If you happen to’ve been taking note of Ford’s design people recently, you’ve in all probability seen they’ve been placing out some fairly rad retro fashions with oodles (sure, oodles) of classic styling cues.
It began with the Bronco Heritage Editions some time again, however Ford’s launched a number of different particular fashions not too long ago which have caught our eye—just like the Free Wheelin’ look bundle that’s pulled instantly from the Nineteen Seventies-era Ford choices sheet.
After which there’s the 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe Particular Version that’s closely impressed by the famed Broncos that barnstormed the early Baja 1,000 off-road races within the Nineteen Sixties and ’70s.
You may learn extra about Invoice Stroppe, Rod Corridor, and the Bronco’s Baja historical past on this article: Rod Corridor’s Stroppe Bronco Returns to Baja
…and it’s that aforementioned Stroppe Bronco that has us questioning if the Blue Oval advertising and design groups had a eager eye on Summit Racing’s current Baja Bronco construct.
We coated that mission extensively in a sequence of Baja Bronco articles, and along with some legit efficiency upgrades, the late mannequin Bronco boasts a slick retro vibe too.
Efficiency apart, we love us an excellent throwback construct round right here.
And, since our friends over at Summit Racing know a factor or two about making a vintage-style Ford Bronco, we requested them for recommendation on some retro-inspired upgrades to assist your late mannequin Bronco hearken again to the unique recipe.
Listed below are 5 of their recommendations.
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5 Retro Off-Street Type Upgrades for Late Mannequin Ford Broncos & SUVs
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Certain, trendy modular off-road lighting is available in all shapes these days, however a number of a long time in the past your choices have been spherical…and spherical. So if you would like your fancy new off-roader to look the half, then it’s Proper Spherical, Child.
Whereas KC HiLiTES is usually the go-to favourite for off-road retro lighting, loads of different firms (like Hella) have been right here from the start too. As an added bonus, many trendy off-road lighting firms provide vintage-style lights that pack within the effectivity and sturdiness of LED lighting as properly. That’s a win-win in our guide.
And keep in mind to finish the retro look with a set of old-school gentle covers—not solely to guard your lenses, however in some areas, it’s a authorized requirement to cowl your off-road lights whereas driving on the road.
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If you wish to modify your SUV right into a classic fashion off-roader, don’t over-do it on the bumpers. Certain it’s enjoyable so as to add an enormous honkin’ slab of metal in your Bronco, however again within the day a easy tube bumper was the norm.
If you happen to don’t just like the look of a tube bumper, no worries, simply keep in mind to maintain it delicate and comparatively discreet. The Summit Racing people used bumpers from DV8 Offroad on their Baja Bronco, however loads of different producers make delicate off-road bumpers for the late mannequin Bronco and different trendy SUVs.
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3. White Accents
Whether or not it’s a Bronco, Jeep CJ, and even an Worldwide Scout, white was de rigueur shade accent for off-roaders within the Nineteen Sixties.
And that’s excellent news for you, as a result of some endurance, cautious masking, and a high quality can of automotive-grade white paint could also be all it takes to rewind the clock in your off-roader.
From spraying wheels, bumpers, and roll bars to tiny inside accents, we now have a ton of paint articles and assets that may make it easier to out right here.
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4. Plain, Steelie-Type Wheels
Fancy aftermarket wheels for off-roaders are a comparatively new phenomenon.
Again within the day, for those who have been heading down the path, you merely tore off your rig’s hubcaps and went in your merry approach. And that basic naked metal wheel look is making an enormous comeback—a lot in order that at this time’s wheel producers are providing new, trendy wheels with steel-inspired styling cues to imitate the look.
For instance, the Summit Racing Baja Bronco wears Fifteen52 Patrol HD Asphalt Black Wheels that bear a putting resemblance to the basic slot mags of the Nineteen Seventies.
If you happen to actually wish to preserve a classic vibe, don’t go loopy with sizing your new off-road tires both—we’re sufficiently old to recollect a time when a 35 inch tire was nearly Monster Truck territory.
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Enjoyable reality: Have you learnt Warn nonetheless makes a model of its iconic M2874 winch that’s been round since just about the daybreak of time? Bolting that little gem up entrance is prompt road…err…trail-cred for any off-roader.
However that’s only one possibility, and there are dozens of different winch fashions on the market. Clearly your winch decisions are instantly related to the bumper suggestion at Quantity Two on the record right here, so be sure to plan accordingly.
If you need your winch to be the centerpiece of your retro construct, then you definately’ll wish to select a bumper that leaves an enormous portion of the winch housing uncovered—not solely so people can see it, however as a result of that’s how winches have been put in within the early days of off-roading. They typically rested instantly atop or between the entrance body rails with little greater than mount for your winch fairlead up entrance.
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This isn’t an exhaustive record after all, there are many throwback styling mods like spare tire covers and bikini/safari tops that’ll make it easier to top-off the classic look.
Do you’ve got any extra recommendations on the best way to flip a late mannequin Ford Bronco into vintage-style off-roader? Allow us to hear about them within the feedback part under.
