From ‘Ghost Gray’ to Forest Green: Kim Kardashian Acquires a $285,000 Custom 1973 Ford Bronco Restomod for Idaho Retreat
Main Facts of the Acquisition
Billionaire entrepreneur and media personality Kim Kardashian has expanded her multi-million-dollar automotive collection with the acquisition of a custom-built 1973 Ford Bronco. Valued at an estimated $285,000, the vintage utility vehicle represents a significant departure from the ultra-modern, monochromatic hypercars and luxury sedans that have historically defined her fleet.
The vehicle was commissioned through Velocity Restorations, a premier automotive customization facility based in Pensacola, Florida. Known for high-end "restomod" (restoration-modification) projects, the shop specializes in stripping vintage American classics down to bare metal and rebuilding them with modern performance engineering, chassis architecture, and luxury amenities.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| KEY VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Base Model | 1973 Ford Bronco (First Generation) |
| Customizer | Velocity Restorations (Pensacola, FL) |
| Estimated Cost | $285,000 USD |
| Engine | Ford Performance 5.0-Liter Gen IV Coyote V8 |
| Horsepower | 460 hp |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Exterior Finish | Custom Forest Green |
| Interior Layout | Open-top Safari configuration with Bikini Top |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+This acquisition highlights a growing trend among high-net-worth individuals who favor classic aesthetic silhouettes paired with modern, reliable powertrains over standard contemporary luxury SUVs. The custom-built SUV is stationed at Kardashian’s seasonal residence in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where the vehicle’s rugged design and off-road capabilities align with the region’s mountainous terrain.
Chronology: From Minimalist Monochrome to Mountain Utility
To understand the context of this acquisition, one must examine the evolution of Kardashian’s public design philosophy and the timeline of this vehicle’s integration into her lifestyle.
The Monochromatic Era (2020–2023)
For years, Kardashian maintained a strict, highly publicized aesthetic alignment between her residential properties and her vehicle fleet. Working in collaboration with Platinum Motorsports, she spent hundreds of thousands of dollars wrapping and painting her high-end vehicles—including a Lamborghini Urus, a Rolls-Royce Ghost, and a Mercedes-Maybach S580—in a bespoke, semi-matte "Ghost Gray." This color was meticulously selected to complement the minimalist, museum-like plaster interiors of her Hidden Hills estate, a design concept originally realized by Axel Vervoordt.
The Idaho Pivot (Mid-2024–Present)
The acquisition of a secondary estate in the resort city of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, necessitated a shift in utilitarian requirements. The manicured, minimalist gray vehicles suited for Southern California highways proved aesthetically and functionally incongruous with the dense pine forests and lakeside trails of northern Idaho.
CHRONOLOGY OF KARDASHIAN'S VEHICLE DESIGN EVOLUTION
[2020 - 2023: Monochromatic Era]
- Vehicles: Rolls-Royce Ghost, Lamborghini Urus, Maybach S580
- Aesthetic: Custom "Ghost Gray" wraps matching Hidden Hills mansion
- Context: Urban Southern California luxury
│
▼
[Mid-2024: Regional Diversification]
- Acquisition of summer estate in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Need for rugged utility matching mountain terrain
│
▼
[Late 2024 - Mid-2026: The Restomod Purchase]
- Commissioning of 1973 Ford Bronco from Velocity Restorations
- Shift to "Forest Green" exterior and open-air safari layout
│
▼
[July 2026: Public Reveal]
- Social media launch featuring "mountain chic" fashion
- Media verification by TMZ, Complex, and InStyleThe Purchase and Reveal
Kardashian bypassed the multi-year waiting lists typically associated with bespoke classic car builds by purchasing a completed, turn-key build heavily inspired by Velocity’s signature "Ranger Package."
In July 2026, the vehicle was delivered to her Idaho property. Kardashian subsequently debuted the truck to her hundreds of millions of social media followers. Posing alongside the open-air SUV in rural-inspired attire—including lace-up denim, a classic red bandana, and a cowhide handbag—she captioned the post, "Taking the long way home," signaling a deliberate embrace of a "mountain chic" lifestyle.
Supporting Technical Data: Under the Hood of a $285K Restomod
While the vehicle retains the iconic, boxy silhouette of Ford’s first-generation Bronco (produced from 1966 to 1977), its mechanical components have been entirely replaced with state-of-the-art performance parts. Putting a modern, high-horsepower engine into an original 1970s chassis without extensive structural modification would result in severe mechanical failure. Velocity Restorations re-engineered the vehicle from the frame up.
Powertrain and Mechanical Performance
The original 1973 Bronco left the factory with either a modest inline-six engine or an old-school small-block V8, generating a fraction of modern highway horsepower. Kardashian’s vehicle features:
- Engine: A naturally aspirated Ford Performance 5.0-liter "Coyote" V8 (Gen IV). This engine delivers 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, a massive upgrade over the vintage factory specifications.
- Transmission: A 10-speed automatic transmission designed to handle high torque loads while offering smooth gear transitions suitable for casual lakefront driving or highway cruising.
- Exhaust: A custom performance exhaust system that delivers a throaty, classic V8 rumble while meeting modern emissions standards.
Chassis and Suspension Engineering
To ensure the vehicle can safely handle 460 horsepower, the original, flexible C-channel frame was replaced with a proprietary, high-strength boxed steel chassis.
