For how much news there’s been around the new Ford Bronco, you’d think the revamped SUVs had taken over the streets. But no, despite taking reservations since July (and racking up over 165,000 of them), they’re not even available yet. While the slightly more staid Sport models are coming sometime later this year, the two- and four-door models that most old-school Bronco lovers are pining for aren’t due out until the spring of 2021.
That opening has given tuners and other automotive customizers the chance to give Bronco buyers an alternative. Of course, Ford has put together a compelling argument for sticking in-house for all your aftermarket needs — the company is offering hundreds of factory-backed accessories, which they showed off in some recent adventure concepts — but that hasn’t stopped people from wanting more power. (Read: A V8 engine, which Ford isn’t offering.)
Buyer beware: Ford has made it clear that, because of the complexity of the vehicle — in comparison to the classic models — tuners will have a hard time fiddling with the systems, and they’re exploring official partnerships with aftermarket partners. That said, some tuners have already announced their own upgraded Broncos and what you can expect from the builds.
Hennessey VelociRaptor V8 Bronco
Price: $225,000
People want a V8 Bronco and Ford isn’t going to give it to them, so Hennessey will. The dinosaur nomenclature is a nod to the Ford Raptor builds the company has done in the past, swapping the EcoBoost V6 for a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, which produces 750 horsepower and will go in this build too. “Other upgrades include custom hood with scoop, larger wheels and tires, upgraded suspension system, custom Hennessey leather interior, VelociRaptor V8 racing livery graphics, upgraded stainless steel exhaust and more,” per the shop.
Saleen Big Oly Bronco
Price: TBD
A huge part of the Ford Bronco legend is the vehicle’s history of wins in the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 off-road races. Saleen pays tribute to one of those here with the “Big Oly” Bronco, originally driven by Parnelli Jones and named after his sponsor, Olympia Beer. The Saleen build includes an Olympia livery as well as updates to the grille, fenders, hood, lights and more.
Gateway Bronco
Price: TBD
The first name in restomod Broncos hasn’t officially detailed plans for updating the 2021 models, but when we caught up with founder Seth Burgett back in July about their F-Series truck builds, he was already getting inquiries. “We already have clients that are asking us to put an allocation out for them so they can have a new Bronco to match their vintage Bronco,” he said at the time. “We’ll be providing Coyote conversions for the new Bronco once it’s fully available in the Sport trim and then be able to provide a true V8 Bronco to our client base at least in the new version.” We’ll check back in when the time comes, but no harm in getting in touch now if you’re interested.
PaxPower Bronco
Price: Base + $30-45K and up
Texas shop PaxPower is also offering a V8 conversion, which will use Ford’s third-generation 5.0-liter Coyote V8. It will be offering naturally aspirated (400 horsepower for an estimated $30K) or supercharged (758 horsepower for $45K), with other accessories and tuning available as well. But as Carscoops notes, “the conversion will require that the 10-speed transmission, all auxiliary engine systems, modules, exhaust and wiring be replaced with those from a V8 vehicle.”
Maxlider Brothers Midnite Edition Bronco
Price: TBD
Taking after “Nite” Edition Broncos and F-150s from the early ‘90s, the Maxlider build is the first to offer the inevitable all-black Bronco. Other upgrades include “off-road fog lights, anti-collision bars, anti-collision plates, roof racks, BFGoodrich tires, a BDS suspension, and a Fox lifting kit.” The Illinois shop is currently accepting reservations.
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