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Gateway Bronco introduces the world’s first 1966-1977 Shelby

Gateway Bronco introduces the world’s first 1966-1977 Shelby

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gateway Bronco has unveiled the world’s first Shelby Sport SUV, based on the company’s retro-inspired LUXE-GT™ Edition Bronco. Limited to just 10 SUVs per year, the Shelby Sport SUV is officially licensed by Carroll Shelby Licensing and features a classic-style body with a modern chassis, powertrain and braking system. It will receive a unique Gateway Bronco serial number and will be added to the Shelby Registry. Prices for the classic Shelby SUV start at $315,000 with optional carbon fiber body and 5.2-liter Predator V8 engine with 760 horsepower supercharged.

“Introducing the first Shelby sport SUV based on a classic Bronco is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream,” said Gateway Bronco CEO Seth Burgett. “I race vintage cars with an authentic Shelby GT350 and also own the first Ford Bronco, which belonged to Carroll Shelby. It was exciting to see the Shelby team contribute to an SUV worthy of this legendary name. No other SUV in the world offers the rare combination of classic styling, world-class performance and collectible value found in the Gateway Bronco limited-edition Shelby.”

The Shelby Sport SUV is the best of all worlds, with the design of a classic SUV and a modern powertrain using the latest technology and safety features. The SUV’s incredible performance, safety and driving pleasure leads the popular Bronco, Blazer, Defender and Scout classic car market with a product that competes with the world’s best modern sports SUVs such as Range Rover’s Autobiography and AMG’s G-Wagon .

“Shelby has been at the forefront of performance since Carroll founded this company in 1962,” he said M Neil CummingsEsq, CEO of Carroll Shelby Licensing and Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International. “From on- and off-road vehicles to parts and merchandise, the Shelby name is respected worldwide. Enthusiasts have been asking for a Shelby SUV for decades, and we are excited to finally meet that demand with this first Gateway Bronco Shelby Sport SUV.”

The basis of the Shelby Sport SUV is a new steel body that rests on a modern chassis for which 10 patents have been filed or granted. Under the skin, every aspect of the vehicle has been modernized. The new, modern chassis is over 110 percent stiffer than the original Bronco, paired with an independent suspension and anti-lock brakes. Stopping distance is also impressive: 60 mph in just 148 feet. Each Shelby is painted with BASF’s Glasurit piano lacquer, giving it a rich, European-style shine, and is available in exposed carbon fiber with a “Highland Green” hue that showcases the craftsmanship of the exposed carbon fabric that runs the center of the vehicle is shared. Every vehicle produced is race track ready as shown by Romain Grosjean at the Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Raceway.

“My grandfather Carroll Shelby loved to drive fast whenever possible, even off-road,” he said Aaron ShelbyBoard member of Carroll Shelby International. “He and his team at Shelby have experimented with trucks and SUVs over the years, adding powerful engines, improving suspensions and eking out every ounce of performance. I’m sure he would have wanted one of these Shelby sport SUVs in his private garage.”

While the Shelby’s vintage Bronco design is evident, the nostalgic profile hides the whole story. The body is structurally reinforced and ensures a lower center of gravity. The ladder frame is 70 percent stiffer than common aftermarket replacement frames while offering superior suspension geometry.

Inside, the SUV is performance-oriented yet luxurious. The interior is covered in soft, supple leather and modern carbon fiber. RECARO seats, a vintage Shelby GT350 steering wheel and modern gauges provide the purposeful style.

Options for the limited-edition Bronco-based Shelby include a carbon fiber body, traction control and the same 5.2-liter “Predator” V8 that was installed in the last generation Shelby GT500. Shelby American offered a “King of the Road” model Shelby GT500 based on this car.

“During our Shelby GT500KR program, we were inundated with requests for an equally capable Shelby SUV,” he said Gary PattersonPresident of Shelby American. “Many of the materials and speed equipment developed for our Shelby Edition Mustangs can be found in the Resto-Mod Shelby Sport SUV. It’s a very cool addition to the Shelby range, designed with performance in mind.”

Every Shelby Sport SUV is built at Gateway Bronco’s 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing center in Hamel, Illinois. The system is vertically integrated from metal production to painting to final assembly. The specific VIN number and information for each Shelby Sport SUV is submitted to the official Shelby Registry for documentation. For more information about Gateway Bronco vehicle lines, visit Gatewaybronco.com.

About Carroll Shelby Licensing
The automobile manufacturer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby is one of the best-known and most successful high-performance visionaries in the world. He was also a pioneer of modern automobile licensing programs; He began licensing his name and designs for various products starting in the 1960s. He founded Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., which is the exclusive owner of trademarks and vehicle design rights for some of the most famous muscle cars and performance vehicles. CSL also owns trademark rights to Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. For more information about the company or licensing opportunities, call (310) 914-1843, fax (310) 538-8189, write to Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc., 19021 S Figueroa St., Gardena, CA 90248, or visit us carrollshelby.com, shelbylicensing.com or carrollshelbyinternational.com.

About Gateway Bronco
Gateway Bronco has earned a reputation for building the best-driving, safest vintage Broncos in the world. Since 2016, they’ve been breathing new life into redesigned Broncos and classic F-Series trucks. Inspired by Henry Ford, the company’s assembly line offers over 1,000 individual quality and safety tests that serve as the basis for Gateway Bronco’s industry-leading 3, 5, 7, or even 10-year bumper-to-bumper “Flying Doctor” warranty on the Shelby Line. Each vehicle is equipped with a Ford V8 engine and is designed to perform like a modern vehicle using proprietary solutions exclusive to Gateway Bronco, including anti-lock brakes. For more information, see www.gatewaybronco.com and follow on Instagram @GatewayBronco.

Media contact: Scott Black at 214-566-6458 or [email protected]

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Shelby Sport SUV Specifications

The Shelby is based on an all-new chassis and features:

  • Full-time four-wheel drive
  • Anti-lock brakes
  • Electronic stability control
  • Electronic traction control
  • Independent front suspension (IFS)
  • Electric rack and pinion steering
  • Generation 4, Coyote 5.0L or optional 5.2L Predator V8
  • 10-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission
  • Sportily tuned chassis for maximum driving pleasure on the road
  • Powerful off-road performance proven in the Australian outback
  • Completely stainless exhaust with ceramic coating
  • Exposed carbon fiber body
  • Bimodal active exhaust, specially tailored to the Shelby
  • Start at the push of a button
  • 18-inch sports wheels with BF Goodrich K02 tires
  • 4-point or 6-point roll bar
  • Focal Utopia studio sound system
  • CarPlay screen with Bluetooth
  • Rear view camera
  • Power Windows
  • Air conditioning
  • Leather interior
  • Optional houndstooth inserts
  • Optional RECARO seats
  • Shelby GT350 steering wheel
  • Premium billet accessories
  • Patent pending soft close doors
  • Patent-pending soft-close tailgate
  • Patent-pending “Freedom” hardtop convertible.
  • Patent pending independent suspension
  • Patented electric convertible top
  • Color coordinated custom bimini top
  • LED lighting package
  • Glasurit “Piano” finish.

  • The Gateway Bronco Shelby Sport SUV

  • In the Shelby Sport SUV