Just keep in mind you can't drive it 😞

The Ford Explorer Sportsman concept debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show as a design study tailored specifically for fly-fishing enthusiasts. It effectively served as a development mule, hiding the underpinnings and general shape of the upcoming third-generation Explorer in plain sight, though with unique slab-sided body panels. Finished in low-gloss Satin Metallic Green, the concept featured distinct outdoor utility items. Its most notable feature was a custom metal and Australian Bloodwood roof rack designed to extend forward, fold down, and swing outward into a basket for easy side-loading of fishing rods and nets. The interior continued the theme with Riverstone Tan woven leather seats, extensive Bloodwood trim, a billet aluminum center console, and a dashboard-mounted navigation system. Early configurations even included a rolling 30-gallon live fish tank and seatback-mounted fly-tying workstations. Mechanically, it differs significantly from production models. It features a live rear axle and a Mazda-sourced 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Lacking a standard VIN, EPA, or DOT certification, the one-off vehicle is not street legal. #conceptcar #fordexplorer #flyfishing