Vehicle Description
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https://www.flickr.com/gp/149927902@N02/78DHGb3V13
• First generation of Broncos to get Mustang's C4 auto
transmission
• 302 CI V8
• Upgraded Dana 44 rear axle
• Built June 1974
Vehicle Options:
Midnight Blue Metallic
C4 3 speed transmission
Power Steering
15" Steel Wheels
Locking Center Hubs
Removable Hardtop
Convertible top
Receiver Hitch
HD Package
Ford wanted to do something different, but instead of keeping their
hands clean by staying on asphalt, they decided they wanted to make
their toes dirty and start shooting up sand from under their tires.
In March of 1966, Ford released this Bronco with three different
variations; the roadster, sports utility, and the wagon. All three
would come factory equipped with 4 Wheel-Drive, a 3 speed manual
transmission, and a 170 cubic inch 6 cylinder engine putting down a
whopping 105Hp.
However, before Ford was sure the Bronco would be a huge success in
the off-roading realm, they decided to give one to Bill Stroppe and
his team, giving them permission to go pedal to the metal in
various competitions. Stroppe took it to the 1967 Riverside
Four-Wheel Drive Grand Prix and took home a Podium finish. In 1968,
they took victories in Rverside, Mint 400, and the Baja 1000. News
got around so quickly that Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones
took notice of them and joined the team. Jones ended up driving
with Stroppe and took victories in both the 1971 and 1972 Mexican
1000 Race.
Due to the Bronco's huge success, Ford decided to go all out on
their last facelift of their first generation Bronco. On top of the
already existing 200CID Inline six-cylinder engine, Ford gave their
pride and joy, the '74 Bronco, a newly designed, 302 CID V8 that
put down 125hp and 243tq. Just to mess and compete with Chevrolet
and their blazer, they thought of an intriguing idea of sticking in
a brand new (to the Bronco, already equipped in the mustang at this
time) C4 3 speed automatic transmission, which actually ended up
becoming more popular than the pre-existing, 3 speed manual
transmission. The rear axle for the '74 was also upgraded to a Dana
44, paired with the already pre-existing Dana 30 front axle and the
9" rear end, only drastically improved the off-roading
capabilities.
The 1974 Ford Bronco is the most sought-after off-roading collector
SUV by enthusiasts mainly due to the available options and trim
packages offered, the exclusive-to-1974 302CID V8 powerplant in the
first generation, the automatic transmission, and ultimately, it
marks the end of the first generation Bronco that rolled off of
Ford's assembly line.
This particular Bronco was restored during its previous ownership
between 2013-2023 and had been fitted with extensive desirable
options. On the outside, the truck was repainted in Midnight Blue
Metallic with a white removable top. The front bumper, grille,
moldings, rubber seals, and windshield were replaced in the same
year. In regards to safety, a roll bar had been added to the mix
and in terms of utility usage, a trailer hitch, a swing-away rear
tire carrier, and dual side mirrors were added. The truck currently
sits on a suspension lift kit which is supported by 15" steel
wheels, fitted with Firestone Destination tires.
The transmission was reportedly resealed and the transmission
mounts, fuel lines, auxiliary fuel tank, and battery were replaced
in 2019. The oil pan gasket and crankshaft seal were replaced in
2023. The engine was reported at 137 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of
torque, and power is routed to the rear or all four wheels through
the C4 three-speed manual transmission and a dual range transfer
case. A 7.5-gallon auxiliary fuel tank was fitted from the factory
as well.
Upon arrival at Canepa, every collector car for sale is put through
an extensive and diligent process called the "Canepa Difference."
This includes a major and comprehensive mechanical inspection where
all systems are checked, serviced, and restored as needed. They
also receive award-winning Concours-level detailing, including a
thorough cleaning of each and every surface.
