Bronco Nation

Frank DeBono clay sculptor of the Bronco original.

BroncoMax
Oct 03, 2020

Rank V

Oct 03, 2020

Frank DeBono passed away in July 2020 just before the new launch of the Bronco and Bronco Sport. He worked for Ford as a sculptor for 40 years. He also worked on the original clay model. He fashioned his own tools to create beautiful clay renditions. His granddaughter, Molly Gillies, now works for Ford, and helped with that project of the new Bronco. She uses his same tools as needed. Molly explained why sculptors are needed as the designers want to see what the creation looks like in 3D. That is why they are here. I think this is a rich tradition Ford has here and I give Ford Kudos. Thank You Frank DeBono for your expertise and wonderful ability to create the original Bronco in that said 3D clay model. Thank You Molly Gillies for working on the new Bronco we all already love. This is just awesome.
Baja on! As Ford Spanked the competition in 1969, in the Baja 1000, NO OTHER AUTOMAKER HAS, replicated in 50 plus years
jessdunn05, Deano Bronc
Last edited by a moderator: Oct 03, 2020

Wank ER

Oct 15, 2020

#1
Nice memorial - Thanks
2021 FE Cactus Grey
Moderator

Miss being Rocky Mountain high!

Oct 15, 2020

#2
Great story!

https://community.thebronconation.com/forums/threads/crafting-the-bronco-molly.1901/
2022 Bronco Badlands, 4D, Hot Pepper Red, 2.7, Squatch, Lux, and MIC.
7/13/2020 10:04pm reservation. Blend 6/16/2022 Delivered 6/26/2022.
Dealership - Stephen's Auto Center.

Rank VI

Oct 15, 2020

#3
BroncoMax
Frank DeBono passed away in July 2020 just before the new launch of the Bronco and Bronco Sport. He worked for Ford as a sculptor for 40 years. He also worked on the original clay model. He fashioned his own tools to create beautiful clay renditions. His granddaughter, Molly Gillies, now works for Ford, and helped with that project of the new Bronco. She uses his same tools as needed. Molly explained why sculptors are needed as the designers want to see what the creation looks like in 3D. That is why they are here. I think this is a rich tradition Ford has here and I give Ford Kudos. Thank You Frank DeBono for your expertise and wonderful ability to create the original Bronco in that said 3D clay model. Thank You Molly Gillies for working on the new Bronco we all already love. This is just awesome.
We heard about this the day of the reveal. Molly was supposed to be a part of our coverage but wasn’t able to due to the loss of Frank. Internally, we dedicated our reveal coverage to him. Bittersweet day, certainly.
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Deano Bronc

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