It is no secret that classic Broncos are enjoying a surge in popularity in recent years. With the introduction of the new Bronco in 2021 and the growth of the overlanding segment, classic 4x4s are hotter than ever. At the 2024 SEMA Show, one build stood out with timeless style and modern engineering: a fully reimagined 1966 Ford Bronco nicknamed “Pure.”
Restored and customized by RMD Garage, this stunning build captivated crowds in the Toyo Tires Treadpass area with its clean lines, polished chrome, and beach-ready charm.
“Pure” isn’t just a restored classic; it is a complete transformation. RMD Garage, the Long Beach, California-based custom shop founded by Ralph Holguin, has a long-standing reputation for elevating vintage vehicles into rolling works of art. You might even remember the shop from its one-season show on Motor Trend in the mid-2000s. At SEMA, RMD showed that their passion for bespoke builds has only grown since then.
The foundation of the Bronco build is an all-new Kincer Chassis, which gives old trucks a new lease on life, offering improved strength and reducing chassis flex. Better yet, it is officially licensed by Ford. The redesigned frame is two inches wider inside, creating crucial room for upgraded components like modern drivetrains, long tube headers, and transfer cases.
Powering “Pure” is a Ford 5.0L Coyote V8, a favorite among restomod builders for its combination of performance and reliability. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood disc brakes, which are a massive upgrade from the original 1960s brake system.
But it’s the attention to detail that truly defines this build. Every bolt on the truck has been replaced with new ones that are engraved with “RMD Garage” on the heads. That alone must have added thousands to the cost of this build, ordering entirely new hardware with custom engraving! It is details like this that elevate a SEMA build above a simple restoration.
Step inside, and the Bronco reveals a cabin more refined than most luxury SUVs. The interior is a blend of crisp white bucket seats, a color-matched dashboard, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a polished chrome center. The gauges from Classic Instruments are customized with RMD Garage’s logo, adding a subtle nod to the builder’s craftsmanship.
Tan patterned material covers the flooring, door panels, and headliner, offering warm contrast to the otherwise light interior. A custom center console trimmed in light wood features two cupholders, a nice touch. While the white color palette might raise questions about off-road practicality, there is no denying that the interior is an elegant and comfortable place to be.
Above the pristine interior sits a lift-off hardtop, revealing a polished chrome roll bar for safety and style. The rooftop luggage rack features a matching white and chrome trunk, rounding out the aesthetic with a touch of luxurious, adventure flair.
Whether basking in the SEMA spotlight or cruising through Long Beach on a sunny California afternoon, “Pure” lives up to its name. It’s a showpiece that has been carefully engineered, tastefully styled, while retaining the classic look of the very first model year of the Ford Bronco.
RMD Garage has once again proven their mastery of automotive art, breathing new life into a classic while staying true to its spirit. “Pure” isn’t just a truck, it’s a bold, clean, and built with purpose.
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Stopping by the KBS Coatings booth, you may find something a bit different than your typical SEMA Car. Designed and built by Cool Hand Customs of Middleton, WI this Malaise-era had a few upgrades under it’s vintage exterior. Gone is the original drivetrain, replaced with a 3.7L Cyclone V6, backed up by 6R80 6-speed transmission. The 3.7L features custom headers that exit as side pipes on the car, providing a transition from modern to retro.
