This Ford Bronco Is Actually a Side-by-Side

What does it take for a Bronco to run King of the Hammers?

This thing is unlike any Bronco you’ve seen before.Top Gear

A modern Ford Bronco is about as close as you’re going to get to a fully street-legal side-by-side. It’s huge, has massive 37-inch tires (on the Raptor), and is more capable off-road than almost any other production vehicle. But what if you took it a step further? King of the Hammers–winner Loren Healy and Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. answered that question by building “El Bandito,” a trophy truck born from the ashes of a Bronco.

The engine was ripped out of an F-150 Raptor R and moon-boosted. It now makes around 1000 hp.Top Gear

The project started as a preproduction press model that was headed to the crusher when it was picked up by Fun-Haver Off-Road. They immediately went to work. Giant Nitto AT tires got wrapped around beadlock wheels, then sprung on Fox Live Valve suspension, with a supercharged, 1000-hp 5.2-liter V-8 from an F-150 Raptor R driving it all. And we know what you’re thinking, “How is that in any way still a Ford Bronco?” Easy. The answer is stop talking and let your brain enjoy this insane build. Plus it still shares some body panels, that’s something!

If an absolutely bonkers Bronco is your thing, check out this great video from Top Gear showing it off below. It’s a great watch, and gives you a bit of a behind-the-scenes look into how these top-of-the-line King of the Hammers cars are built.

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