Gateway Bronco teams with Shelby to support the next generation of car builders

Two colleges will build classic Broncos and auction them at the 2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction

By David P. Castro - January 28, 2023

Gateway Bronco founder Seth Burgett at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction

It’s tough to achieve your goals without the support of others. It could be as simple as having someone’s emotional support during trying moments and it can also happen from being granted an opportunity to shine and show your skills. Gateway Bronco is teaming with the Shelby Automotive Program at Northeast Texas Community College for a Ford Bronco build.

“We are trying to provide opportunities and turn that opportunity into success,” said Seth Burgett, founder of Gateway Bronco.

The Shelby Automotive Program is looking for one more school to participate in the build and those interested can contact Gateway Bronco to throw a hat in the ring.

Each school will receive all the necessary components to build a classic Bronco. Gateway Bronco is donating a brand-new Ford-licensed body shell, a new Coyote five-liter V8 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a Ford Motor Company frame, and an original OEM chassis. The finished SUVs will be auctioned at the 2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction with the proceeds going back to the schools.

Image courtesy of Gateway Bronco

“That’s just a foundation, it’s a body, it’s an engine and it’s a frame,” said Burgett. “They’ve got to put the sweat equity into it. They’ve got to add more parts and materials. What we’re going to do is take that foundation, add to that the mentoring of our master craftsman in their facility and in our facility so they can turn that into something that is real.”

The Bronco build is intended to create the next generation of car builders with the necessary skills to achieve their dreams. Ultimately though, Burgett is granting the opportunities that were afforded to him and to help someone achieve their dreams. Burgett’s initiative is being supported by Aaron Shelby, Dennis Collins, Chris Jacobs, Christie Lee, and Chris Jacobs.

“I’ve had some great mentors over time and without those mentors I wouldn’t have become an engineer,” said Burgett. “I wouldn’t have had the ability to paint my first automobile at age 14, and those great mentors invested me without any value in return. This is the time to start doing the same.”

Article Courtesy of Classiccars.com