Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Gateway’s born-again Ford Bronco boasts classic style, 2018 muscle car power

Ronan Glon
By
1 of 6
Gateway Ford Bronco
Gateway Bronco
Gateway Ford Bronco
Gateway Bronco
Gateway Ford Bronco
Gateway Bronco
Gateway Ford Bronco
Gateway Bronco
Gateway Ford Bronco
Gateway Bronco
Gateway Ford Bronco
Gateway Bronco

The born-again Ford Bronco will be one of the stars of the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. Off-roaders who would rather hit the trail in the original model are in luck. An Illinois-based restorer named Gateway Bronco has received a license from Ford to offer a brand-new, first-generation Bronco built from the ground up. Putting one in your garage won’t come cheap, though.

Recommended Videos

The typical Gateway build starts with a first-generation Bronco (the model made between 1966 and 1977) in need of restoration. Founded by engineer Seth Burgett, the company brings the truck back to life by using modern painting and rust-proofing methods to ensure it can stand the test of time. It fits a re-manufactured body but keeps the original Ford VIN number and frame. Finally, it improves the suspension and chassis components, installs a more upmarket interior, and makes major mechanical upgrades.

Related

Gateway’s catalog includes three basic models named Fuelie, Coyote Edition, and Modern Day Warrior. The Fuelie is the gateway into Gateway’s lineup, if you’ll pardon our pun. It’s the cheapest, most basic variant. It comes with a fuel-injected V8 engine, either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual, leather upholstery, and improvements that reduce cabin noise. Buyers have several basic options to choose from, including either cut or original fenders and a bikini top or a full hard top. They can also work with the company to create a custom truck.

The Coyote Edition (pictured) benefits from a 5.0-liter V8 engine borrowed from the 2019 Mustang GT. The Modern Day Warrior keeps the V8 but receives a six-speed transmission from the desert-taming Ford F-150 Raptor, and an interior made with genuine Porsche leather. That’s more luxury and power than the Bronco’s creators ever envisioned, but it creates a modern rig that’s usable, capable, and stylish.

Though titled as a 2018 model, Gateway’s Bronco doesn’t need to comply with the same safety and emissions regulations as, say, a 2018 Explorer thanks to the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015. It’s the same law that makes the Texas-based DeLorean Motor Company sell new examples of the DMC-12 made famous in the movie Back to the Future.

The Fuelie starts at $120,000, according to Gateway’s website. The Coyote costs $150,000, while the Modern Day Warrior tops out at $180,000. Plan on waiting about four months for delivery. If that’s too much money, rest assured the 2020 Bronco we’ll see in Detroit will cost significantly less.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon
Contributor
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more