Robert Gelardi posed a simple but powerful question: What made the very first Bronco so special? His answer took him, and the design team, back to 1966 and the original U13 Bronco Roadster.

1966 Bronco

The Original Spirit: Fun Through Simplicity

When Ford launched the Bronco in 1965, it was billed as “the world’s first four-wheel-drive sports car.” That wasn’t just marketing hype. The Bronco team set out to build an off-road “Mustang”, and they nailed it.

The U13 Roadster was the purest expression of that idea. It offered open-air freedom, simpliciy, and was built around adventure. Unlike the wagon or half-cab versions, the Roadster didn’t need extra frills. Its appeal came from its stripped-down, go-anywhere spirit.

Bronco Roadster Concept and 1966 Bronco Roadster

Inspiration for a Modern Icon

Fast forward to the development of the 2021 Bronco lineup. Gelardi and his team worked closely with enthusiasts, one of whom owned a pristine Wimbledon White ’66 Roadster. That truck became their touchstone, a living link to the Bronco’s roots. When it came time to celebrate Bronco’s six decades of adventure, Ford decided to honor the original with something bold: a one-of-a-kind, modern Roadster Concept.

Bronco Roadster Concept: Built by Subtraction

Unlike most concepts that pile on flashy features, this project was about stripping things back. The design team’s motto: “Turn the 6G into an OG.”

That meant simplifying seating, paring down the interior, and creating a utility-focused rear space. Outside, they fitted machined Fifteen52 Analog wheels, reshaped the bumpers, and stamped “FORD” into a fold-down tailgate. All subtle but meaningful nods to 1966.

Bronco Roadster Concept: Why It Matters

The Roadster Concept isn’t going into production. But it’s more than a design exercise. It’s a statement that the Bronco’s heart and soul still beat strongest when things are simple, raw, and connected to the outdoors.

Driving it isn’t just transportation—it’s immersion. Like riding a horse, running a kayak through whitewater, or mountain biking rugged trails, the open-air Bronco puts you directly into the landscape. That’s what Built Wild is all about.

Looking Back to Move Forward

By honoring the original roadster, Ford is reminding enthusiasts that every modern Bronco still carries the same adventurous DNA. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to strip things down to the essentials.