Really? Yes.
Don’t adjust the screen. Do not zoom in on your smartphone. This isn’t some optical illusion or a full-body wrap. This is but it’s a Ford Bronco Chia Pet. It’s covered in real moss front to back, and yes, it’s still growing. This pet is not going to be sitting on a shelf in the kitchen looking cute. It’s partly because it’s too big, but mostly because it’s an off-roader that has a great attitude.
What’s the secret behind this green machine? It’s called the Chia Bronco, and it is actually growing. The QuakeLED build team, headed by Andon Sawyer, used double-sided tape and indoor/outdoor flooring to create a growing environment for the chia seeds. It was cut to fit on all Bronco’s painted surfaces and installed so that the original blue finish would not be damaged.
The team still hopes that the chia seeds will live to see more car shows. It was just in time to make its debut at the 2021 SEMA Show. The chia sprouts sat outside, soaking up the sun. It needs to be hydrated with water, warmer temperatures and a lot of water. This makes it not road-trip-ready.
The Bronco drives and runs well. It even has a number of bolt-ons that can be added to make it more off-road-friendly, such as a suspension lift or an aggressive wheel/tire combination. However, the organic exterior doesn’t stand up to wind as well as you can see.
The 2021 event was packed with custom Broncos, despite the cancellation of the 2020 SEMA Show due to COVID. This truly unique build deserves praise for its creativity and craftsmanship. It stands out from the crowd.