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Ford Urban Explorer Concept is Looking for a New Owner

Remember when the Ford Explorer was just a mid-size SUV? It’s hard to do that when we compare the first to fourth-generation Explorers with the current model, but we can’t escape the fact that it’s grown considerably. If you were in the market for an older Explorer, what model would be best suited for an active lifestyle? The Urban Explorer might be it.
2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept 20 photos
Photo: RM Sotheby's
2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept2001 Ford Urban Explorer Concept
This is not just any other Urban Explorer, but the Ford Urban Explorer Concept from 2001. Yes, boys and girls, this third-generation Explorer is a work of fantasy that also happens to start up and drive. Don’t be fooled by the 120 mph (193 km/h) top end of the speedometer though - this blast from the past is not meant to run errands with; it’s a FoMoCo collectible.

With the Urban Explorer Concept, the Detroit-based automaker wanted to show the North American customer pool that the mid-size Explorer sports utility vehicle is as good on the pavement as is off the beaten track. A hip four-wheeled testament to the Generation X crowd and full of unique trim and mods, it is an epic-looking Explorer this, with many goodies to boast about.

Those low-riding deep-dish 5-spoke 20-inch wheels complement the wide fender flares perfectly, as do the Lime Green and Black exterior hues. Boasting integrated driving lamps, functional brake cooling ducts, and a center-exiting exhaust system with polished tips, the 2001 Ford Urban Explorer is arguably more impressive on the inside. Step inside and you’re welcomed by iridescent (as in glow in the dark) piping, Quad-Sport bucket seats, a special gauge cluster and the previously mentioned 120 mph top speed.

But here’s the thing with concept cars: while it is animated by a 205 HP 4-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, you can’t drive the Urban Explorer Concept on public roads. As such, if you’re in the market for an older Explorer SUV, do look elsewhere. But if you plan on dropping around $30,000 for this bit of sport utility vehicle history, RM Sotheby’s Motor City sale on July 25th is the place to be.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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