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Recently, I noticed a Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling at a dealership and initially thought the dealership was being innovative. However, it turns out that this is actually a trim level created by Ford as a tribute to a special edition from the 1970s, featuring eye-catching sunset-tone stripes. Just today, Land Rover unveiled a special Defender with a similar design. Additionally, another well-known manufacturer has been using these color schemes on its trucks for years. It seems like three instances might just spark a trend.
[Correction: Initially, we reported that Ford and Land Rover were imitating classic Toyota colors, but that was incorrect—Ford’s Free Wheeling trim and color scheme actually predate Toyota’s Baja racing program. Free Wheelin’ Ford Broncos from the ‘70s featured sunset fade decals, though they had a more gradient appearance than distinct stripes.]
Decades ago, Toyota established red, orange, and yellow striping as a signature look for their racing trucks during Ivan Stewart’s peak in Baja. This color combination wasn’t widely seen throughout the 2010s, but it has recently reappeared on some TRD special and heritage edition trucks.
When I refer to “special edition,” I mean it in the context of “excuse to cash in.” While fifth-generation 4Runners are charming, they are not, by any standard, truly special.
As an enthusiast of automotive graphics, I appreciate that manufacturers are providing vinyl designs that harmoniously complement their vehicles’ body lines. However, it is amusing that currently, three different SUV brands are essentially adopting the same theme.
On one hand, the newly introduced Land Rover limited-edition “Beach Break” Defender looks appealing. On the other hand, isn’t it a bit ridiculous that we’re simply copying each other’s designs?
I’ve long believed that vinyl graphics are an excellent method to make a car distinctive without a hefty investment. While you don’t have to go overboard, a few subtle stripes that highlight a car’s curves can make a significant difference.
Let’s hope automakers and dealers continue to introduce options like this. And if they stop, remember, creating your own vinyl designs isn’t too difficult! My wife and I designed, cut, and applied the stripes on my Montero, which happens to closely resemble the colors used by all three vehicles showcased in this article.
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