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

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.

Learn More

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Harley-Davidson went all out on the $110K CVO Road Glide RR
If the $45K CVO Road Glide ST isn't enough, how about the $110K CVO Road Glide RR?
Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR limited edition right profile with a black background.

Just announced, Harley-Davidson is offering a 2025 CVO Road Glide RR model. This short production run of 131 hand-assembled, serialized bikes will be available only in the U.S. through select Harley-Davidson dealers. Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) models always showcase the model year's most detailed and powerfully equipped motorcycles, but this one is extra special.

We previously mentioned the four CVOs in the 2025 Harley-Davidson lineup, including the impressive CVO Road Glide ST. With this new limited-edition bike, the Milwaukee-based brand has raised the bar so high that it's almost out of sight, including its lofty $110,000 retail price.
Why Harley-Davidson built the CVO Road Glide RR

Read more
Formula E celebrity rookie-to-racer event starts in Miami
Eleven celebs partnered with Formula E teams for weeks before the Miami event.
Brooklyn Beckham in a race car.

Can entrepreneurs, influencers, and celebrities master electric race cars? Find out now by checking out the Formula E channels or social media sites of the various celebrities and the Formula E teams that trained them for this two-day event at the Miami International Autodrome race track.

Eleven celebs partnered with Formula E teams for weeks before the Miami event. Team coaches and engineers stuck by the personalities as they got in shape in the gym and spent hours in racing simulators. The training led up to sessions in the Gen 3 Evo chassis race cars, which, as a point of reference, can accelerate 30% faster than a Formula 1 car.
Why train celebs and influencers to drive racecars
Formula E focuses on inclusion and sustainability. Training and streaming content involving celebrities working with Formula E teams and learning to drive the race cars is a brilliant way to attract motorsport fan attention and gather support for the values on which Formula E was founded.

Read more
FIA and Formula One approve Cadillac as 11th F1 team for 2026 season
The Concorde Agreement contract between teams allows up to 12 F1 teams.
GM Cadillac is approved as an 11th F1 team for 2026 season.

It's official. General Motors's Cadillac F1 Team will be the 11th team competing with the next-generation Formula 1 cars in 2026. The FIA and Formula One Management announced the approval based on GM's meeting all required terms for membership. Last November, the FIA and F1 gave GM/Cadillac conditional approval, but now it's real.
Why increase the Formula 1 series to more than 10 teams
An early General Motors GM-Cadillac F1 race car concept. Courtesy of General Motors

All F1 teams sign the Conorde Agreement, a contract between the FIA, Formula One Group, and the F1 teams. This document holds teams responsible for competing in the series for the length of the agreement, which is in effect for the 2021 through 2025 seasons.

Read more