The 1960s gave us some of the most iconic silhouettes in automotive history. From the boxy, defiant stance of the first-gen Ford Bronco to the curvaceous muscle of a ’67 Mustang, these vehicles are rolling art.
But let’s be honest: driving a bone-stock 1966 Bronco in 2025 can feel a bit like trying to run a marathon in wooden clogs. The steering is vague, the drum brakes are more of a “suggestion” than a command, and the engine—bless its heart—is likely leaking more oil than a deep fryer.
Enter the Reverse Retro Revolution. We are leaving the basic restorations realm and entering the “Restomods” on steroids—vehicles that keep the vintage soul but swap the prehistoric hardware for 2025 performance. It’s the best of both worlds: Steve McQueen’s style with a modern Raptor’s heartbeat.
The Soul of a Classic, the Heart of a Beast
The centerpiece of this revolution is the first-gen Bronco. Companies like Vintage Modern and Gateway Bronco have mastered the art of “reverse” builds, taking the legendary 1966–1977 aesthetic and stuffing it with modern tech.
Imagine sliding into a cockpit that looks period-correct but features a hidden digital dash, climate control that actually gets cold, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Under the hood, the tired straight-six is gone, replaced by a modern crate engine, pushing over 400 horsepower.
It’s all about reliability. You can take a cross-country road trip without a trunk full of spare parts. Enjoy modern paint jobs, like deep ceramic coatings and matte finishes.
The Registration Trap: A 2025 Engine in a 1966 Frame
When you marry a 60-year-old frame to a brand-new 2025 powerplant, most local DMVs look at your car and see a paradox.
Is it a 1966 Bronco? Or, because it has a 2025 engine and a custom chassis, is it a “Specially Constructed Vehicle”?
In some states, this distinction is everything. If they label it a new build, you might be forced to meet 2025 emissions standards—an impossible task for a vehicle without modern catalytic converters and complex EVAP systems integrated into the body.
Furthermore, the taxes can be staggering. If you’ve spent $200,000 on a high-end restomod, a 9% sales tax means writing a $18,000 check just for the privilege of a license plate.
Why Enthusiasts Trust Ride Legal
Our Montana LLC method has become the secret weapon for the Reverse Retro Revolution. Montana is one of the few states that understands the unique nature of these hybrid builds.
1. No Sales Tax (Period)
Montana has 0% sales tax. Whether you bought a $15,000 barn find or a $300,000 Velocity Restoration masterpiece, you pay zero in sales tax when registering through a Montana LLC.
2. No Smog or Emissions Testing
Montana doesn’t care if your 2025 Coyote engine is breathing through a custom exhaust. There are no smog checks or emissions inspections, which is a massive relief for owners of “Specially Constructed Vehicles” or heavily modified classics that don’t fit into a standard box.
3. Permanent Registration
For vehicles 11 years or older, Montana offers permanent registration. You pay once, get your plates, and you never have to deal with the DMV again. No annual stickers, no renewal fees, no headaches.
4. Handling the “Hybrid” VIN
Montana’s MCA 61-3-320 specifically addresses “custom vehicles” and “specially constructed vehicles.” This framework allows you to register your build based on what it is (a classic) while acknowledging its modern upgrades, without the headaches of traditional state inspections.
How Ride Legal Keeps Your Revolution on the Road
Building a custom 1966 Bronco with a 2025 powertrain is an incredible achievement, but the paperwork shouldn’t be the hardest part of the build. That’s why we specialize in the intersection of automotive passion and compliance.
We do more than fill out forms. We set up your Montana LLC and manage the entire titling process so your high-performance classic is 100% street-legal without the predatory taxes and impossible inspections of your home state.
Whether you’re running a modded classic, a luxury car, an RV, or virtually anything with wheels, we handle the process so you can focus on the road.
Ready to give your classic the modern life it deserves? Contact Ride Legal today, and let’s get your vehicle registered the right way.
