The 2001 Ford Explorer Sportsman concept has made its way back to the market after being largely forgotten for decades. The fishing themed Explored debuted 25 years ago and is now being auctioned off. This rare find is sure to spark interest among car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Explorer Sportsman concept was designed to appeal to fly fishers, with a focus on providing an immersive wilderness experience. It features a satin metallic green bodywork with contrasting silver accents, power deployable running boards, 17-inch wheels, and a fully detachable roof rack that allows for easy loading of fishing gear.
The interior is more traditional in design, with woven leather seats and elegant Bloodwood trim reminiscent of the forests of Victoria, Australia and Queensland, New South Wales. The concept also boasts billet aluminum accents and a GPS navigation system operated by an on-board mouse.
However, not all features are functional as intended. The running boards, which were once power deployable, are now no longer operational due to wear and tear. Additionally, the vehicle is not street-legal in its current form, with a Mazda-sourced 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.
Despite these issues, the concept appears to be in excellent condition, with some minor cosmetic flaws noted in the listing. The 30-gallon tank for live fish is still present, albeit mounted on rollers and locked into position in the cargo compartment.
The Explorer Sportsman concept is a rare glimpse into the past of automotive design and engineering, offering insights into the creative decisions made by car manufacturers decades ago. Its unique features and nostalgic value make it an attractive find for collectors and enthusiasts.
Currently, the auction price stands at $12,500, with bidding ongoing as of this writing. Interested parties can view the listing on Bring a Trailer before the opportunity to purchase this rare vintage concept car expires.
The sale of this vintage concept car serves as a reminder that even seemingly forgotten designs can resurface and capture the attention of enthusiasts. The Explorer Sportsman concept is a true relic of automotive history, waiting to be rediscovered by those who appreciate its unique charm.
As the market for vintage vehicles continues to grow, it's likely that more rare finds like this will emerge, offering a glimpse into the past of car design and engineering. For now, the 2001 Ford Explorer Sportsman concept remains an intriguing find for anyone interested in automotive history or unique collectibles.
This vintage concept car offers a glimpse into the past of automotive design and engineering.
