Skip to main content

An ultra-rare Ford Bronco Desert Racer is headed to the auction block

The one-of-50 model hearkens back to Ford's glory days of conquering the Baja 1000 off-road race series

By Mike Richard Mar 8, 2025 12:48 PM

A rare 2023 Ford Bronco Desert Racer in a parking lot. — Mecum Auctions

The latest edition of the Ford Bronco has become one of the most sought-after trucks in recent memory. But, if the stock (or even the Raptor version) just isn’t disco enough for you, there’s the Ford Bronco Desert Racer.

First introduced in 2022, the exclusive Bronco DR (Desert Racer) was limited to just 50 units. It was purpose-built for discerning customers who wanted the best, most off-road-capable, most badass Bronco that Ford could deliver. The design team pulled heavy inspiration from the brand’s glory days when Ford ran circles around the competition in the Baja 1000 off-road series with a long string of trophies in the ’60s and ’70s.

Rear 3/4 view of an electric blue 2023 Ford Bronco Desert Racer. — Mecum Auctions

Beyond just looking damn cool in its electric blue body-panel gel coat, the modern DR is packed with off-road-ready features and specs. That includes racing brakes, a rear-mounted spare tire, a roof-mounted light bar, rock lights, and a grille bar on the exterior. Inside, the driver and passenger enjoy racing bucket seats with harnesses, upgraded ventilation, built-in fire suppression, and beefed-up electronics like a radio, intercom, and integrated data system. The entire cockpit is wrapped in a full roll cage, of course, for maximum rollover protection if things don’t go as planned. It’s all powered by a special Ford engine (No. 2508200088), mated to a racing exhaust and automatic transmission. BF Goodrich tires at the corners ensure its well-equipped for desert conditions.

Recommended Videos

This ultra-rare truck is set to cross the auction block at Mecum’s Glendale on March 22nd in Glendale, Arizona. There is no word on a starting bid, but considering the original sticker price of just under $300,000, we expect this specimen won’t come cheap.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South… Read Full Bio

Topics

Outdoors

Porsche just proved the Cayenne Electric is the most impressive performance vehicle you can drive

Car, Transportation, Vehicle

I have seen the movies. I know there is no way that a car can survive in the jet blast of a plane. I remember the scene from Casino Royale. And for me, that is science. But the engineers at Porsche and Stratolaunch aren’t so sure. They operate in the real world of science, and they came together to see if the Porsche Cayenne Electric could withstand the take-off power of one of the largest and most powerful aircraft in the world. Why? Because they can and because curiosity oftentimes leads to something awesome. Spoiler alert…the car holds up. But don’t take my word for it.

The car is its own beast. It’s got the ability to keep up and play in this space. – Orlando Bloom, Porsche ambassador

Indian commits to American artistry with Signature Series

Machine, Spoke, Helmet

There is something about sitting on the back of a motorcycle that you can’t feel anywhere else. Road trips feel different on the back of a bike versus in a car. Maybe it is the solo aspect of it. Maybe there is the feeling of the wind. Who knows? What I do know is that there is nothing like a bike ride through the countryside. The winding roads, the sunsets through the visor of the helmet, all of it is unrivaled. Indian Motorcycle understands this, and they have since they became the first American motorcycle company. Now, they have dropped a new Signature Series of four motorcycles echoing their commitment to American artistry and craftsmanship.

Since 1901, Indian Motorcycle has pursued the ultimate intersection of form and function – motorcycles that are as beautiful in design as they are sophisticated in performance – Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle

Is the BMW XM a perfect blend of practicality and performance

Car, Transportation, Vehicle

The BMW XM has received a bit of a mixed response, but there’s a strong argument that it’s a logical next step on from the BMW M5. Think about it, the M5 is special because it combines practicality with exceptional performance. The BMW XM does the same thing, though you’re trading a little handling quality for far more practicality.

On a recent venture in BMW’s performance SUV, I weighed up the pros and cons of BMW’s most divisive vehicle. And it may be a better choice than BMW’s flagship.