Blackbear’s Wild Retro 2023 Ford Bronco Is Headed to Auction
What happens when you take a modern sixth-generation Ford Bronco, strip away much of its modern appearance and wrap it in sheet metal inspired by the original Bronco?
You get one seriously unusual Bronco.
A heavily customized 2023 Ford Bronco Big Bend two-door originally commissioned by musician and producer Blackbear has surfaced for sale, and this isn't your typical lifted Bronco with wheels, tires and a few bolt-on accessories.
This build was created by Vintage Broncos, prior to the company changing its name to Vintage Modern. The idea was ambitious: combine the unmistakable appearance of an early Ford Bronco with the drivetrain, technology and everyday usability of Ford's modern sixth-generation platform.
The result looks like something Ford could have built if it had taken the Bronco's retro styling several steps further.
A Modern Bronco Wearing an Old-School Suit
Underneath all that classic styling is a 2023 Bronco Big Bend, but you wouldn't necessarily know it from looking at the truck.The Bronco received extensive classic-inspired sheet-metal bodywork and was finished in gloss black with satin-black trim and bumpers. A custom black fabric soft top completes the old-school appearance.
Other exterior details include LED headlights, a drop-down tailgate, tinted rear windows, illuminated retractable power steps and Vintage badging.
The paint has also been treated with a ceramic coating.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the conversion is how effectively it disguises the much newer Bronco underneath. The short two-door body and upright proportions of the sixth-generation Bronco already borrow heavily from the original, making it a surprisingly good foundation for a conversion like this.
2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6 Power
Fortunately, the retro treatment doesn't mean living with 1960s performance.Under the hood sits Ford's twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission and electronic dual-range transfer case.
The Bronco has also been fitted with a Roush Performance air-induction system and Roush stainless-steel axle-back exhaust.
According to the builder, the combination is good for approximately 350 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
That's considerably more muscle than an original first-generation Bronco could have dreamed of.
Lifted and Ready to Look the Part
The suspension wasn't ignored either.The Bronco sits approximately 2.5 inches higher than stock and uses Fox Factory Performance Series remote-reservoir coilovers along with upgraded front control arms.
Black 17-inch Bullet Hole alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires complete the look.
The combination gives the Bronco the stance of a nicely modified classic without sacrificing the modern chassis underneath.
The Inside Is Anything But 1966
The exterior might be trying to convince everyone they're looking at an early Bronco, but the cabin makes no attempt to hide the modern luxuries underneath.The interior received custom black leather and Alcantara upholstery, including diamond-stitched inserts and Vintage Broncos branding.
Heated front bucket seats are joined by matching interior trim and carpeting.
Then there's the technology.
Sitting prominently in the dashboard is Ford's 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, complete with navigation and a backup camera.
The audio system has also been substantially upgraded with a Focal premium setup featuring a 10-inch subwoofer and roof-mounted speakers housed in custom enclosures.
It's essentially the opposite of driving a restored 1960s truck: you get much of the vintage appearance without giving up modern infotainment, climate control, safety equipment or comfort.
It Even Comes With Blackbear Memorabilia
This particular Bronco also has an interesting celebrity connection.The truck was originally commissioned by Blackbear, whose real name is Matthew Tyler Musto, and several pieces of Blackbear memorabilia are being included with the sale.
Those items include a cap, CDs and throw pillows. The Bronco also comes with its owner's manuals and a pair of Vintage-branded leather-covered key fobs.
Less Than 6,000 Miles
Despite the amount of work that went into the build, the Bronco hasn't accumulated many miles.The auction listing shows just 5,750 miles.
Its Carfax report lists no accidents or other damage, although the seller has disclosed several imperfections. These include a bend on the passenger side of the front bumper and dents affecting the tailgate and rear bumper.
The driver's-side window switch is also reported to work intermittently.
None of that changes the fact that this is one of the more unusual sixth-generation Bronco builds we've seen.
So, What's It Worth?
That's where things get interesting.The Bronco is being offered through Bring a Trailer with the auction scheduled to conclude September 9, 2026.
Putting a value on something like this isn't easy.
It's not an original first-generation Bronco, but it's also far more than a normal customized sixth-generation Bronco. The extensive Vintage Broncos conversion, upgraded suspension, custom interior and Blackbear ownership history make it a vehicle without many direct comparisons.
And that brings us to the question we'd really like to put to Bronco owners.
If the money were the same, would you rather have this — a modern Bronco with classic Bronco bodywork — or a genuine restored first-generation Bronco?
Head over to the BroncoBusting forums and tell us which one you'd park in your garage.
