In the past, concept cars were often more experimental and willing to take risks, rather than being mere marketing tools for upcoming production models. The Ford Bronco Montana Lobo concept is a prime example of this approach. Unveiled in 1980, it was one of several design elements that Ford threw at its off-roader.
The Montana Lobo aimed to give the Bronco a futuristic look, but unfortunately, its future never materialized. After its public debut, the concept went largely unmentioned by Ford until recently, when the automaker posted about it on Instagram.
According to the original press release, the Montana Lobo is based on a pre-1977 Bronco frame, meaning the first generation of the vehicle. This was back when auto shows were still relevant and played an important role in showcasing new designs and technologies.
Ford introduced the second-generation Bronco for the 1978 model year, and had just launched the third gen when the Montana Lobo was unveiled as one of Ford's exhibits for the upcoming 1981 auto show circuit. This highlights the importance of concept cars in the automotive industry during that era.
The Montana Lobo represents more than just a show vehicle; it's a collection of ideas and designs that may be used in future Ford four-wheel vehicles. According to William H. Cramer, manager of Ford's Advanced and International Design Center, which developed the concept alongside Italian styling house Ghia.
Those ideas and designs included plexiglass bubble doors that could be removed and replaced with webbing, T-tops, integrated storage compartments in the sides of its mini-pickup bed, and side exhausts neatly integrated with the running boards. A roll bar with lights and whip antenna were obligatory accessories on any 1980s off-roader.
The interior design is shared with the 1980 Ford Thunderbird and houses a digital instrument cluster that was a novel feature at the time. The black vinyl seats featured heating and ventilation, which was a common feature in modern cars but not in the early 1980s.
Inside, the bed has fold-down seats and is lined with woven hemp, while the tailgate doubles as a ramp for loading and unloading cargo. This attention to detail highlights Ford's commitment to creating functional and practical designs.
The Montana Lobo was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 connected to an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, which turned all-terrain tires mounted to 15-inch wheels. Its dimensions were notable for its time, with the vehicle being longer and taller than a base Bronco two-door of today but narrower.
Ford never did give the production Bronco plexiglass bubble doors and a hemp-lined pickup bed, which makes the Montana Lobo concept all the more interesting. This highlights the company's willingness to experiment and try new things, even if they didn't always make it into production.
