The Ford Bronco is a legend among off-roading enthusiasts, having spent three decades as one of the top-selling 4×4 vehicles in the U.S. and a primary competitor to popular Jeep models. Very soon it could reclaim its place near the top of the ever-growing SUV pile.

Ford hasn’t made a new Bronco since 1996 when, to the dismay of many, it discontinued the nameplate after 31 years and five generations. The company announced plans to bring back the Bronco two years ago at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and somehow has managed to keep a tight lid on information about the vehicle’s appearance and features—until recently, anyway.

According to a report from Automotive News, many of Ford’s top dealers were given a chance to check out a prototype of the next-gen Bronco recently in Palm Beach, FL. According to Automotive News, dealers were required to turn over their phone before being given access to an early build of a two-door version of the Bronco, which they also were told would be offered in a four-door version.

Here are some additional details that came out of Automotive News’ report:

The Bronco is designed to be customizable, with a removable hard top and removable doors that can be stored in the vehicle’s cargo area, the sources said. The side mirrors will be attached to the front pillars so they remain in place when the doors are taken off, unlike the Jeep Wrangler — one of the chief rivals Ford is targeting with its Bronco revival.

According to the report, dealers attending the meeting described the new Bronco as having a distinctly retro design with a rectangular grille, round headlights, and a stamped “Bronco” logo on the front.

Outside of the new Bronco, Ford allegedly is building a family of “rugged off-road vehicles” that will include a vehicle colloquially known as the “Baby Bronco,” along with a small, unibody pickup truck. Dealers attending the meeting apparently were given a look at the Baby Bronco and a new Mustang-inspired electric crossover.

Ford plans to make the new Bronco at its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI, according to the Automotive News article.

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Author: Will Schertz

Will is a contributing writer for OnAllCylinders. His automotive writing career stretches back longer than a decade and includes a stint as senior reporter for one of the tire industry’s largest trade publications. He enjoys long walks on the beach, romantic candlelit dinners, and thinly veiled sarcasm. Will lives with his beautiful wife and two small humans who steal his food and "need" more LEGOs.