Ford just reminded us why less can be so much more. The automaker unveiled its Bronco Roadster Concept at Pebble Beach, and it’s essentially everything the modern Bronco should have been from day one. Drawing inspiration from the rarely-seen 1966 U13 roadster — one of three original body styles that included the pickup and wagon — this concept captures that “fun through simplicity” ethos that made the original Bronco feel like an off-road Mustang rather than just another utility vehicle.
A Philosophy of Intentional Reduction
Chief Designer Robert Gelardi and his team approached this build with a “what can we take away” mentality, starting with a sixth-generation two-door Bronco and systematically stripping it down to its core elements. Out went the doors, the roof, the rear seats, and even the roll cage mounting points. What remained was a pure expression of open-air adventure that feels more authentic to Bronco’s DNA than anything Ford has produced in decades.
The transformation involved some thoughtful details that separate this from a simple hack job. The rear compartment now features a full-size spare mounted on a machined Fifteen52 Analog wheel, while the tailgate gets a fold-down design with the classic “FORD” script stamped into the metal, just like the original. The front and rear bumpers were simplified to echo the chrome units from the ’60s, and the lower body gets painted in a rich root-beer brown that perfectly complements the Wimbledon White finish.
Open Air Experience
Inside, Ford committed to the minimalist approach with silver leather low-back seats that channel the original’s slightly retro-futuristic vibe. The dashboard and floor pan are painted white to match the exterior, creating visual continuity, while the manual transmission shifter sits exposed and ready for action. There’s no pretense here; just two cupholders, lap belts, and the bare essentials needed for getting you and a companion into the wilderness.
The concept maintains the modern Bronco’s sophisticated underpinnings while shedding the complexity that can sometimes feel at odds with its rugged mission.
Built Wild, Reimagined
Ford’s design team clearly understands something that gets lost in today’s feature-packed vehicles. Sometimes the most profound statement comes from knowing exactly what to leave out. The Roadster Concept connects you to the landscape in a way that sealed cabins simply can’t match, putting you in direct contact with the environment you’re traversing.
While Ford confirms this remains a concept with no production plans, the Roadster serves as both a celebration of Bronco’s 60th anniversary and a reminder of what made the nameplate special in the first place.
Spec Sheet
Model: Ford Bronco Roadster Concept
Body Style: Two-door roadster (no roof, no doors)
Seating: 2 passengers
Transmission: Manual
Wheels: Machined Fifteen52 Analog
Special Features: Fold-down tailgate with stamped Ford script, full-size spare tire mounting, simplified chrome-style bumpers
Exterior Color: Wimbledon White with root-beer brown accents
Interior: Silver leather low-back seats, white-painted dashboard, and floor pan
Production: One-off
Pricing & Availability
Designed to be a one-off tribute, the Bronco Roadster Concept was unveiled during Monterey Car Week as part of the Bronco’s 60th anniversary celebration, though the company hasn’t ruled out future roadster variants entirely.
Recap
Ford Bronco Roadster Concept
Debuting at Monterey Car Week, Ford’s Bronco Roadster Concept is a one-off build with no roof, no doors, and retro looks.
