Ford Bronco Restoration is Big Business
Gateway Bronco started restoring Broncos only a short while ago, but business is taking off.
Bronco love is strong and only growing stronger. We’ve covered this phenomenon extensively over the last several months. From this rare 1966 Bronco Roadster to this 1975 restomod, it seems like everyone is getting in on the first-gen Bronco restoration bandwagon. We’re not complaining.
KPLR 11 News out of St. Louis recently talked to Seth Burgett of Gateway Bronco. Burgett only recently launched his business, but he’s off to a running start, and things probably aren’t going to slow down anytime soon.
Burgett didn’t start out as a vehicle restorer. He was the co-founder and CEO of Yurbuds, a manufacturer of ear buds. But destiny intervened when he decided to take a road trip with his family. “We put a little Facebook page up: Gateway Bronco. And within five weeks we had 33,000 followers,” Burgett tells KPLR 11. “So, we found that there was something special here and we said, you know what, maybe this is more than a fun trip…let’s start a business around it.”
Gateway Bronco isn’t just some small outfit either. It’s officially licensed by Ford to restore Broncos. Their restoration process involves an almost complete tear down that removes everything except the body, frame, and differential housing.
‘We put a Facebook page up: Gateway Bronco. And within five weeks we had 33,000 followers. So, we said, maybe this is more than a fun trip, let’s start a business around it.’
The company then installs completely brand new parts. Burgett and crew pick up unrestored Broncos for about $10,000 to $30,000. Currently, the company charges a minimum of $150,000 to restore a Bronco, which seems like a pretty decent return on their investment.
“I would have thought it’s such a small business…how could you make a living from it,” Burgett replied after being asked if he could have envisioned restoring Broncos five years ago. It’s a hot business and the company is doing well.
Burgett has been involved with cars from a young age, so he’s not exactly out of his element. According to Gateway Bronco’s website, he’s been involved with cars since he was a child. He’s also a dedicated Ford guy who owns at least two classic Fords, including a 1967 Ford Shelby GT350 and a 1967 Shelby 500.
“The resurgence of the vintage SUV is hot,” said Burgett. “It’s the top collector vehicle on the market today.” A quick visit to Gateway Bronco’s product page seems to verify that statement. The cheapest Bronco costs $150,000 while the top-range model sells for double that. How is Gateway Bronco able to command such high prices? It seems like their restorations go beyond the average operation. Their Broncos come equipped with the Coyote V8 and proprietary noise reduction technology. Higher-tier models sport genuine Porsche leather, and the “Modern Day Warrior” is supercharged.
The Ford Bronco is an icon. It seems like more people are beginning to realize that. Burgett and his team build some amazing trucks, and after hearing about Gateway Bronco’s success, it’s easy to see why Ford is taking their time with the new model. It’s got a lot to live up to.
Photos: KPLR 11; Gateway Bronco
