Vehicle Description
Will the automotive industry ever match the glory it achieved in
the 1950s and 1960s? A hallmark of an industrial powerhouse that's
spawned legendary designers, groomed global leaders and literally
driven innovation, the 'Golden Age' was an excellent time to be a
car enthusiast. Consumers were enamored with the latest and
greatest cars, and virtually every manufacturer, from Ferrari to
Hudson, was busy winning on Sunday and selling on Monday. It seems
only fitting that, along with celebrated personalities and
modern-era dynasties, this period gave rise to some of the coolest
collector cars ever created. Produced during the second month of
Bronco production, this choice Bronco Roadster is a meticulously
restored icon that, thanks to a roster of NOS components, is
exceptionally correct and exceptionally exclusive. And if you're in
the market for a cool collectible that backs incredible pedigree
with timeless looks and impressive attention to detail, you're
reading about your next classic!
COMPULSIVE INFATUATION
Originally sold in sunny California, this fine Ford is the
beneficiary of a frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration that was
completed over the course of four years. That said, four years is
probably a bit of an understatement since the project actually
started ten years ago when the rust-free truck's owner began
obsessing over getting every detail as correct as possible.
Naturally, that obsession involved the acquisition of a roster of
New Old Stock components. And today, decked in correct Wimbledon
White two-stage, this Bronco rolls as a literal testament to the
glory of '60s Detroit steel!
In addition to some crisp red stripes, this Ford was assembled with
an interesting array of notable aesthetics - many unique to
early-build Broncos. At the front of the truck, an early-build
'eyebrow grille' hangs crisp parking lamps and old school FoMoCo
headlights above an original, 1966-exclusive bumper that was
factory-optioned in chrome. Behind that grille, a sculpted hood,
complete with optional windshield washers, flows to a hinged
windscreen, which hangs an NOS mirror behind polished NOS wipers. A
vintage driver's mirror joins an NOS, convex passenger's mirror to
reflect a doorless profile under an NOS antenna, flowing "Bronco"
scripts and a color-keyed fuel cap. And at the back of the truck, a
"FORD" branded tailgate shades an original, 1966-exclusive bumper
that shines optional chrome under NOS taillight bezels and NOS
taillight lenses.
ORIGINAL 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
Roadster's super clean engine bay is both correct and original.
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 1-barrel carburetor that's centered on cast FoMoCo
manifolds. The fires get lit by an NOS distributor, which makes
excellent use of an NOS cap, an NOS rotor and a reproduction
Autolite Sta-Ful battery. Cooling is provided by an original,
re-cored radiator. All the mill's wear components, such as hoses,
wires, caps and cables, are accurate reproductions that were
sourced directly from Marti Auto Works. Era-correct detailing
includes an NOS washer bag, an NOS washer pump and an NOS vale
cover breather. And there's even a super rare, 1966-exclusive metal
fresh air box.
AS IT WERE
Lovingly restored from the ground up, this beast is Built Ford
Tough with show car polish! Torque meets the pavement through an
original 3-speed which, like the truck's Thriftpower Six, was the
only kit Ford offered at the Bronco's launch. That drivetrain
powers an optional 9-inch rear axle which, along with a familiar
Dana 30 front axle, pushes a powder-coated frame on a correct
suspension. Stops are provided by a quartet of manual drums, which
lap NOS front hubs. An aluminized, single-pipe exhaust system runs
the entire length of the floor. And everything rolls on original
Kelsey Hayes steelies which, fully powder-coated, twist 7.00-15 STA
Super Traxions around original, optional wheel discs.
AS IT SHOULD BE
Between the doors, original bucket seats stretch familiar Silver
vinyl beneath original, professionally restored belts. A simple
dash floats a thin pad over correct telemetry, 1966-exclusive New
Old Stock knobs and 1966-exclusive Poly Gray paint. A retro
steering wheel laps a rare, 1966-exclusive Ford Motor Company horn
button above an NOS floor mat. A correct radio bumps modern tunes
thanks to a professionally integrated phone jack. And NOS detailing
abounds, from the truck's transfer case shift knob and transfer
case boot to its spare tire wingnut, tire jack and tire jack
wingnut.
Pedigreed, exclusive and freshly restored, this first-year Ford is
an excellent chance for any serious enthusiast to score a world
class collector car. Literally one of the first utes that kicked
off Ford's hallowed Bronco sub-brand, it currently rolls as an
uncut, 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 automotive industry? Find it now
at http://www.RKMotors.com!
HIGHLIGHTS
Early first-year Bronco Roadster that's benefitted from a
ground-up, nut-and-bolt restoration
Four year restoration that utilized many NOS components
Original 170 cubic inch 6-cylinder
Original 3-speed manual transmission
Correct, optional Ford 9-inch rear axle
Correct Dana 30 front axle
4-wheel drum brakes
Powder-coated frame
Correct, 1966-exclusive Silver interior
Correct radio that's upgraded with a phone jack
Correct Wimbledon White paint with red stripes
Original Kelsey Hayes wheels that are powder-coated and fitted with
correct disc covers
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world