Jay Leno Reveals The Secret Ford Concept Every Off-Road Fan Wants Built
The modern Ford Bronco has become one of the biggest success stories in the off-road world, with wild Sasquatch packages, hardcore Raptors, and countless aftermarket upgrades. But what if Ford went in the complete opposite direction?
Instead of adding bigger tires, more armor, and extra tech, the Blue Oval quietly built a one-off concept that strips the Bronco back to its roots. Meet the Bronco Roadster Concept, a stunning tribute to the original 1966 U13 Roadster that’s packed with vintage styling, no doors, and just enough modern engineering to make it an absolute blast to drive.
Unveiled on Jay Leno’s Garage, this secret concept wants to remind everyone why the Bronco became an icon in the first place.
Ford Reimagined The Original 1966 Bronco
To celebrate 60 years of Bronco heritage, Ford’s Bronco design chief, Rob Gilardi, and his team created a concept that feels like it drove straight out of the 1960s.
Inspired by the original 1966 Bronco U13 Roadster, the concept ditches many of the rugged accessories we’ve come to expect from today’s off-roaders. There are no chunky fender flares, oversized bumpers, roof racks, or winches. Even the doors have disappeared, giving the SUV a clean, open-air look that’s perfect for cruising beaches, trails, or scenic backroads.
The retro styling doesn’t stop there. The Bronco rides on classic steel-style wheels wrapped in period-inspired tires, while the cabin features authentic silver vinyl upholstery made from an original roll of 1966 seat material that Ford somehow still had tucked away in storage. It’s a small detail, but one that perfectly captures the spirit of the original Bronco.
Old-School Looks Meet Modern Bronco Performance
While it looks like something from 1966, everything underneath is thoroughly modern. The Roadster Concept is based on today’s Bronco platform, meaning it benefits from modern suspension, safety, and off-road capability. Power comes from Ford’s turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, producing around 300 horsepower—more than enough for a lightweight, open-top off-roader.
Even better, Ford paired the engine with the Bronco’s seven-speed manual transmission, complete with its ultra-low crawler gear. That combination gives the concept an old-school driving experience while still offering the performance and reliability buyers expect today.
Rather than being a flashy showpiece, the Roadster Concept was designed to gather real-world feedback. Ford wanted enthusiasts to see the vehicle, experience it on the road, and answer one important question: should a minimalist Bronco like this actually make production?
Considering the growing popularity of retro-inspired vehicles, it’s easy to see why the company is asking.
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Ford may have built this Bronco Roadster Concept as a design exercise, but it feels like it could fill a genuine gap in today’s market. Modern SUVs have become bigger, heavier, and loaded with technology, while this concept reminds us that driving can be just as enjoyable when you simplify everything. A lightweight, manual, open-air Bronco that celebrates the original 1966 model would undoubtedly attract enthusiasts looking for something different. If enough people get behind the idea, hopefully Ford turns this one-off concept into the real deal.
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