Chassis No. U15GLS96775

Few classic off-roaders are as iconic as the Ford Bronco. With its broad-shouldered, squared-off look, no-nonsense cabin, and rugged underpinnings, the original Bronco might as well be the poster child of '60s off-roading cool. In more recent years, Gateway Bronco of Illinois has become especially renowned for their high-quality custom vintage Bronco builds, which celebrate the utilitarian Ford's handsome looks while updating its power and details with modern touches, resulting in a blend of rugged luxury, vintage aesthetics, and modern reliability.

The Bronco offered here has been thoroughly reimagined by Gateway, and has covered fewer than 1,300 miles since its transformation. Finished in a rich matte blue over saddle brown Italian leather with contrasting stitching, this Bronco brims with exquisite touches. On the exterior, white rockers with subtle red hand-painted pinstripes in the style of the period Ranger trim package pair with riveted-on fender flares and LED lighting. Its “just-right” vintage stance comes courtesy of a combination suspension and body lift, plus 35-inch BFGoodrich rubber wrapped around slot mag-style alloy wheels.

Inside, the leather bucket seats up front are heated and are separated by a locking VintageAir A/C Unit sole with the ultimate nod to modernity: functional cupholders. A Shelby GT 350-style wood-rim steering wheel fronts a leather-upholstered dash with classic-style digital instrumentation, plus central vents for the modern VintageAir air conditioning system. Look rearward and you'll find stained wood trim lining the floor and drop-down tailgate. In place of the stock 302 cu-in V8, a beefy 347 cu-in Ford “stroker” V8 makes use of electronic fuel injection to drive the rear or all four wheels through an automatic transmission and nine-inch Dana differentials. A custom Borla stainless exhaust offers a satisfying V8 burble. Wilwood power brakes serve as an especially appealing upgrade over the original setup as a suitable match for the additional power. Additional features include a four-point roll bar, power retractable steps, and an Alpine stereo with Bluetooth.

A Gateway Bronco is perhaps the perfect way to enjoy a vintage off-roader. It has all the amenities we have come to expect of modern-era vehicles, but retains the true character of a vintage SUV, with an upgraded V8 powertrain and mechanicals. This build is particularly tasteful, with aesthetics that hearken back to the carefree days of the 1970s and an unmistakable presence.