+--------------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| COMPONENT | UPGRADE SPECIFICATION |
+--------------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Frame / Chassis | Custom boxed steel chassis by Velocity Restorations |
| Front Axle | Dana 44 front axle |
| Rear Axle | Ford 9-inch rear axle |
| Braking System | Four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes with hydroboost |
| Suspension | Custom coilover suspension with performance shocks |
+--------------------+-----------------------------------------------------+This mechanical setup allows the 53-year-old vehicle design to track straight at modern highway speeds, corner without excessive body roll, and come to a halt safely, bypassing the notoriously loose steering and drum-brake fade of original 1970s utility trucks.
Interior Refinement and "Hidden Luxury"
The interior balances heritage design with modern comfort. Rather than installing large digital infotainment screens that would disrupt the vintage aesthetic, Velocity Restorations integrated modern conveniences discreetly:
- Upholstery: Custom marine-grade leather designed to withstand UV exposure and occasional rain, given the open-top safari configuration.
- Climate Control: A modern HVAC system integrated behind a classic-style dashboard, ensuring reliable heating and air conditioning.
- Connectivity: A premium audio system featuring Bluetooth connectivity, retrofitted into a vintage-style dial radio faceplate.
- Controls: Power windows and modern instrumentation integrated seamlessly into the retro dashboard layout.
Media Reception and Public Response
The acquisition of the $285,000 restomod quickly became a point of discussion across entertainment, fashion, and automotive media outlets.
Media Coverage
- TMZ published detailed imagery of the vehicle on location in Idaho, highlighting the open-air configuration, custom bikini top, and the absence of traditional side windows. This design choice emphasizes the vehicle’s role as a seasonal, fair-weather cruiser.
- Complex analyzed the geographical context of the purchase, noting that the choice of "Forest Green" was a deliberate, site-specific departure from the minimalist "Ghost Gray" theme of her primary Calabasas residence.
- InStyle focused on the intersection of luxury fashion and automotive utility, detailing how Kardashian used the vehicle as a prop to establish a new "mountain mama" aesthetic. The publication noted that the interior’s vintage wood-rimmed steering wheel and leather detailing aligned perfectly with her high-end style.
MEDIA RECEPTION MATRIX
┌──────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────┐
│ TMZ │ │ COMPLEX │ │ INSTYLE │
└────────┬─────────┘ └────────┬─────────┘ └────────┬─────────┘
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
[Utility & Design] [Geographic Context] [Fashion & Style]
Focus on open-air Analysis of "Forest Focus on "mountain
safari layout and Green" as a departure chic" aesthetic and
removable bikini top. from "Ghost Gray." interior luxury.Public and Car-Community Reaction
Within the automotive community, the purchase drew attention to the growing valuation of high-end restomods. On platforms like Bring a Trailer, similar Coyote-powered vintage Broncos built by premier shops routinely fetch between $150,000 and $250,000, validating the $285,000 valuation of Kardashian’s turn-key vehicle. While some purists lament the modification of original classic steel, the consensus among collectors remains that restomods offer a practical way for wealthy enthusiasts to enjoy vintage aesthetics without the mechanical unreliability of historic engineering.
Implications for Celebrity Car Culture and the Restomod Industry
Kardashian’s purchase of the 1973 Ford Bronco highlights several broader shifts in celebrity luxury purchasing habits and the specialty automotive market.
1. The Rise of "Character" Over Raw Speed
For the past two decades, high-net-worth celebrity car culture has been dominated by modern European supercars and ultra-luxury SUVs—such as the Ferrari SF90, Lamborghini Urus, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. However, these vehicles are highly standardized.
The acquisition of a classic restomod signifies a shift toward vehicles that offer historical character, unique design, and custom craftsmanship. A vintage Bronco communicates a relaxed, heritage-focused sensibility that a modern, mass-produced luxury SUV cannot replicate.
2. Validation of the Restomod Market
The restomod sector has evolved from a niche hobbyist market into a highly institutionalized luxury industry. Companies like Velocity Restorations, Singer Vehicle Design (specializing in Porsche 911s), and Icon 4×4 have elevated classic restorations to the status of fine art.
Kardashian’s high-profile purchase acts as a major endorsement for this sector. It demonstrates that ultra-wealthy buyers are willing to pay a premium—nearly ten times the price of a standard, modern factory-fresh Ford Bronco—for the convenience of a turn-key, reliable classic.
VALUATION COMPARISON (USD)
Modern Base Ford Bronco ██ $39,000 - $90,000 (Varies by trim)
Average Vintage Bronco ████ $45,000 - $85,000 (Original condition)
Kardashian Restomod ████████████████████████████████ $285,0003. Cross-Generational Family Trends
The Kardashian-Jenner family has long influenced automotive and fashion trends. Notably, Kim’s sister, supermodel Kendall Jenner, has built a reputation as an avid collector of classic American cars, with a garage that includes a vintage Chevrolet Corvette, a first-generation Ford Mustang, and a classic Cadillac Eldorado. Kim’s entry into the vintage American 4×4 space suggests a shared family interest in classic automotive designs, blending mid-century styling with modern luxury.
Conclusion
Kim Kardashian’s $285,000 custom 1973 Ford Bronco is more than just a new addition to an impressive garage. It marks a thoughtful evolution in her design philosophy, showing that she can adapt her aesthetic to suit her surroundings. By combining a classic American off-road icon with modern supercar performance, she has acquired a vehicle that is well-suited for her Idaho retreat—proving that classic style and modern performance can coexist seamlessly.
