Vaughn Gittin Jr. saved the pre-production Bronco from being crushed in the crusher.
Moab, Utah is a place that most off-road enthusiasts are familiar with. Pritchett Canyon, one of many challenging trails in this 4×4 paradise, is just one example. This trail is best suited for experienced off-roaders who have a small, well-built rig.
Vaughn Gittin Jr., a pro drifter, decided to attempt it in a Ford Bronco First Edition. Spoiler alert: he did it.
Some might be skeptical about the stock definition in this instance. Although the factory wheels and tires can be swapped for Center Line beadlocks or Nittos, the 35-inch Sasquatch-standard tires remain. The undercarriage is better protected with aftermarket rock rails. As you can see, everything Ford claims is easily removable. This includes the roof, doors, and fenders. However, this is part of the Bronco’s standard off-road playbook. This is a stock machine, aside from the rubber and rails. It’s a First Edition model so it comes with nice equipment.
As a trip down Pritchett canyon generally takes one day, the adventure usually begins in the morning. Loren Healy is an experienced off-roader with extensive experience on the trail and will be joining the Gittin Jr. As everyone knew the Bronco would struggle on some sections, they were supported by a large number of vehicles. The Bronco cleared some obstacles with surprising ease and was hopeful that it could reach the finish on its own.
It completed the entire run without using a winch. It also survived the trek without any major damage. The Bronco could have suffered ugly scuffs if the fenders had been installed, but the Bronco only sustained a few scuffs to the bumpers and two broken taillights.
We believe these aren’t really scars, considering this was an early-production model originally intended for Ford’s crusher.