Vehicle Description
The year is 2020. There hasn't been a new Bronco sold through Ford
showrooms in two and a half decades. In July, Ford previewed the
highly anticipated sixth-generation of its legendary ute. And now,
roughly nine months later, Bronco fever is in full swing!
Presently, Ford has enough orders for the sixth-gen to satisfy TWO
YEARS of production. A companion model, the Bronco Sport crossover,
will bring even more buyers into the fold. At least 100 Ford
dealers are constructing Bronco-exclusive showrooms for what Ford
has now deemed one of its two sub brands. And there's even rumor
that Ford's upcoming Maverick small truck will debut as an
extension of the Bronco family. Point is, there's never been a
better time to invest in a vintage Bronco. And this classic, an
early example of the truck that started it all, is the kind of
collectible that builders hoard and enthusiasts covet!
A HULK WITH A HISTORY
An early-build Bronco that was recruited as a dealership workhorse
straight off the showroom floor, this Ford spent a lot of time
sitting. As you probably know, parking any car can be both
beneficial and detrimental because, in addition to reducing wear
and tear, it can also lead to deterioration. For most of its life,
the well-maintained pickup was used for utilitarian shop tasks like
parts runs and plowing parking lots. However, times and leadership
change, and the ute was eventually parked 'out back' where it sat
for decades. Out of sight but certainly not out of minds, many
folks courted the dealership about a purchase and, eventually, the
right buyer pulled down a wall of sentimentality. That buyer was an
avid Bronco enthusiast who knew the truck's early-build status and
was determined to restore it back to its former glory.
Despite a decade of battling the elements, the Bronco only had
4,000 miles on its odometer and, with fresh gas and a new tank,
fired right up! In fact, the truck ran so well that its restorer
even plowed his driveway a time or two before totally disassembling
the rig for a detailed, ground-up restoration. That said, with
every breakthrough comes an impasse, and this Bronco's bed had
weathered so badly that a major decision had to be made. Should the
restorer cut into the truck's original metal to add replacement
pieces or should he simply buy a replacement body. Well, the
eventual answer was NEITHER. It just so happened that this
well-networked enthusiast got a lead on a donor Bronco with a
rust-free body. But here's the really cool part: the donor Bronco
was also an October 1966 build that, thanks to a long life in
Arizona, had zero rust issues. So, what you have here is a
4,124-mile early build Bronco that, thanks to a donor truck of the
same build month, still wears 100% correct Ford Motor Company
steel!
Decked in a crisp combination of correct Rangoon Red and Wimbledon
White two-stage, this Ford features an interesting array of notable
aesthetics. At the front of the truck, an early-build,
1966-exclusive 'eyebrow grille' hangs old school halogen lighting
above a 1966-exclusive bumper. Behind that grille, a 1966-exclusive
hood, finished with optional windshield washers and a correct catch
loop, flows to a hinged windscreen that's complete with an
early-build, 1966-exclusive frame-mount rearview. Fresh glass casts
reflections in a correct fender-mount mirror, which shades polished
handles and 1966-exclusive lock cylinders. 1966-exclusive Bronco
badging tops 1966-exclusive fenders, which lead tasteful rocker
stripes. A retro chic hardtop, unique to 1966 in the way it latches
to the truck, leads a pristine bed that's boxed around a
1966-exclusive spare. And at the back of that bed, 1966-exclusive
taillights join a 1966-exclusive tag lamp to illuminate a
1966-exclusive tailgate and a second 1966-exclusive bumper.
CORRECT AND ONLY
As most Ford historians probably know, Dearborn kicked off Bronco
production with a 170 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder. The 289 that is
often retrofitted to these trucks wasn't technically on the option
sheet until about halfway through the 1966 model year. So, the
completely rebuilt and carefully detailed mill you see in this
pickup's super clean engine bay is factory-correct. Designed from
the ground up to be a tough-as-nails workhorse and, serving as
primary Bronco power for almost a decade, the Thriftpower Six is a
favorite among vintage truck fans because of its simple design,
adequate power and excellent durability. And, in the name of
authenticity, pretty much everything on this ute's 170 has been
returned to intentional, factory-spec simplicity. At the top of the
engine, a 1966-exclusive oil-bath air cleaner caps a requisite Ford
carburetor. Cooling comes courtesy of a correct, 1966-exclusive
radiator. And authentic detailing includes a correct washer bag, a
1966-exclusive master cylinder, a correctly wired alternator and an
early-build, 1966-exclusive metal fresh air box.
AS IT WERE
Recruited directly from the showroom to be a purposeful runabout,
this Half Cab's been Built Ford Tough literally from day one! Power
meets the pavement through a correct 3-speed which, like the
truck's Thriftpower Six, was the only kit Ford offered at the
Bronco's launch. That drivetrain spins a correct 9-inch rear axle
behind an early-build, 1966-exclusive Dana 30 front axle, which is
shackled to a correctly restored 1966 suspension. Extra trail
prowess is provided by an early-build, 1966-exclusive skid plate
that, as you might imagine, is exceptionally rare. Stops are
provided by a quartet of manual drums. An aluminized, single-pipe
exhaust system runs the entire length of the floor. And everything
rolls on heavy-duty, 1966-exclusive Kelsey Hayes steelies that
twist 7.00-15 Power King Extra Traction tires.
AS IT SHOULD BE
Between the doors, a correct bench seat wears 1966-exclusive 'match
stick' vinyl that, because it isn't reproduced, had to be purchased
raw from Ford's original supplier, patterned off an original cover,
and hand-stitched to form. A simple dash stretches a correct
'pencil pad' over correct telemetry, 1966-exclusive knobs and
1966-exclusive Poly Gray paint. Silver door panels hang
1966-exclusive handles behind 1966-exclusive cranks. A retro
steering wheel laps a rare, 1966-exclusive Ford Motor Company horn
button. And choice detailing abounds, from the truck's correct
wiper motors and 1966-exclusive wiring harness to its correct
seatbelts and 1966-exclusive floor mat.
Storied, unique and freshly restored by a long-time Bronco
aficionado, this fine Ford is an excellent chance for any serious
enthusiast to score a world class collector car. One of the first
utes that kicked off Ford's hallowed Bronco sub brand, it currently
rolls as a highly correct testament to why American trucks continue
to make big gains in popularity and price. Looking for an ultimate
homage to the 'Golden Age' of the automobile industry? Find it now
at https://www.RKMotors.com!
HIGHLIGHTS
Exquisite Bronco Half Cab that's benefitted from a detailed,
frame-off restoration
Highly accurate restoration completed by renowned Bronco restorer
Jeff Leslie
Driven only 4,125 miles since NEW!
Original 170 cubic inch 6-cylinder
Original 3-speed manual transmission
Original Dana 30 front axle
Original Ford 9-inch rear axle
Heavy Duty Kelsey Hayes wheels
Early-build Ford steel body with correct Rangoon Red and Wimbledon
White paint
1966-exclusive Silver interior
Removable hardtop
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world
