Ford is suing the company for replacing new Broncos with classic Bronco designs

Ford is serious about protecting its most iconic nameplates. If you plan to use the Mustang or Bronco trademarks to make money, you’d better clear it with the automaker first. Otherwise, Ford’s legal team will come after you – and fast. That’s what we’re seeing right now, as the Dearborn manufacturer has filed a lawsuit against a company called Vintage Broncos.

Ford filed a formal complaint in the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on October 31. Vintage Broncos, which is the subject of the complaint, is a company that takes modern sixth-generation Broncos and makes them look like the classics. Ford believes the company is doing this illegally.

A spokesperson for the automaker sent the following statement to Driven:

“Bronco is one of the most famous and beloved brands in the world. Vintage Broncos’ unauthorized modifications and resale of modern Ford Broncos, reselling them as ‘vintage’ is misleading and unfairly profits from Ford and Bronco brand assets that we have used for decades on building. We have an obligation to take all appropriate steps to stop them putting customers at risk and riding on Ford’s significant investment and reputation.”

Vintage Broncos were in the news earlier this year after blending classic Blue Oval styling with modern powertrains and technology. We even wrote about the company in May. Basically, it goes beyond what Ford offers with any of its retro packages by putting a reworked retro-style body on top of a new Bronco chassis. You can apparently spec them with a 5.0-liter Coyote V8, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost, or an electric powertrain of unspecified origin. Customers will need to spend at least $169,000 to get one.

It’s unclear exactly how Vintage Broncos creates these bodies, although it appears to be done in-house. It’s also unclear if they meet the same safety standards as a factory Ford Bronco, which is worth noting.

On his websiteVintage Broncos paints its products as the latest stage in classic car evolution. First there were complete restorations; then came the restomods we see all the time; and now, claims Vintage Broncos, its “modern classics” are top tier.

Ford specifically takes issue with Vintage Broncos’ unlicensed use of the Bronco name and logo. Like any company, the automaker isn’t keen on third parties taking its ideas to make money – especially without permission. Just a few weeks ago, Ford issued a cease and desist order to YouTuber TJ Hunt for developing a Mustang body kit intended for sale that closely mimicked the $325,000 Mustang GTD’s styling.

Somehow, Ford has set expectations. If the Blue Oval thinks you’re passing off one of its ideas as your own, expect a phone call.

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