While modern enthusiasts know the Ford Maverick Lobo and Ford F-150 Lobo as street-focused performance variants, the origins of the Lobo name are rooted in something entirely different. In 1981, Ford introduced the Bronco Montana Lobo Concept, a one-of-a-kind, off-road beast that showcased forward-thinking design and technology.

The 1981 Bronco Montana Lobo was built on the first-generation Bronco and loaded with futuristic features. It included removable tinted “bubble” doors with helicopter-style webbing, a Plexiglass T-roof, sliding rear access door, and rugged design cues like cutaway rear fenders and 15-inch ORV tires. An integrated roll bar, overhead airfoil, and louvered side rails reinforced its off-road mission.

What really set the concept apart were its innovations. The body featured a self-skinning foam covering to deflect rocks and debris, while mesh guards protected the headlights and radiator. Inside, it borrowed an instrument panel from the Ford Thunderbird and boasted heated and cooled vinyl seats—luxuries that were groundbreaking at the time. As Ford’s William H. Cramer put it, the Lobo was “a collection of ideas and designs that may be used in future Ford four-wheel vehicles.”

Under the hood, the Bronco Montana Lobo packed a 5.0L V8 engine paired with a four-speed automatic and four-wheel drive, leaving no doubt about its purpose-built off-road capabilities. Unlike today’s Maverick and F-150 Lobo trims designed for urban performance and street flair, the 1981 concept was all about conquering rugged trails. Looking back, it remains a fascinating glimpse into Ford’s experimental side and the early vision of what a Bronco could be.