FEATURE – Ford Bronco Outer Banks

Ford chose this year’s Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, to present three versions of their new Bronco customised in collaboration with the aftermarket, plus one that they modified themselves, using Ford-licensed accessories.

Launching these customised Broncos at what’s traditionally been a Jeep event is another demonstration of how Ford is gunning for the Jeep Wrangler’s hold on the recreational 4x4 market in North America.

The in-house creation pictured was based on the Outer Banks variant of the all-new Bronco four-door, equipped with the optional ‘Sasquatch Package’ that adds 35-inch tyres on 17-inch beadlock wheels, front and rear locking diffs, a Bilstein suspension upgrade, 4.7 final drive ratio and high-clearance wheelarch flares.

To this, Ford have added JAC Products rock rails and Trail Armor rocker panel covers by Lund. The body-coloured wheelarch flares that are standard on the Bronco Outer Banks edition have been replaced with a set of Air Design flares.

A pair of Rigid LED auxiliary lights have been added to the A-pillars, while above the windscreen, there’s a 40-inch curved LED lightbar, also by Rigid, along with a retractable full-roof soft-top by Bestop. To reduce glare, a Covercraft sunscreen for the windscreen has been added, along with a matte black bonnet wrap.

Inside, to optimise space and make for more secure storage, a rear cargo organiser, roadside assistance kit and first-aid kit from DC Safety have been added, along with Tufty MOLLE straps and a security drawer in the rear cargo area. For secure storage of small items like phones, there’s also a combination lock Console Vault in the centre console.

The new Bronco and related Bronco Sport will not be coming to Australia as a factory product, apparently due to Ford’s number crunchers predicting that sales in RHD markets would not be enough to cover the cost of engineering a right-hand drive version.

However, there is hope for Australian Bronco aficionados, with Crossover Car Conversions in Melbourne announcing earlier this year they were taking expressions of interest from local buyers for RHD versions.

With over 30 years’ experience in RHD conversions on all types of American LHD vehicles, Crossover Car Conversions have the ability produce a factory-look and factory-quality RHD Bronco.

Local demand will determine if and when an RHD Bronco will be available through Crossover Car Conversions.