TBT: How a Hydroplane Race in Detroit Changed Bronco and Off-Road History

A long-time relationship between one of the best off-road drivers and vehicle fabricators of all time actually came to be because of a race that didn’t even occur on land. Off-road racing legend Bill Stroppe, whose red, white, and blue Baja Broncos of the 1970s made serious off-road performance available via your local Ford Dealer, got Ford’s attention after winning a hydroplane race in Detroit. 

Stroppe is known for helping establish Bronco as a credible off-roading vehicle, but in the mid-1940s, the Navy veteran was just trying to make a name for himself. He was already a national champion in early 1947 when he won the Henry Ford Memorial Regatta in Detroit with a boat called “Miss Art Hall,” named after the California-based Ford Dealer for whom he was working at the time, and powered by a Ford flathead engine. He reportedly won all three heats in his division after racing at nearly 64 mph, but his prize, and Ford’s, was much bigger – the win reportedly sparked the long-time partnership between Stroppe and Ford.

From there, Stroppe raced or prepared a plethora of vehicles across various motorsport disciplines with the company’s vehicles. The 1950s and ‘60s included wins with Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in the Pan-American Road races, NASCAR, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the United States Auto Club (USAC), and the Mobilgas Economy Run. He is most known, though, for back-to-back wins in 1971-72 in the treacherous Baja 1000 as a co-driver with Ford motorsports legend Parnelli Jones. A Stroppe-prepared Bronco in 1969 still holds the distinction as the only stock 4x4 with an overall win at the event. Stroppe also won the 500-mile version of the race in 1970.

Stroppe’s fame even trickled down to the on-road portion of Ford’s lineup. In addition to the Baja Bronco, Stroppe’s name was also included with parts, accessories, and packages for Ford’s Courier pickup in the 1970s.

His lengthy resume landed Stroppe among Motorsports Hall of Fame inductees for 2025. Ford is also honoring him with the new 2025 Bronco Stroppe Special Edition. The SUV pays homage to its namesake with a modern interpretation of the Baja Broncos that came from Stroppe’s California shop decades ago. 

While Stroppe died nearly 30 years ago, his spirit lives on in a new special-edition Bronco that promises an exciting and innovative future similar to his era.

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