Zero to 60 Designs Builds 'Eleanor' Homage Ford Bronco
A 1975 Ford Bronco has been transformed by Zero to 60 Designs into an 'Eleanor'-inspired off-roader, merging classic Mustang styling cues with serious off-road upgrades.
Zero to 60 Designs has built a one-off 1975 Ford Bronco styled as a tribute to the famous 'Eleanor' Mustang from the 2000 film 'Gone in 60 Seconds', following a unique customer commission. The result, called 'Eleanor’s Big Brother', combines the Bronco’s classic off-road credentials with the visual drama of the Shelby GT500-inspired movie car.
The client, a fan of the 1969 Shelby Cobra GT500, approached Zero to 60 Designs president Kenny Pfitzer with a brief to reimagine his Bronco as a tribute to the 'Eleanor' Mustang. While Mustang conversions are common, this is the first known attempt to apply the iconic look to a Bronco platform. The build incorporates the film car’s signature two black stripes and colour-matched paint, but the underlying Bronco remains clear.
Engineering and bodywork upgrades
Zero to 60 Designs called in several aftermarket specialists for the mechanical overhaul. Yukon Gear & Axle supplied new locking hubs, driveshafts and a custom 9-inch rear axle, along with a 30-foot kinetic recovery rope. Suspension was upgraded with a Skyjacker lift kit to improve off-road capability, and the body was finished in a Line-X Body Armor spray matched to the 1969 GT500’s colour for durability and scratch resistance.
Wildhorses 4x4 provided new tubular doors, a custom hood and additional aluminium trim pieces. The Bronco’s wheels are fitted with 37-inch Mickey Thompson off-road tyres, while RaceQuip five-point harnesses were installed for all passengers. Inside, the Bronco features digital instruments, an upgraded sound system and a 25-quart cooler for practicality.
Visual homage and unique details
The 'Eleanor' theme is clearest in the paintwork, stripes and round LED headlights, but the Bronco’s proportions and stance remain unmistakable. The build includes a modern fuel injection conversion to improve reliability and performance, though the original engine specification has not been detailed. The project shows how far the 'Eleanor' influence has spread beyond the Mustang community, with specialist firms now willing to reinterpret the look on a range of classic platforms.
While the finished vehicle is a one-off commission, it demonstrates the flexibility of the classic Bronco as a restomod base. With the surge in Bronco values and the popularity of custom builds, projects like 'Eleanor’s Big Brother' highlight the crossover between muscle car nostalgia and the off-road scene.
For more on how Ford’s SUV design team draws inspiration from unexpected sources, see Ford’s SUV Design Team Finds Inspiration Beyond the Car World.
