Ford Brings Back the Spirit of 1966 With the Bronco Roadster Concept
At Monterey Car Week, Ford revealed the Bronco Roadster Concept, a modern tribute to one of the rarest versions of the first-generation Bronco. Shown at Pebble Beach, the concept honors the 1966 Bronco U13 Roadster, a model that represented the most elemental version of the original SUV.
To maintain the spirit of the U13, it comes without doors, a roof, or a roll bar. The rear seats are also removed and replaced by a flat cargo area. The interior floor is made of painted steel, and it comes with a manual gearbox.
Several details tie it directly to the 1966 Roadster.
The concept rides on wheels from Fifteen52 called “Analog” that echo the look of the original steel wheels, though finished in bright silver instead of Wimbledon White. The body is painted in Wimbledon White, with a contrasting root-beer brown lower section. The dashboard and center console are painted to match, while the top of the dash is finished in black vinyl.
At the rear, the vehicle features a complete swing-down tailgate with “Ford” lettering and a rotating license-plate mount that keeps the plate visible when the tailgate is open. The spare tire is mounted directly behind the front seats, just as it was on early Broncos. Both bumpers are redesigned to resemble the simple steel pieces of the original while fitting the proportions of the modern body. Small decals reading “Bronco 60” and “Est. 1966” on the rear quarter panels further emphasize the anniversary theme.
Ford has stated clearly that the Bronco Roadster Concept is a one-off build and will not be offered for production. Still, the design highlights how the Bronco’s legacy can inspire modern interpretations. While buyers won’t see a showroom version of this exact vehicle, elements such as its wheels, trim details, or heritage-inspired accessories could influence future offerings.
The Bronco Roadster Concept stands as a reminder of what made the original so distinctive. By revisiting one of the rarest models in its history, Ford has showcased the enduring appeal of simplicity and open-air freedom that helped establish the Bronco name six decades ago.
