The Story Behind Kim Kardashian’s 1973 Ford Bronco

Quick Answer

Kim Kardashian purchased a 1973 Ford Bronco in 2026 for $285,000, commissioning a full restoration by Velocity Restorations. The forest green vehicle was intended for use at her summer mountain home in Idaho and was shipped to Coeur d'Alene after spending time in Los Angeles.

The purchase reflects a shift from her typical supercar collection toward a vintage luxury aesthetic.

Key Facts

Vehicle: 1973 Ford Bronco
Purchase price: $285,000
Restoration company: Velocity Restorations
Exterior color: Forest green with white accents
Destination: Kim Kardashian's summer home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Year of purchase: 2026
Status: Fully customized and restored with modern upgrades while maintaining vintage style

Why a 1973 Ford Bronco? The Shift from Supercars to Vintage Luxury

Kim Kardashian's car collection has long been associated with high-performance supercars and luxury sedans. The decision to acquire a 1973 Ford Bronco signals more than just a new vehicle purchase—it represents a deliberate move toward a different kind of automotive statement.

The Bronco, restored by Velocity Restorations, offers a blend of rugged Americana and refined craftsmanship that aligns with her evolving personal brand. The 1973 model year holds particular significance for Ford Bronco enthusiasts.

It belongs to the first generation of Broncos produced from 1966 to 1977, which are prized for their compact size, boxy styling, and off-road capability. Unlike later generations that grew larger and more car-like, the early Broncos retain a utilitarian charm that collectors and restorers covet.

By choosing this specific year, Kardashian selected a vehicle that balances historical authenticity with modern usability. Velocity Restorations, the company behind the build, has established a reputation for transforming classic Broncos into turnkey luxury vehicles.

Their process typically involves stripping the original vehicle down to the frame, replacing mechanical components with modern equivalents, and upgrading interior materials while preserving the classic silhouette. This approach explains the $285,000 price tag—far higher than a standard restored Bronco, but consistent with high-end restorations that merge vintage aesthetics with contemporary reliability.

The forest green exterior with white accents is a classic color combination for first-generation Broncos, evoking the vehicle's original marketing as a go-anywhere utility vehicle. This choice suggests an appreciation for period-correct styling rather than a desire to make the vehicle stand out through flashy modifications.

In an era where many celebrity vehicles feature bold wraps and custom paint, the restrained color scheme indicates a preference for subtle luxury.

The Idaho Connection Why a Mountain Home Demands a Different Kind of Vehicle

The Bronco's intended destination—Kardashian's summer home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho—provides crucial context for the purchase. Coeur d'Alene sits in northern Idaho, surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountain terrain.

This environment demands a vehicle that can handle gravel roads, snow, and uneven terrain, which explains why a restored Bronco makes more sense than a low-slung sports car. Idaho's recreational culture also plays a role.

The state attracts outdoor enthusiasts who value vehicles that can access remote camping spots, trailheads, and lake access points. A 1973 Bronco, even with modern upgrades, offers the ground clearance, four-wheel-drive capability, and rugged durability that Idaho's landscape requires.

This practical consideration distinguishes the purchase from pure vanity acquisition—the Bronco will serve a functional purpose at her mountain property. Shipping the vehicle to Coeur d'Alene after it spent time in Los Angeles indicates that Kardashian wanted to enjoy the Bronco in both environments before committing it to its primary location.

Los Angeles provides ample opportunity for showcasing the vehicle in urban settings, where its vintage styling stands out against the sea of modern luxury SUVs and electric vehicles. The contrast between the Bronco's rugged appearance and the polished Los Angeles backdrop creates the kind of visual storytelling that celebrities leverage for social media engagement.

The choice of Coeur d'Alene specifically, rather than a more remote or less developed area, suggests that Kardashian values access to amenities while still enjoying natural surroundings. Coeur d'Alene offers upscale dining, shopping, and recreational facilities, making it a popular destination for wealthy individuals seeking a second home away from major metropolitan areas.

The Bronco fits this lifestyle perfectly—enough capability for adventure, but refined enough for trips into town.

What Velocity Restorations Actually Does to a 1973 Ford Bronco

Understanding what $285,000 buys requires examining Velocity Restorations' process. The company specializes in taking classic Broncos and transforming them into modernized vehicles that retain their vintage appearance.

Their work typically includes several key areas of modification. The powertrain receives significant attention.

