Introduced in 1990, the Ford Explorer immediately became the industry’s best-selling sport utility vehicle. In the decade following, sport utility sales experienced double-digit growth annually, to the point that calendar year 2000 Explorer sales reached 440,000. During this period, several special edition Explorers were marketed; the Sportsman concept follows in those footsteps.

Designed to fulfill the dreams of anglers, the Explorer Sportsman is outfitted for finding the unspoiled waters of the perfect fishing location. Based on the production 2002 Explorer, it was initially outfitted with Scott fly-fishing rods. Finished in low-gloss, satin metallic green, it has satin-finish front and rear chrome skid plates and an integrated hood and grille. The running boards deploy when the doors are opened and also serve as storage for fishing rods and equipment.

The Explorer Sportsman concept makes extensive use of Blondwood, a type common in moist coastal regions of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria in Australia. One of the most prominent features is a fully-detachable roof rack, which extends forward and folds down. This allows fishing rods, nets and other items to be loaded from the side. Modular attachments are positioned on the rooftop to carry additional sporting equipment like bicycles or tents. In a fixed position, the arms of the roof rack swing outward to form a basket for carrying fly-fishing equipment. The bottom of the basket is trimmed with Blondwood slats.

The interior makes extensive use of pebble-woven leather and the Blondwood material. The instrument panel features a GPS screen, and the seatbacks carry packs that fold out for fly-tying. The fishing complement is rounded out with a 30-gallon live fish tank with clean-air filter, which locks into place in the rear compartment. It has rollers for easy loading and unloading.

This vehicle is not DOT or EPA certified. It cannot be registered for highway use in the United States and is offered on bill of sale only.