Ford’s One-Off Bronco Pope Francis Center First Edition, Auctioned Off As Tribute To Its ’66 Classic

A tribute to the original 1966 Ford Bronco, Ford Motor Company and Detroit’s Pope Francis Center have auctioned off a unique Bronco First Edition at the annual Barrett-Jackson Auction.

Proceeds from having sold the 2021 Bronco Pope Francis Center First Edition custom build is to support the center and its fight against chronic homelessness. 

Ford Vehicle Personalization’s chief designer, Steve Gilmore, expressed, “It’s an honour to be able to help support a great charity like the Pope Francis Center. Father Timothy McCabe and the team at the center were really instrumental in this project, collaborating on theme ideas and colours. The key was finding those special touches that really speak to the heritage of the ’66 Bronco, and then combining them with some of the modern features on a Bronco First Edition.”

Noticeably, the custom build is cloaked in classic Wimbledon White exterior paint, a colour featured on the 1966 Bronco, which is not available on today’s Bronco line-up. 

Then, the custom wheels with matching Wimbledon White finish by Detroit Steel Wheels feature a Rapid Red stripe at the center to match the striping on the body sides and hood corners. 

Plus, the iconic Silver-painted elements, such as the one-piece grille and the upper portion of the Ford Performance heavy-duty modular front metal bumper, add to the heritage-inspired look.

For even more contrast, a unique set of Bronco First Edition graphics in reflective Rapid Red place the Pope Francis Center name alongside First Edition on the vehicle’s hood and bodyside. 

Peeking inside, the Bronco features a Wimbledon White-painted instrument panel with vent accents, grab handles and signature Bronco brand lettering in red. 

To harmonise the theme, the seating and door panel trim are upholstered with matching white vinyl contrasting the black seat surround and interior trim.

Equipment-wise, the custom build is also outfitted with numerous accessories from Ford Performance Parts. 

E.g., a rooftop light bar, side pod lights and wheel-well rock lights from Rigid, and tube doors from Genuine Ford Accessories. 

Other accessories include an in-vehicle safe, MOLLE strap system mounted to the inner swing-gate, plus full vehicle cover and garage storage bags for the tube doors.

All in all, the Bronco four-door was donated by David Fischer Jr., president and chief executive officer at The Suburban Collection Holdings, LLC. 

Along with Ford Motor Company Fund, which worked closely with the Pope Francis Center, they helped bring this one-of-a-kind vehicle to auction. 

Side note, this is not only the history the Bronco has. In October 1979, Ford provided a specially modified 1980 Bronco for use by Pope John Paul II on his visit to the United States. 

The vehicle, also in Wimbledon White, featured an open-air rear compartment, allowing the Pope to stand and greet his friends and followers. 

However, after the Pope’s visit, ownership of the 1980 Bronco was turned over to the United States Secret Service.