While the original 1973 Bronco came with either a 302 or 351 cubic inch V8 engine, Velocity restorations often replace these with more powerful and reliable modern engines. Modern fuel injection, electronic ignition, and improved cooling systems make the vehicle far more drivable than the carbureted originals.

Transmission upgrades to automatic units with overdrive gears improve highway cruising capability, addressing one of the original Bronco's biggest weaknesses. Suspension and braking systems receive comprehensive upgrades as well.

Original Broncos featured leaf spring rear suspensions and drum brakes that were adequate for their era but fall short of modern expectations. Velocity installations typically include coil-over suspension systems, disc brakes at all four corners, and power steering—transforming the driving experience from agricultural to refined.

Interior modifications focus on luxury and comfort. While the exterior maintains a classic appearance, the cabin often features leather upholstery, modern air conditioning, premium sound systems, and updated instrumentation.

These changes make the Bronco suitable for daily use or extended road trips, rather than relegating it to weekend hobbyist status. The $285,000 figure reflects not just the parts and labor but also the scarcity of quality restoration candidates.

Finding a 1973 Bronco with a solid body and frame has become increasingly difficult, as decades of rust and abuse have claimed many examples. Velocity must source donor vehicles, assess their condition, and determine whether restoration is economically viable.

This upfront cost, combined with hundreds of hours of skilled labor, explains the final price.

The Cultural Significance of Celebrity Vehicle Choices

Kardashian's Bronco purchase participates in a broader cultural trend where celebrities increasingly choose vintage vehicles over new luxury cars. This shift reflects changing values in automotive culture, where authenticity and character are prized over technological novelty.

The vintage SUV segment has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with restored Ford Broncos, Chevrolet K5 Blazers, International Harvester Scouts, and Toyota FJ40s commanding premium prices. Celebrities and influencers have driven much of this demand, recognizing that vintage SUVs offer visual distinction that modern vehicles cannot match.

A 2024 or 2025 luxury SUV, regardless of its capabilities, looks similar to hundreds of thousands of other vehicles on the road. A restored 1973 Bronco, by contrast, stands out immediately.

This trend also represents a rejection of the hyper-competitive luxury car market. For decades, celebrities competed to own the fastest, most expensive, or most exclusive supercars.

While that market continues, a parallel trend has emerged where owning a well-restored classic signals different values—taste, patience, and appreciation for craftsmanship rather than purely financial capability. Kardashian's choice of a forest green Bronco rather than a more ostentatious color or configuration reinforces this interpretation.

The restrained specification suggests confidence in the vehicle's inherent appeal rather than a need to prove status through visual shouting. In celebrity culture, where every purchase is scrutinized for meaning, this choice communicates sophistication.

The social media response to the purchase, as reflected in the reference content, emphasizes the "vintage luxury" angle. Commentators noted that Kardashian "swapped the usual supercar flex for a classic custom Ford Bronco," positioning the purchase as a departure from expectations.

This narrative benefits both Kardashian and Velocity Restorations, associating the brand with celebrity taste and reinforcing the desirability of their products.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Kim Kardashian pay for her 1973 Ford Bronco?

Kim Kardashian paid $285,000 for the fully restored 1973 Ford Bronco. The vehicle was customized and restored by Velocity Restorations, with costs reflecting the extensive mechanical and interior upgrades.

Where will Kim Kardashian use her 1973 Ford Bronco?

The Bronco was purchased for use at her summer mountain home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The vehicle was shipped there after initially being in Los Angeles.

The Idaho location requires a vehicle capable of handling varied terrain and weather conditions.

What makes Velocity Restorations Broncos special?

Velocity Restorations specializes in transforming classic Ford Broncos into modernized vehicles that retain their vintage appearance. Their restorations typically include engine upgrades, modern suspension and braking systems, and luxurious interior appointments, resulting in vehicles that combine classic styling with contemporary reliability.

Is a 1973 Ford Bronco a good investment?

Original first-generation Ford Broncos have appreciated significantly in value, and well-restored examples from reputable builders command premium prices. However, the $285,000 price tag for this particular vehicle reflects the celebrity connection and the high-end restoration, making it more of a luxury purchase than a pure investment.

What color is Kim Kardashian's 1973 Ford Bronco?

The vehicle features a forest green exterior with white accents. This color combination is classic for first-generation Broncos and aligns with the vintage luxury aesthetic Kardashian sought for her Idaho mountain home.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.