Vehicle Description
Every generation of America's favorite and most notorious 4x4 has
now become a great collectable. This absolutely dialed-in 1986 Ford
Bronco 4x4 "Bull Nose" is now eligible for AACA shows and remains
the pinnacle of full-sized Bronco fun. Very nicely preserved and
maintained, this Bronco features a powerful fuel-injected 302 V8, a
smooth-shifting automatic transmission, and a host of options like
power steering/brakes, and cold factory A/C. With its killer good
looks and go-anywhere attitude, this is the Bullnose to own if
you've always admired the big Bronc.
Ford did gangbuster business in the '80s with their upscale
off-road machines, and not many full-sized off-roaders were more
admired than the Bronco. While the most famous full-size Bronco was
white (although it came from the 5th generation of these 4x4s),
this handsome Dark Shadow Metallic Bronco (its original shade) is
elegant yet sporty and it's hard to believe that these went out of
production more than two decades ago. I mean, you'd never think
this bruiser was almost 40 years old! The majority of the finish is
factory-original, so it's obviously showing some signs of use here
and there, but nothing critical and it certainly speaks highly of
the care it has received over the years. It's a strong
driver-quality hauler with an awesome Ford Tough look, further
punctuated by the recently restored, removable roof that was
recovered with matching blue, spray-on bedliner material. The 'chip
guard' on the lower portion of the body was also redone, and it not
only looks awesome but will always protect this hauler from the
elements, and the period-perfect Bronco decals and stripes on the
profiles do a wonderful job of providing a little contrast to all
that dark blue finish. The chrome grille and headlight surrounds
are all new, as is the front bumper, the chrome side mirrors, and
the step-bars, while out back the heavy-duty rear bumper was
refinished to match the swing-away spare tire. The lenses covering
the lights are new and clear as can be, as is the big 'Ford' badge
in the front grille, and the butch, go-anywhere stance atop those
'bullet-hole' alloys is the perfect choice for an awesome rig like
this Big Bronc.
The restored interior is another very pleasant surprise, offering
comfortable and great-looking blue vinyl seats and lots of space
for five. Ford insisted on upscale appointments in their trucks,
but the newer vinyl upholstery inside this Bullnose looks much
better than the original cloth seats did, and it's tasteful and
very durable, yet still stylish enough to never look dated. Brand
new blue carpets feel very plush, new door panels at the flanks are
in excellent condition, and the original dash is in very solid
condition as well, especially compared to other SUVs from this era.
A full array of big, legible gauges are in front of the driver,
with the climate controls and JVC AM/FM/CD/AUX stereo waaaaay over
there in the center of the dash. A wide center console with cup
holders and extra storage space splits the buckets up front, while
the original tilt steering wheel was wrapped with a leather cover
that feels great in the hands of the driver, with the column
shifter for the automatic transmission is just a short reach away,
just like the floor shifter for the 2-speed transfer case below.
Factory options include cold A/C, cruise control, and a power rear
window that actually works, which is nothing short of a miracle if
you're familiar with these Broncos. The nicely appointed back seat
looks barely used and the cargo bay is positively massive, fully
upholstered and with the spare mounted back outside, you can take
pretty much everything you own with you out on the trails.
Ford's erstwhile 5.0L EFI engine (aka the 302 V8) is a great choice
to move all this brawny sheetmetal, providing plenty of low-end
grunt that never feels strained. Despite a vast aftermarket for the
venerable 5.0L, this one remains quite stock, from the long intake
hoses from the snorkeled air cleaner to the original valve covers.
The engine bay is clean and very well-maintained, although not
detailed for show, and if it's ever seen anything rougher than a
gravel driveway, we'd certainly be surprised. With a 4-speed
automatic overdrive transmission and a 2-speed transfer case, this
truck is equally happy at highway speeds or crawling at barely a
walking pace and the suspension is built for off-roading that would
strand one of today's "cute utes." The upgraded dual exhaust system
sounds slightly throatier than the original but it's by no means
over-the-top or obnoxious, power steering and power disc brakes
mean it's a comfortable SUV to handle, and the undercarriage is
very solid thanks to a life spent in Georgia and show signs of
maintenance throughout. Handsome 15-inch "bullet-hole" wheels are
in great shape, wearing fresh 31x10.5x15 Hankook white-letter
radials that are pretty pricey all by themselves.
If you grew up in the '80s, you know this is a super-cool SUV, and
you just won't find more full-sized go-anywhere transportation for
less cash than this. Bullnose Broncos are starting to skyrocket in
value just like the earlier generations, so this may be your last
chance to get in on the fun before they get out of reach. Call
today!
