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Gateway Bronco has always had a way of creating magic out of classic Ford products. While the firm is better known for their custom Bronco based builds, it also dabbles in other projects. The newest of these has just been approved and licensed by Ford Motor Co., and it aims to completely rethink the way buyers see the F-Series pickup.

In this instance, the build focuses on the F-Series trucks that were made from 1967-1972, with Gateway Bronco claiming that it is “re-imagining” the truck for the modern age. Like the Bronco builds that helped make the company famous, the F-Series builds are supposed to deliver performance that is on par with modern vehicles, but without sacrificing the vintage style that customers love.

“So many people love the craftmanship and value of our Resto-Mod Ford Broncos that they’re asking us to build a modernized classic Ford pickup,” said Seth Burgett, CEO of Gateway Bronco. “When we approached Ford Motor Company with the consumer requests, they quickly issued us a license to fulfill that worldwide demand. So, we will begin fast tracking our first commission for an enthusiast who wants to put a reimagined 1969 Ford F-250 Crew Cab next to the Ford Bronco that we rebuilt for him. Eaton’s Performance aftermarket business was so enamored with the truck that they asked to debut it in their SEMA exhibit this fall.”

The company even chose to release a few pictures of the first build which is based on a 1969 Ford F-250 Crew Cab. While the standard engine is Ford’s familiar 5.0 liter V8, the truck pictured is equipped with the optional 7.3 liter “Godzilla” V-8.

First making its debut in Ford’s Super Duty lineup, this figurative king of the monsters has been equipped with a supercharger, but Gateway is also willing to add twin-turbochargers for those that prefer to have more boost in their daily commute. While Gateway’s release did not disclose how much power the twin-turbos produce, the company did promise that supercharged examples can make about 700 horsepower thanks in part to Eaton’s TVS technology, with buyers being able to choose from either Rousch or Harrop USA units.  A 10-speed automatic is the sole transmission available, but look for it to be a very willing partner for either engine.

In addition to the powertrain, this truck also benefits from a number of upgrades to the chassis and suspension. This includes a full Eaton differential package that utilizes an Eaton ELocker front differential and a Detroit TrueTrac rear differential. The suspension also benefits from a lift, and massive off-road tires to help keep the truck secure and poised on the roughest of trails. Unlike the iconic original, this build uses a modern push button 4×4 system, and the 4-link chassis has benefited from extensive powder coating to help it resist corrosion and damage. The truck even borrows the Mustang’s Active Control exhaust system, which allows owners to control the amount of sound that comes out of the pipes.

The exterior of the truck retains the bulk of its classic DNA, with the front and rear styling looking like it did in 1969, but Gateway has added a classy blue and white paint scheme to help make the truck visually pop more in the sunlight. The bed even features genuine barn wood, which is a very welcome nod to historical accuracy. The interior is also retro in its execution, and will offer buyers some very interesting materials for its leather interior including American Bison, hair on hide, or even distressed leather for its bench seats.

“Our custom trucks are perfect for families who enjoy picking up kids at school or running errands in a fun vehicle that is different from anything else on the road,” Burgett said. “They ride smooth and drive like modern vehicles on our proprietary 4 link chassis. They have amenities including A/C, heated seats, power windows and wall-to-wall leather inside. This is a bit of a ‘stealth wealth’ approach that gives owners with means the ability to enjoy their success without flaunting their resources in public.”

The trucks are available to order now through Gateway Bronco’s website. In addition to the F-250 featured here, Gateway will also offer F-100 and F-150 models along with two and four door models. Pricing has not been released yet, but with their Bronco builds starting at $150,000 and going as high as $300,000, look for these revamped F-Series trucks to largely follow the same script, and start roughly in that ballpark. As for the truck featured, it will make its debut this fall at SEMA in Las Vegas, Nevada where it will be a feature attraction for Eaton’s display booth before going to its new home.

“We’re pleased and honored to again partner with Gateway on this custom build,” said Tim Bauer, vice president, Aftermarket, Eaton’s Vehicle Group North America. “The Gateway built Bronco in our 2019 SEMA booth was a phenomenal vehicle and a huge customer draw. Ford’s new 7.3-liter V-8 engine with a Harrop supercharger is perfect for classic F-series trucks. It uses the same Twin Vortices Series supercharger technology used in the amazing 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500. With our performance differentials front and rear, this drivetrain is perfectly equipped to handle the tremendous torque in Gateway Bronco’s new F-Series Resto-Mod.”

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