Gateway Bronco unleashes 'Godzilla' in a classic Ford F-350



(October 30, 2021) ST. LOUIS — Gateway Bronco is set to unleash a monster, Godzilla-powered, V8 “reimagined” Ford F-350 on Las Vegas during the SEMA show beginning Nov. 2. Featuring the world's first Godzilla 7.3L engine with a Harrop USA Supercharger delivering over 1,000 horsepower, this 1972 Ford F350 4x4 Sport Crew Cab was commissioned by an enthusiast who challenged Gateway Bronco to handcraft the truck with the same quality and craftsmanship as the company’s legendary Bronco builds.

Gateway Bronco maintains a license from Ford Motor Company to transform heritage “Built Ford Tough” F-Series trucks using modern supercharged drivetrains, suspensions, and amenities. Their world-class reconditioned Ford Broncos boast contemporary engines, transmissions, brakes, and suspensions engineered to make the classic SUV perform similar to a modern luxury one.

“When we announced our intention to reimagine classic Ford trucks in 2020, we immediately received a commission to push the envelope by using the all-new 7.3L Ford ‘Godzilla’ engine in the vehicle,” said Seth Burgett, CEO of Gateway Bronco. “Once that challenge was made, the choice of who to work with on the build of this historic truck was easy, Harrop USA. When it comes to delivering performance and horsepower, Harrop is at the top of the list.”



The team at Harrop USA more than embraced the challenge.

“Builds like this get us at Harrop USA up in the morning,” said Heath Moore, general manager of Harrop USA. “It’s exciting to have an opportunity to build something that’s never been done before. Being able to do that, along with challenging what people thought was possible in a vintage truck makes this opportunity even more special. We’re thrilled Harrop’s commitment to performance and innovation can be on full display in this beautiful truck.”  

The Harrop Supercharger on the new Ford 7.3-liter V8 engine leverages the same Eaton Twin Vortices Series (TVS) Supercharger technology in the current Shelby GT500 muscle car.

“While our Godzilla won’t breathe flames, it will lay them down,” said Burgett. “Featuring the world's first Godzilla 7.3L engine with a Harrop USA Supercharger, and delivering over 1000 horses, this first-of-its kind, handcrafted truck will have SEMA attendees looking over their shoulder for the beast in the building.”

Gateway Bronco paired the monstrous engine with Eaton’s ELocker performance differentials in both the front and rear to handle the tremendous torque in this one-off F-series Resto-Mod. Eaton Performance, a longtime supplier to Gateway Bronco and contributor to the Godzilla truck was so enamored with the project they invited Gateway Bronco to debut this first ever build in their SEMA exhibit.

“We’re proud of our relationship with Gateway Bronco and appreciate that the company continually looks to Eaton Performance products to enhance their one-of-a-kind builds,” said Tim Bauer vice president, Aftermarket North America at Eaton. “Godzilla features our Eaton ELocker, which is an electronic, selectable differential designed for drivers that need traction on-demand. At the flip of a dash switch, drivers can go from open to 100-percent locked. Another flip of the switch deactivates it to resume normal driving.”

With its custom paint scheme featuring Porsche’s Miami Blue and Shelby’s Wimbledon White, the truck’s finish is as impressive as its stature. Paired with Gateway Bronco’s exclusive barnwood bed, the Godzilla truck sets a new standard for what’s possible for a 1972 Ford F-350.

Like the famous heritage SUVs from Gateway Bronco, the “Resto-Mod” Ford F-350 is a marvel of engineering and quality. Starting with an original 1972 truck, the Gateway Bronco team has integrated:

    •    Godzilla 7.3L Ford V8 with Harrop TVS2650 Supercharger pumping out over 1,000 horsepower
    •    An Eaton Performance differential package, featuring an Eaton ELocker front and rear differential for the ultimate traction performance
    •    Push button 4x4 control, similar to a modern truck
    •    Powder coated custom designed 4-link chassis
    •    6 speed automatic transmission
    •    Custom leather interior including distressed bench seats
    •    Genuine 8’ barnwood bed