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…
F1 announces opening date for immersive fan experience at the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza
Grand Prix Plaza will close in late summer to prepare for the Las Vegas Grand Prix
Grand Prix Plaza F1 drive kart racing experience.

Formula 1, Las Vegas Grand Prix, and Round Room Live announced the opening date for the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza. The three F1 attractions include F1 X, F1 Drive, and the X1 Hub, which are located within the Las Vegas Grand Prix Pit Building, open March 29 and will close at the end of summer so the facilities can be readied for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 20 to 22, 2025.

Tickets for the three F1 attractions go on sale March 6 at 10 A.M. PT. In addition to special pricing for locals, the Grand Prix Plaza will offer rates for children, seniors, and military.
Why the Grand Prix Plaza matters

Read more
Polaris drops a 10th anniversary limited edition, the Slingshot 10
The Slingshot three-wheeler makes no excuses for its unconventional design
Polaris Slingshot 10 anniversary limited edition front view.

What's better than fun? Even more fun. That's probably the mission statement for the Polaris Slingshot team. Polaris introduced the 2025 Slingshot lineup in late January, but the company has already boosted the excitement with a limited-edition 10th-anniversary model called simply Slingshot 10.

The Polaris team went all out with the Slingshot 10. Based on the top-of-the-line 2025 Slingshot R, which was already the most powerful and sporty model, the Slingshot 10 adds plenty of limited-edition styling elements and premium comfort and convenience features.
Why people buy Slingshots

Read more
Bridgestone unveils its latest soybean-based, grand touring flagship, the Turanza Prestige
Bridgestone's new Turanza Prestige all-season tires
Bridgestone Tires

Ever since we got our hands on a set of Firehawk Indy 500 tires several months ago, Bridgestone has proven to us why it is considered a renowned leader in the tire manufacturing industry. This week, it continues its reputation for innovation with its latest creation that combines performance and longevity -  the Bridgestone Turanza Prestige, which incorporates innovative ENLITEN Technology.

Crafted specifically for high-end sedans and crossovers, this flagship grand touring tire offers an exceptional driving experience characterized by a notably quiet and smooth ride, remarkable handling responsiveness, and superior performance in wet-weather conditions—all supported by an impressive 70,000-mile limited warranty. Setting a new standard in the grand touring tire category, the Turanza Prestige excels in wear life, showcasing a striking 44% improvement in longevity compared to its predecessor, the Turanza QuietTrack, and surpassing its rival, the Pirelli P7AS Plus by a hard-to-ignore 13%.

Read more