Forgotten Genius Fridays
Who Designed the First Ford Bronco? Meet the Team Behind the Iconic SUV
McKinley Thompson Jr., Ford’s first Black designer, helped shape the original Bronco—leaving a lasting mark on automotive history.
Last Updated on June 4, 2026 by Rod Washington
The Ford Bronco isn’t just a vehicle—it’s an American icon. First introduced in 1966, the Bronco quickly carved out its niche as a rugged, go-anywhere SUV that captured the hearts of off-roaders, adventurers, and everyday drivers alike. But who was responsible for bringing this legend to life?
The Visionary: Donald N. Frey
The driving force behind the Bronco was Donald N. Frey, the same Ford executive who also led the development of the Mustang. As Ford’s product manager, Frey recognized a gap in the market for a compact off-road vehicle that could compete with the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout. He envisioned a “sports-utility” vehicle that blended everyday drivability with serious off-road capability—a new concept at the time.
The Designer: Paul G. Axelrad
While Frey spearheaded the project, the practical design and engineering work fell to Paul G. Axelrad, a product planner and designer at Ford. Axelrad developed the Bronco’s unique proportions and boxy, no-nonsense design, aiming for a balance between ruggedness and simplicity. The Bronco was built on its own dedicated platform—not a modified truck or car chassis—which was a rare and innovative move for the era.
A Historic Contributor: McKinley Thompson Jr.
One of the standout names in the Bronco’s development story is McKinley Thompson Jr., Ford’s first African American automotive designer. Thompson contributed key design sketches and played a crucial role in shaping the Bronco’s exterior. His work helped give the vehicle its distinctive, purposeful silhouette—clean lines, flat surfaces, and a utilitarian stance that still influences modern Broncos today.
Legacy That Lives On
The original 1966 Bronco marked the birth of a new category: the sport-utility vehicle. Its simple design, powerful V8 engine option, and off-road prowess won it a loyal following. Today, the Bronco name has been revived with modern engineering, but its core DNA—freedom, exploration, and toughness—can still be traced back to those early design choices made by Frey, Axelrad, and Thompson.
The first Ford Bronco wasn’t just built—it was designed with purpose by a team that saw the future of the American road. And they were right.
Useful Links:
Check out the article on Daily News: https://stmdailynews.com/mckinley-thompson-african-american-auto-designer/
McKinley Thompson Jr. (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McKinley_Thompson_Jr.
