Concept vehicles used to be imaginative, darnit. Nowadays, a significant amount of concepts serve merely as the initial phase of marketing for new production models. However, in earlier decades, automakers appeared more inclined to explore various ideas, whether they would ever see the road or not. Consider the time Ford threw every 1980s design aspect it could imagine at the Bronco.
Revealed in the first year of that decade, the Bronco Montana Lobo concept aimed to provide Ford’s off-road vehicle with a cutting-edge aesthetic. That envisioned future never came to fruition; after its public unveiling, Ford largely ignored the Montana Lobo until it recently shared about it on Instagram.
As stated in the original press release (which you can locate in the remarkable Ford Heritage Vault), the Montana Lobo is built on a “pre-1977″ Bronco chassis, referring to the first generation. Ford released the second-generation Bronco for the 1978 model year, and had recently launched the third generation when the Montana Lobo was showcased as one of Ford’s displays for the forthcoming 1981 auto show season. This was back in the era when auto shows still held significance.
“The Lobo symbolizes more than just an exhibit vehicle,” stated William H. Cramer, head of Ford’s Advanced and International Design Center, which collaborated with Italian design firm Ghia on the concept. “It’s a collection of inspirations and designs that could be utilized in future Ford four-wheel vehicles.”
These inspirations and designs included plexiglass bubble doors that could be swapped with webbing, T-tops, integrated storage areas in the sides of its mini-pickup bed, and side exhausts seamlessly incorporated with the running boards. A roll bar outfitted with lights and a whip antenna were standard accessories on any 1980s off-roader, while the winch built into the front bumper is a vital addition irrespective of the era.
Within, the dashboard design is akin to that of the 1980 Ford Thunderbird and contains a digital instrument display that was a groundbreaking feature at its time. So were the black vinyl seats, which included heating and ventilation—a common feature nowadays, but not so in the early 1980s. The bed features fold-down seats and is lined with woven hemp, while the tailgate serves as a ramp for loading and unloading cargo.
The Montana Lobo was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 linked to an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, which rotated all-terrain tires mounted on 15-inch wheels. Measuring 188.9 inches long, 75.4 inches wide, and 77.4 inches tall, the Montana Lobo was longer and higher than today’s base two-door Bronco, though much narrower. Its 107.3-inch wheelbase was also about seven inches longer than that of a current two-door Bronco.
Ford never equipped the production Bronco with plexiglass bubble doors and a hemp-lined pickup bed, making the Montana Lobo concept even more fascinating. The collaboration between the Blue Oval automaker and Ghia is mainly linked to road vehicles like the Probe series, so it’s intriguing to observe some of that same design audacity applied to a Bronco. And given the current Bronco’s strong nod to heritage, it’s unlikely Ford will attempt another futuristic interpretation soon.
### Ford’s 1980 Bubble-Door Bronco Concept Design
In the late 1970s, Ford Motor Company was delving into innovative designs and concepts to seize the expanding SUV market. One of the most captivating designs that surfaced during this period was the 1980 Bubble-Door Bronco concept. This vehicle represented a daring shift from conventional SUV design, highlighting Ford’s readiness to experiment with form and function.
#### Design Features
The Bubble-Door Bronco was distinguished by its distinctive door structure, which showcased a rounded, bubble-like shape. This design was not only visually stunning but also intended to improve visibility for both the driver and passengers. The concept featured large, expansive windows that created an open and airy atmosphere inside the vehicle, differentiating it from standard SUVs of the era.
The exterior of the Bubble-Door Bronco was crafted with a modern, aerodynamic silhouette, marking a significant departure from the boxy designs dominating the 1970s. The vehicle boasted a high beltline and a sloping roofline, enhancing its sporty look. The use of vibrant colors and bold graphics further accentuated its avant-garde appearance.
#### Interior Innovations
Internally, the Bubble-Door Bronco was designed to optimize comfort and functionality. The roomy cabin offered innovative seating configurations that could accommodate several passengers and cargo. The materials used for the interior were selected for their durability and ease of maintenance, catering to the active lifestyles of prospective SUV buyers.
One of the standout aspects of the interior was the dashboard design, which incorporated advanced technology for its time, including a digital display for speed and other essential information. This emphasis on technology foreshadowed the growing integration of electronics in cars in subsequent decades.
#### Market Context
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the SUV market was gaining momentum, with consumers seeking vehicles that combined utility with style. Ford recognized this shift and sought to create a concept appealing to a younger, more adventurous audience. The Bubble-Door Bronco was intended to exemplify Ford’s vision for the future of SUVs, merging practicality with cutting-edge design.
#### Legacy
Although the Bubble-Door Bronco never entered production, it marked a significant milestone in Ford’s design journey. The concept underscored the company’s dedication to pushing limits and exploring novel ideas in automotive design. Aspects of the Bubble-Door Bronco’s design can be observed in later iterations of the Bronco and other SUVs, as manufacturers began embracing more rounded forms and enhanced visibility features.
In hindsight, the 1980 Bubble-Door Bronco concept remains a captivating example of automotive creativity during a transformative era in the industry. It reflects Ford’s progressive mindset and its ambition to address the evolving needs of consumers, paving the way for the contemporary SUVs we encounter today.