Patriot Classic 4x4, Inc. was founded by Rich and Michele Smith
Rich and Michele Smith, lifelong Ford enthusiasts, founded Patriot Classic 4x4 in 2020 after selling their previous business, "Mustangs to Fear." Rich's passion for cars began early—He was taught the old school way of body work and fit and finish by his father. This foundation gave Rich the skills and appreciation for craftsmanship that he brought into his career. With over 50 years of experience in the classic Mustang space, Rich and Michele are now applying their expertise to the restoration and modernization of classic Ford Broncos, preserving their iconic charm while adding modern reliability and performance.
Functional Design
Rich’s strength lies in his ability to address practical needs in design. For him, the focus isn’t simply on aesthetics but also on ensuring usability and practicality in every vehicle part they create. Rich takes the original designs and thoughtfully updates them to enhance the fit, finish, and usability of the classic Bronco, modernizing parts to meet today’s standards without sacrificing the timeless appeal of the original vehicle
Product Development
Rich has developed hundreds of parts specifically for classic Mustangs, focusing on enhancing performance and integrating modern technology into these iconic vehicles. He was among the pioneers to put 5.0L Coyote engines into classic Mustangs Creating specialized components from the ground up. Rich developed all the parts including sub-frames, full suspension systems, headers, engine panels, and radiators, among others. His innovative approach ensures these modernized classics maintain their structural integrity while delivering enhanced power and performance. Rich’s passion for product development continues to push the boundaries of what's possible with classic restorations, emphasizing both reliability and modern driving experience.
Customer Focused
Patriot Classic 4x4’s dedication to customer service is evident in Rich's approach to providing free technical assistance to customers. Whether the customer is an experienced body shop technician or an at-home DIY enthusiast, Rich's knowledge of painting, bodywork, and installation is shared freely. This ethos extends beyond simply selling parts—Rich ensures that customers are empowered with the knowledge to use them effectively, which sets Patriot apart in the restoration and modification industry.
Modern designs for your classic Bronco
For Builders. By Builders.
At Patriot Classic 4x4, we live by the motto "For Builders. By Builders." This isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we love to do. We are truly passionate about these classic vehicles, and that passion fuels every part we design and every build we complete. Our tagline, "Modern designs for your classic Bronco," captures our mission perfectly. We want to keep that nostalgic charm while enhancing reliability, performance, and usability, so these beautiful classics are ready for today’s roads.
