Vintage design doesn’t have to mean zero safety features. One of the most common concerns drivers have when considering a classic-style vehicle is, “Will it protect me like a modern SUV would?” And you know what? That’s a smart question.
Traditional retro builds and old-school classics simply weren’t made with today’s safety demands in mind. Unlike restomods or restorations, Modern Classics by Vintage are engineered with safety-first design principles.
We didn’t retrofit old ideas. We reimagined what a classic-inspired SUV could be.
At Vintage Modern, formerly Vintage Broncos, every vehicle blends iconic design with next-generation safety systems that not only match modern SUVs, they redefine what’s possible in the category.
Here’s how we deliver classic car safety with the comfort, control, and confidence today’s drivers deserve.
1. Engineered Safety Built into the Chassis
Crash-Tested Design Philosophy
Let’s face it, most classic cars were built before crash testing was even standard. They looked great, but they offered little real protection in a serious accident. That’s why we took a different approach.
Each of our Modern Classics is built on a modern 2025 Ford Chassis equipped with 6 airbags, built-in crumple zones, side impact beams, and energy-absorbing materials designed to protect, not just impress.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cars built by 2012 had a 56% lower fatality risk than those from the late 1950s. In fact, improved vehicle safety has saved over 600,000 lives between 1960 and 2012.
That’s the kind of legacy we believe in—protection that’s timeless and proven.
Advanced Restraint Systems
Each build includes 6 airbags, modern three-point seatbelts, and child-seat-ready LATCH systems that meet today’s highest federal safety standards. These aren’t extras, they’re essentials.
Balance and Stability Control
From smooth highways to winding roads, our electronic safety suite has your back. Features include:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Traction Control
These systems work together to provide sure-footed handling, even in slippery or sudden situations. Of course, safety isn’t just structural. It’s also smart, and come standard to support you in every moment behind the wheel
2. Smart Driving Technology Without the Distraction
Rearview Camera and Parking Assistance
Parking into a tight spot shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Our Modern Classics include a rearview camera and rear parking sensors that are beautifully integrated into the classic design of the rear bumper.
Driver Alerts and Intelligent Warnings
Stay alert, not annoyed. Thoughtful alerts for seatbelt use, tire pressure, and system diagnostics help you stay safe without overwhelming your senses. It’s technology that supports you, without getting in your way.
3. Premium Braking and Handling Capabilities
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Emergency stops happen. That’s why every Modern Classic is equipped with advanced anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for confident, controlled braking in any situation.
Studies show that ABS can reduce fatal pedestrian accidents by 27%—a critical difference when driving through neighborhoods, school zones, or busy intersections.
Our braking systems are rigorously tested for reliability, powered with precision and poise, ensuring that beauty never comes at the cost of safety. Traditional classic cars without anti-lock brakes are prone to locking up and sliding, and/or spinning under hard braking or wet conditions.
Because your SUV shouldn’t just look the part, it should be ready when a child runs into the road or a storm hits unexpectedly.
Optimized Suspension for Stability and Comfort
We’ve custom-tuned our suspension to deliver the firm, grounded feel of a classic vehicle, while maintaining the comfort and handling you’d expect from a premium SUV.
Using high-performance adjustable coilovers and independent front suspension, each component is precision-calibrated for balance, responsiveness, and ride quality. It’s the best of both eras.
All-Terrain Traction Control
Whether you’re rolling through rain, snow, or gravel, our smart traction control system automatically adjusts to road conditions. This is modern safety SUV tech, finely calibrated for the real world.
4. Safety + Style: How We Blend the Two
Every safety upgrade is subtly woven into our iconic aesthetic. Every feature is purposeful, harmonious, and tastefully restrained. See the design insights on how we achieve a Vintage Look on a modern car.
Color-Matched Components for Seamless Styling
We don’t just match safety to performance, we match it to style. Whether you’re in Wimbledon White, Boxwood Green, or Brittany Blue, your parking sensors, camera housing, and trim accents are all color-matched for visual unity and elegance.
Interior Details That Protect Quietly
Our cabins are wrapped in durable, soft-touch materials featuring stitched leather, impact-absorbing panels, and padded dash elements, all carefully selected for both beauty and function. You stay protected without losing the classic cockpit feel.
5. Why Safety is Non-Negotiable in a Modern Classic
Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
You’re not buying a prop. You’re investing in a lifestyle vehicle that protects your loved ones every mile of the journey. Whether it’s school drop-offs or weekend getaways, knowing your SUV has modern protection changes how you drive and how you feel behind the wheel.
We Don’t Compromise and You Shouldn’t Either
Some vintage-style builders cut corners on safety to preserve aesthetics or reduce costs. We never do. At Vintage Modern, excellence is non-negotiable. Our clients expect more, and they get it. Because to us, a truly beautiful build goes beyond looks. It’s about precision engineering, modern protection, and peace of mind with every mile.
When you drive a Modern Classic by Vintage, you’re not just seen, you’re safeguarded.
Built for Today’s Roads and Tomorrow’s
Classic cars were never designed for the chaos of today’s traffic, distracted drivers, or unpredictable road conditions. Ours are!
Each Modern Classic is handcrafted on a modern car chassis with advanced safety systems, like 6 airbags, traction control, crumple zones, and backup cameras, all seamlessly integrated into a timeless design. Our classic-inspired vehicle with modern technology offers performance-tested protection that keeps up with your life and leads the way forward.
Conclusion
Style should never come at the expense of safety. And with Vintage Modern, it never does.
We’ve reimagined the classic SUV, preserving its iconic charm while seamlessly integrating the advanced protection and precision performance that today’s drivers expect. Every build features modern safety systems and thoughtfully embedded technology, all designed to enhance your driving experience without disrupting the aesthetic.
Because a true Modern Classic doesn’t just turn heads—it protects what matters.
Ready to experience timeless design backed by cutting-edge confidence? Explore our inventory or connect with our team today.
With Vintage Modern, safety isn’t just a feature. It’s the foundation of every drive.
