Ford is reigniting the legacy of one of the most iconic names in off-road racing with the introduction of the 2025 Bronco Stroppe Special Edition. This limited-edition model pays tribute to the original Stroppe Baja Bronco that dominated the Baja 1000 in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Combining the desert-racing spirit of its predecessor with cutting-edge performance and off-road technology, the new Bronco Stroppe Special Edition is set to become a high-performance SUV that honors its legendary namesake.
A Tribute to Bill Stroppe’s Off-Road Masterpiece
The original Stroppe Baja Bronco was the brainchild of off-road pioneer Bill Stroppe. Known for its success at the Baja 1000, the Stroppe Baja Bronco quickly became an off-road legend. Fast forward to 2025, and Ford is reviving this legacy by introducing the Bronco Stroppe Special Edition. According to Bronco brand manager Jason Hyde, the goal was to ensure that the new edition is as capable as its predecessor. “When you purchased a Stroppe Baja Bronco in 1971, it rolled out of Bill Stroppe’s factory ready to tackle the Baja 1000,” Hyde said. “That capability was at the core of our development process for the new Bronco Stroppe Special Edition.”
The new model is equipped with a standard EcoBoost 2.7-liter V6 engine, Fox Internal Bypass Dampers for high-speed desert performance, and the Baja G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) Mode, making it ready for any off-road challenge.
Unmatched Off-Road Performance and Design
Available exclusively as a two-door model, the Bronco Stroppe Special Edition replaces the Wildtrak in Ford’s lineup. With a focus on performance, this Bronco comes with top-tier off-road features like the Stabilizer Bar Disconnect, High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension 3.0 (HOSS 3.0), and 35-inch Goodyear Territory RT tires. These enhancements ensure that the new Bronco lives up to the performance legacy of the original Stroppe Baja Broncos, which were known for dominating desert races.
The 2025 Bronco Stroppe Special Edition also boasts a striking design inspired by its predecessor. It features a modern take on the original Calypso Coral, Wimbledon White, and Astra Blue livery, along with new heritage-inspired colors like Oxford White and Code Orange. The Code Orange color, typically reserved for Ford’s Raptor series, is being used for the first time outside that lineup. An Atlas Blue painted hardtop adds a unique and bold touch to the SUV’s aesthetic.
Enhanced Exterior and Interior Details
The Bronco Stroppe Special Edition comes packed with eye-catching design elements. A functional matte black hood reduces sun glare during high-speed desert drives, while the Frozen White grille features a bold Code Orange “Bronco” wordmark. The SUV also includes Code Orange accents on the front tow hooks, high-clearance fenders, and steel bumper, all contributing to a cohesive and aggressive look.
Inside, the Stroppe Special Edition carries forward the distinctive design with a white instrument mid-panel and Code Orange accents throughout the cabin. The “Bronco” wordmark is prominently displayed on the dash, while Code Orange accents can also be found on the G.O.A.T. mode dial, grab handles, and contrast stitching on the seats. A unique Stroppe Special Edition badge on the center console further differentiates this model from the rest of the Bronco lineup.
Honoring Bill Stroppe’s Legacy
The return of the Stroppe name is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a tribute to Bill Stroppe’s pivotal role in shaping the Bronco’s off-road legacy. Stroppe’s work on the original Bronco helped it become a dominant force in off-road racing, most notably when a Stroppe-prepared Bronco secured the first and only outright win by a stock 4×4 at the Baja 1000 in 1969. Ford continues to honor this tradition, as the 2024 Bronco also claimed class victories in Baja.
Ford Archivist Ted Ryan emphasizes the lasting impact of Stroppe’s work: “Bill Stroppe not only established Bronco’s competition legacy at events like the Baja 1000 and NORRA Mexican 1000, but Stroppe Baja Broncos put his off-road knowhow on the road and helped establish Bronco with consumers.”
With cutting-edge features like G.O.A.T. Modes and a Sasquatch package, combined with a design that honors its roots, the 2025 Bronco Stroppe Special Edition represents the next chapter in the storied history of the Bronco. Whether competing in the Baja 1000 or cruising city streets, this model is sure to attract off-road enthusiasts and Bronco fans alike.
