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In 1981, Ford Division wowed audiences at auto shows with their futuristic concept vehicle, the Ford Bronco Montana Lobo. This off-road beast was not just a show vehicle but a collection of ideas and designs that could potentially be used in future Ford four-wheel vehicles.
The Montana Lobo, based on the pre-1977 Bronco frame, featured some truly innovative touches. From tinted "bubble" doors that could be replaced with helicopter door-type webbing to a sliding rear-access door and a Plexiglas "T"-roof, this vehicle was truly ahead of its time. The exterior also boasted special equipment like an integral rollbar, overhead airfoil, and wire mesh headlight and radiator guards.
But the innovation didn't stop there. Inside, the Montana Lobo featured black vinyl seats with ventilation slots and independent blowers for warm or cool air, depending on the weather. The electronic digital instrument pod, overhead console-housed controls, and advisory warning system added to the futuristic feel of the interior.
The rear cargo area was lined with woven hemp and featured fold-down bench seats, while the retractable loading ramp made loading and unloading a breeze. The Montana Lobo was powered by a Ford 5.0-liter V-8 engine, an automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive, making it ready for any off-road adventure.
Developed by Ford's Advanced International Design Center and the Ghia Construction Studios in Turin, Italy, the 1981 Ford Bronco Montana Lobo was truly a glimpse into the future of off-road vehicles. Who knows what other groundbreaking designs and features we might see in Ford's future four-wheel vehicles? Only time will tell.
