The world of automotive restoration is buzzing with controversy as Georgia-based Vintage Broncos squares off against Ford Motor Company in a legal showdown that raises big questions about creativity, ownership, and the future of car customization. At the heart of the dispute? Vintage Broncos’ modernized ‘classic’ Ford Broncos—and Ford’s claim that the company is profiting off its iconic brand.
Who Is Vintage Broncos?
Founded in 2018, Vintage Broncos built its reputation restoring early-model Ford Broncos to their former glory. But in recent years, they took a bold new direction: transforming modern Ford Broncos with custom-designed vintage-style body panels, creating what they call ‘modern classics’—vehicles with modern performance and safety wrapped in retro appeal. It’s not a restoration—it’s a reinvention.
Why Is Ford Mad?
Ford argues that Vintage Broncos is riding on the legacy of the Bronco brand without authorization. In a statement, Ford’s legal team claimed that Vintage Broncos’ marketing is misleading and unfairly profits from the Bronco’s decades-long reputation:
‘Bronco is one of the most famous and loved brands in the world. Vintage Broncos’ unauthorized modification and resale of modern Broncos misleads customers and unfairly profits from Ford’s brand assets.’
Ford also raises safety concerns, questioning whether the heavily modified vehicles still meet the same crash-test standards as factory models.
Is Ford Right or Just Greedy?
From where we’re sitting, Ford’s arguments boil down to two claims: unfair business practices and safety concerns.
The Business Argument: Who Owns the Bronco?
Let’s be clear: Vintage Broncos paid full price for every single Ford Bronco they customized. No deals, no discounts—just cold hard cash to Ford. So, how is this different from the countless businesses profiting from Ford products every day? Junkyard restorers and custom builders thrive on Ford’s legacy without a dime going to the automaker. Ford simply doesn’t like that someone else saw an opportunity they missed: building a Bronco that actually looks like the one enthusiasts wanted.
The Safety Argument: Is Ford Playing Fair?
Now, Ford may have a point when it comes to safety. Airbag deployment, crash-test ratings—these things get tricky when you replace factory body panels with custom designs. Modern vehicles are finely tuned safety machines, and even a small change can throw off their choreography in a crash. If Vintage Broncos is marketing safety and performance based on Ford’s engineering without retesting, that could be a problem.
This Is About Control, Not Safety
But let’s not kid ourselves—this fight isn’t about your safety. It’s about control. Ford’s real concern? Post-sale ownership rights. This battle echoes the ‘Right to Repair’ movement and the growing trend of manufacturers trying to dictate what you can do with the products you buy. Ford already got paid for these vehicles—now they want to control how they’re used.
The Bigger Picture: What Does It Mean for Car Culture?
If Ford wins, it could set a chilling precedent for car enthusiasts, custom shops, and anyone who loves modifying their ride. Could this be the beginning of a future where the cars in your driveway are no longer truly yours to tinker with? Ford fans wanted a Bronco that stayed truer to its roots—Vintage Broncos delivered it. Now Ford wants to shut them down.
Where Do You Stand?
Is Ford right to protect its brand, or is this just a power grab to squash creativity? Is Vintage Broncos pushing the limits of safe modification, or are they delivering what Ford refused to—an authentic modern classic?
We’d love to hear your take. Drop a comment on the video and join the conversation with us.
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