“Innovation and imagination are the hallmarks of our business,” said Gateway Bronco CEO Seth Burgett. “Beginning with the classic first-generation Ford Broncos, we transform them into reliable vehicles with world-class capabilities. Now our clients will have the opportunity to schedule a personal design session with world-famous designer Camilo Pardo. Together, they can stretch their imaginations to create a truly spectacular SUV.”
By the time Pardo moved to Detroit at the age of 10, he had already developed a fascination with 60s and 70s era sports cars and modern art. After graduating from the design school Center for Creative Studies, he was hired by Ford Motor Company. His assignments included working in the Dearborn Advanced Studios, Ford of Europe (Torino, Italy Studio) and the Design Studios in Cologne, Germany.
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After 15 years at Ford, he was assigned to re-design the 1960s era Ford GT. This project became the 2002 Ford GT concept car. As chief Designer of the Ford GT and the SVT Studio, Pardo’s team worked on the 2005 and 2006 production Ford GT. He then left Ford to open his own design studio.
“I’m honored to work with Seth Burgett and the Gateway Bronco team,” said Camilo. “Our creative design approach is completely in sync. Seth’s entire career has been focused on innovation, from low volume military aircraft and medical devices to the automotive and consumer electronics industries. It’ll be a blast to work with his clients and team to form unique classic Ford Broncos that look as scintillating as they perform.”
In the role, Pardo will collaborate with Gateway Bronco clients, as well as Burgett, who has led the design team over the past several years.
“For the first time in this industry, clients will have the truly rare and special opportunity to be an integral part of the design process,” said Burgett. “Designing their ideal classic Bronco with Camilo Pardo, who helped create the Ford GT, will feel like concepting a home with Frank Lloyd Wright or penning an amazing dream car with Raymond Lowey. Together, they’ll find a way to preserve the soul of a vintage Bronco while subtly integrating modern conveniences in a way that it is barely noticed.”
Gateway Bronco has a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing center in the Midwest with complete in-house manufacturing capabilities, including a powder coating shop to deliver rust proofing on frames, differentials and suspensions.
The company offers reconditioned Ford Broncos and 100% reproduction Broncos licensed from Ford Motor Company, equipped with contemporary engines, transmission, brakes and suspensions.