VIN U15GLK06609
- Fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 with 4R70W four-speed automatic
transmission
- Dana 20 transfer case with twin-stick shifters, Dana 44 front
axle, and Ford 9-inch rear end
- Wild Horses suspension, Bilstein shocks, power steering, and
four-wheel disc brakes
- Vintage Air climate control, RetroSound Bluetooth stereo, and
Dakota Digital instrumentation
- Refurbished in 2023 with a powder-coated frame and just 119
miles showing on the digital odometer
The first-generation Ford Bronco has become one of the most
recognizable American utility vehicles of the postwar era,
combining simple mechanicals, compact proportions, and genuine
off-road ability with a shape that has aged remarkably well.
Introduced for 1966, the Bronco was conceived as a more refined
alternative to the basic utility vehicles of the period, and over
the following years Ford steadily improved the model without
straying far from its original formula.
This 1971 Bronco has been the subject of an intensive frame-off
restoration that involved preserving the familiar appearance while
making the truck considerably easier to use in modern traffic.
Refinished in 2023 in its original color of Boxwood Green, with
Wimbledon White lower-body accents and a removable hardtop give the
Bronco a clean, period-inspired presentation.
Underneath, the Bronco has been substantially updated. Power comes
from a fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 installed in 2023 and equipped
with Ford's Electronic Distributorless Ignition System. An American
Autowire harness was fitted at the same time, bringing the
electrical system up to date and helping support the truck's
modernized mechanical package.
The V8 is paired with a 4R70W four-speed automatic transmission and
a Dana 20 dual-range transfer case operated by twin-stick shifters.
A Dana 44 front axle and Ford 9-inch rear end complete the
drivetrain, giving the truck a robust and well-proven foundation
for both road and trail use.
The chassis received equally meaningful attention. The frame was
powder-coated, while Wild Horses suspension components, a 1.5-inch
lift kit, Bilstein shocks, and a Hellwig sway bar improve stance
and road manners. Power steering and four-wheel disc brakes further
transform the driving experience, addressing two of the areas where
an early Bronco can feel most dated. Wheelsmith 17-inch wheels
wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler tires complete the package.
Inside, the cabin was refreshed with components sourced from Tom's
Offroad and trimmed in Parchment vinyl, including front bucket
seats and a rear bench. A color-coordinated roll bar, locking
center console, Vintage Air climate control, and a RetroSound
Bluetooth stereo add useful comfort without disrupting the simple
character of the interior.
Dakota Digital instrumentation provides a modern readout of speed,
engine rpm, voltage, fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil
pressure, while an OBDII diagnostics port makes servicing the
updated fuel-injected drivetrain considerably more straightforward.
The digital odometer currently shows 119 miles.
In the ever-increasing market of retro-fitted Bronco's, this
example stands out for its tribute to originality and the true
Bronco formula, while having been tastefully enhanced to improve
the driving experience. With fuel injection, automatic overdrive,
improved suspension, power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, modern
climate control, and updated electrics, it is far more approachable
than a stock early Bronco without losing the character that made
these trucks so appealing in the first place.
Offers welcome and trades considered.
