WD-40 Co. is teaming with noted builder Aaron Vaccar and The Vaccar Co. on a restoration build that blends old and new: the iconic 1966 Ford Bronco – the vehicle’s debut year – equipped with a turbocharged EcoBoost drivetrain.
Continuing WD-40 Co.’s eight-year partnership with SEMA, the WD-40/SEMA Cares Boosted Bronco will make its debut at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Oct. 31 in the WD-40 Brand booth and will be auctioned off in 2018 to benefit SEMA Cares. Through SEMA Cares, proceeds will benefit Childhelp, an organization that provides services to abused and neglected children, and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which offers scholarships to students entering the automotive aftermarket.
To date, WD-40 Co. has raised more than $800,000 for these charities through vehicle restorations and auctions.
The Vaccar Co. was selected as the vehicle builder after an extensive search by WD-40. Aaron Vaccar’s affinity for the WD-40 brand, foresight for putting WD-40 Brand products to use in the build and creativity in developing the vehicle concept stood out above the rest, according to Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing at WD-40. For Vaccar, the build is a passion project.
“The WD-40/SEMA Cares Boosted Bronco allows us to pay tribute to traditional hot-rodding standards of execution and finish with a first of its kind vehicle,” said Vaccar. “The EcoBoost drivetrain will give the cult classic a modern spin and turbocharged power and efficiency for the future. There could not be a more iconic brand than WD-40 brand to partner with on a vehicle sure to generate excitement from Bronco, off-road and automotive enthusiasts nationwide.”
The vehicle’s color is inspired by the famous blue and yellow can of WD-40 Multi-Use Product with its thousands of uses.
In addition to this product, several WD-40 Specialist products will be instrumental to the build, including WD-40 Specialist Superior Performance True Multi-Purpose Grease, Spray & Stay Gel Lubricant, Rust Release Penetrant Spray and the new WD-40 Specialist Industrial-Strength Cleaner & Degreaser, which has a water-based, non-aerosol formula.
“We have a long history of supporting the automotive industry with products that help auto pros get the job done and through our partnership with SEMA,” said Lesmeister. “This project allows WD-40 Co. to continue that tradition of support for automotive industry, aftermarket professionals and auto enthusiasts in their restoration and customization projects.”
Build partners that have donated product for use on the Bronco include AIRAID, AMSOIL, AutoMeter, B&M, BASF, Blood & grease, Detroit Steel Wheel, Doide Dynamics, Flowmaster, General Tire, Grip Royal, Mishimoto, POR-15, The Club, VMS Racing, and XS Power.
The vehicle will be featured in the WD-40 Brand booth No. 62129 outside by South Hall at the SEMA Show.
