More than five decades ago, Ford launched its original SUV establishing an iconic off-road pedigree that easily carved its way into the hearts of Americans – the Ford Bronco.
Apart from its outstanding features, what made it even more than legendary is one of the key talents who shaped the original 1966 Bronco design.
McKinley Thompson Jr. was the first African American designer hired at Ford Motor Company. Not only did he break through the color barrier in the world of automotive design, he helped create some of the most iconic products that are not just timeless but have been studied by generations of designers.
From dreamer to iconic designer
Thompson was born in Queens, New York in 1922. From a young age, he already had a keen interest in cars. He became inspired to seek a career in automotive design after being awestruck with a silver-gray DeSoto Airflow he saw when he was around 12.
During World War II, Thompson served as an engineering layout coordinator in the Army Signal Corps. But his dream of being an automotive designer persisted.
In the early 1950s, he joined a design contest in Motor Trend magazine and won. He showcased a turbine car with a reinforced plastic body – concepts that were trending in the postwar era. Later on, he earned a degree in transportation design at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.
Designing of the first legendary Bronco
Fresh out of university, Thompson became an integral part of the team that designed the 1966 Bronco. His design submitted in 1963 entitled “Package Proposal #5 for Bronco” contained features that became signature attributes of the original SUV – wheels-to-the-corners for an aggressive go-anywhere look, and smoothing out curve of the wheel arches to convey speed.
The first-generation Bronco boasted an open-air 4x4 concept featuring a high ground clearance with minimal front and rear overhangs for optimum off-road capability, and a square, short body.
Ford Bronco interior designer Christopher Young applauded how Thompson worked with constraints given him to make a beautiful product.
“Engineering dictates size and functionality, then manufacturing limits how it can be stamped and assembled, and finance says you have to build it for a low price,” Young said.
Other iconic Ford designs
Among his other noteworthy projects include a light-duty cab-forward truck, concept sketches for the Mustang, and legendary GT40. Furthermore, Thompson also worked on a two-wheeled concept car – the futuristic space-age Ford Gyron – that was displayed at the Century of Progress exhibit at the Ford Rotunda in 1961.
In addition to his legendary accomplishments, Thompson became an icon of inspiration. Young said that he was a man who followed his dreams and wound up making history.
A reincarnated version of the legendary Bronco – the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport – is set to hit the roads soon, strapped with thrilling power, retro styling, and go-anywhere capability.