by Ford Explorer Sportsman Concept Put Up for Auction
At the 2001 Detroit Auto Show, Ford presented an unusual concept car, the Explorer Sportsman. Built on the basis of the third-generation SUV, this vehicle aimed to realize the dream of fly fishermen about the perfect fishing spot in the wilderness.
Design and Features of the Concept
The concept featured a “simple, genuine exterior” with a satin metallic green body and contrasting silver accents. The vehicle was equipped with electronic running boards, 17-inch wheels, and a “fully removable roof rack.” As Ford explained, this rack “slides forward and folds down so that fishing rods, nets, and other items can be loaded from the side of the vehicle.”
The interior was executed in a more traditional style: leather seats with a woven insert, elegant Bloodwood wood trim grown in the forests of Australia, as well as aluminum accents and GPS navigation, which, according to Ford, was controlled using a computer mouse.
Unique Equipment for Anglers
The most interesting feature of the concept was a 30-gallon live fish tank mounted on rollers in the cargo area. This allowed anglers to keep their catch alive right in the vehicle.
Although the concept was nearly forgotten, it recently appeared at the Bring a Trailer auction. At the time of writing, bids had reached $12,500. The listing notes that the electronic running boards no longer work, but the overall condition of the concept is rated as excellent.
Technical Nuances and History
Interestingly, the original press release for the concept mentioned a new 240 hp V8 engine, however, the auction listing states that the vehicle is actually equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Mazda engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. That said, this is of little consequence, as the vehicle is not intended for use on public roads.
This concept is an interesting testament to how automakers experimented with niche customer needs in the early 2000s. Although the Explorer Sportsman never went into production, it demonstrates Ford’s ambition to create a versatile vehicle for outdoor activities, combining the comfort of an SUV with specialized fishing equipment. Today, such concepts become collector’s items, although their practical value is often limited to museum exhibits or camping decorations.
