Ford Bronco Silver Lake Dunes: How Far You Can Take an SUV in One Hour with a Wrench

Introduction: A 60th Anniversary Tribute Rooted in the Dunes

As the Ford Bronco approaches its 60th anniversary, Ford has unveiled a pair of one-off builds that pay homage to the model's heritage and its outdoor DNA: the Bronco and Bronco Sport Silver Lake Dunes. Named after the iconic Silver Lake Sand Dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan, these project vehicles are designed to demonstrate how quickly and effectively Bronco owners can personalize their SUVs using common accessories and bolt-on parts.

Design and Heritage

The Silver Lake Dunes projects were inspired by the territory where Bronco culture thrives. Bronco Chief Designer Robert Gelardi recalls attending his first enthusiast event at Silver Lake in 2017 and seeing how passionate owners transformed their trucks into period-correct, expression-rich machines. That spirit influenced the sixth-generation Bronco: a modern off-road SUV that retains classic cues such as the boxy silhouette, removable doors and roof, and a strong, upright presence.

Visual Theme: Sky, Water and Sand

Design Director Paul Wraith and Head of Design Todd Willing challenged their teams to capture the dunes’ atmosphere. Color and materials leads Kellie Walters and Brad Fishkin developed custom graphics layered over Azure Gray paint to evoke the transition from dune to horizon: sand meeting Lake Michigan and opening into blue sky. The result is a thoughtful livery and painted details that act as a ‘portal’ to Bronco character—subtle, purposeful, and more than simply a few stripes.

Customization: One Hour with a Wrench

One of the project’s core messages is accessibility: many of the upgrades on the Silver Lake Dunes Broncos are built from readily available Ford Accessories and Ford Performance Parts. Modular bumpers, Bronco bolts, and detachable components show how owners can reconfigure their off-road SUV in about an hour using basic tools. The concept underscores the Bronco’s ethos: an easy-to-enjoy open-air experience that encourages DIY personalization.

Parts and Accessories Shown

• Yakima paddle board carriers and cross bars for overland utility
• Rigid Industries light bars for improved nighttime off-road illumination
• Bull bars and tow hooks for protection and recovery
• Custom vinyl graphics and painted fenders for visual distinction

Performance & Wheels

While these Silver Lake Dunes builds emphasize customization and visual storytelling, they retain the Bronco’s proven off-road hardware. The Bronco shown rides on painted Bronco Heritage wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich T/A KO3 all-terrain tires—an ideal combination for dunes, sand, and mixed terrain. The Bronco Sport Silver Lake Dunes wears Mustang Mach-E Rally wheels fitted with BFGoodrich XL TRTETRA tires, reflecting the parts-sharing flexibility within Ford's performance and accessory catalog. These tire-and-wheel pairings improve traction and durability without compromising ride comfort for daily driving.

Market Positioning and Who This Appeals To

The Bronco Silver Lake Dunes projects are targeted at enthusiasts who want a rugged, customizable off-road SUV with authentic heritage cues. Positioned between lifestyle-focused crossovers and hardcore off-roaders, the Bronco and Bronco Sport provide a blend of daily-drivable comfort and aftermarket potential. The availability of Ford Performance Parts and dealer-installed accessories makes it easy for buyers to tailor a Bronco for beach, trail, or urban adventure.

Comparisons: Bronco vs. Bronco Sport

Both Silver Lake Dunes vehicles celebrate customization, but they address slightly different needs. The full-size Bronco prioritizes off-road capability, greater ground clearance, and more heavy-duty hardware (Sasquatch packages, advanced 4x4 systems). The Bronco Sport focuses on compact utility with a sportier footprint, making it more practical for everyday use while still offering legitimate off-road chops. The accessory ecosystems overlap, but wheel, tire, and underbody protection options diverge to match each model’s mission.

Final Thoughts

The Bronco and Bronco Sport Silver Lake Dunes projects are compelling demonstrations of how a modern off-road SUV can be personalized quickly and affordably. Using widely available Ford Accessories—Yakima racks, Rigid light bars, bull bars, and bolt-on modular bumpers—owners can reflect their own style and outdoor priorities. For buyers who want a customizable, open-air experience rooted in decades of off-road heritage, these builds are a persuasive reminder that true Bronco culture is equal parts design, performance, and community-driven creativity.