Ford Bronco Restomod - SEMA STUNNER 2019
When Jay Leno’s involved in a build, you know it’s going to be cool. Such was the case with the ’68 Ford Bronco designed and built by LGE-CTS Motorsports and Ford Icons.
What started out as a joke gift for the former talk show host and confirmed revhead has been turned from a broken-down rustbucket into a one-off performance machine after SEMA Garage and Ford Performance decided to collaborate on the project early in 2019 and present the finished vehicle at SEMA in November.
While it looks like a stock 1968 Bronco from the outside, the body sits on a new chassis from Kincer Chassis, while the body panels themselves were replaced with items from Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts.
The previous 289 V8 under the bonnet has been replaced with a supercharged 5.2-litre 317ci V8 from the latest Shelby GT 500 Mustang. Producing 760hp (566kW) and 625 ft/lb (847Nm), this V8 is mated exclusively to a 7-speed DCT in the Shelby, but for the Bronco, it was hooked up to a Tremec TR-4050 5-speed manual.
The Bronco’s four-wheel drive system was also updated: a heavy-duty 4WD unit and Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case fitted, with other mods including a custom airbox, fuel tank and cooling system, Wilwood disc brakes all round, Warn locking hubs, 18-inch wheels and BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tyres.
Finished in custom ‘Tonight Blue’ PPG paint with a fixed white roof, the Bronco exterior also features fold-out side steps, built-in air compressor and a 3D-printed grille insert that differs subtly from the original.
Interior updates include customized Eagle Ottawa leather seats, Dakota Digital gauges and a Sony sound system.