Vehicle Description
Following World War II, the idea of a civilian-focused �utility
vehicle gradually began to catch on among manufacturers and buyers
alike. The Willys Jeep had made a name for itself serving in
virtually every theater of the war, and the civilian version sold
respectably well among farmers, businesses, utilities or anyone
that needed a vehicle capable of traversing rugged terrain. In
conjunction with the "domesticated" Jeep, the British had developed
the Land Rover, a similarly versatile vehicle but with alloy body.
Both the Land Rover and the Jeep were primarily purchased for their
versatility in the field, they were not considered for their style
nor did they find much favor as recreational vehicles. But in the
early 1960s that began to change. Soon Jeep began to offer more
equipment and comfort options to appeal to a broader audience and
vehicles such as the International Scout and Toyota Land Cruiser
competed for buyers. As sales picked up, companies looked for new
ways to broaden the appeal of their utility vehicles and marketing
departments began targeting youthful, outdoorsy-types. Jeeps,
Scouts and Cruisers became popular beach vehicles and the ideal
machine for sportsmen to access their favorite grounds. It didn't
take long for Ford to realize they were missing out on an important
market. In 1966, Ford was still riding the wave of success created
by the Mustang. They had a firm grasp on the youth market, and as
utility vehicles became increasingly popular among young buyers,
Ford introduced the Bronco to the market. The Bronco was a
two-door, short wheelbase (just 92 inches) four-wheel drive truck
which was based on an all-new platform, with unique body, frame and
suspension. It was powered by existing Ford engines and borrowed
from the F-series pickups for the drivetrain. A variety of trims
packages were available, and the Bronco was offered as a station
wagon, half-cab pickup or roadster. The styling was simple and
functional with flat-pane glass, simple bumpers and minimal chrome
trim yet still attractive thanks to the contoured body sides. Ford
did not forget the foundation of the off-road vehicle market, and
the Bronco could be equipped with a power takeoff, winch, and tow
bar, among many other accessories. Ford even made sure to modify
the 170 cubic inch inline-six to better handle off-road situations,
with solid lifters and a carburetor designed to work at steep
inclines. The original Bronco became a mainstay of the off-roader
market and remains hugely popular among off-road enthusiasts today.
Of the original three body styles offered, the Roadster, often
known by its body code "U13", is the rarest. Just 5,000 were
produced over three years before the option was dropped due to slow
sales. The U13 Roadster differed from its siblings in that it was
the most overtly sporty of the three body styles. Intended as a
sporty and functional beach buggy, the U13 Roadster is most notable
for the lack of doors, no top and ultra-basic interior trim. The
spare wheel is affixed to the inside of the tailgate and all came
with distinct silver upholstery. The U13 may have been a little too
utilitarian to appeal to most buyers, and those who did purchase
the roadster often used them hard, so survivors are quite rare.
This outstanding 1966 Bronco U13 Roadster has been treated to an
incredible ground up, nut and bolt restoration to exacting original
standards. It is finished in light Arcadian blue with optional
white rocker panel stripes. The paint and body fit are excellent,
with careful attention to detail ensuring it does not appear
over-restored. �As correct for the U13, the original fiberglass
door opening inserts are fitted and nicely finished. Chrome trim is
limited to the bumpers and hubcaps, all of which are excellent. The
hubcaps in particular are the very rare original fluted-type as
fitted only to the 1966 U13. They are affixed to correct original
steel wheels wrapped with correct bias ply whitewall tires. This
Bronco's interior is an exercise in basic accommodations. A pair of
front bucket seats is supplemented by a narrow, two person rear
bench. The seats are trimmed in silver vinyl upholstery as
original, and the floors lined with just a simple rubber mat up
front. The remaining interior surfaces are sprayed in the same blue
as the exterior. Unique to the U13, the windscreen folds flat for
the ultimate open-air experience. Instrumentation is limited to a
single multi-function dial that houses the speedometer with temp,
fuel and amp gauges surrounding it. Switch gear is limited to
controls for the vents, wipers and lights. It is about as basic as
you can get, yet retains a charming functionality that is a welcome
counterpoint to today's complex modern vehicles. This Bronco gives
you all you need, and nothing more. Power comes from a carefully
detailed, original specification 170 cubic-inch inline-six. These
legendary engines are known for their toughness and in the
lightweight Bronco, deliver respectable performance thanks to the
105 horsepower output. Detailing is as original with correct Ford
blue engine paint, black ancillaries, FoMoCo branded hoses, correct
tower hose clamps, a period-look Autolite battery, original decals
and markings, even the black over-spray in the firewall has been
carefully duplicated. The engine is backed by a three speed manual
transmission shifted on the column, and a standard Dana transfer
case distributes power to all four wheels when needed. This rare
and endearing Bronco U13 Roadster is about as basic a vehicle as
one could imagine in 1966. We love the basic, no-nonsense appeal
and simple yet attractive styling. So many Broncos have been
modified beyond recognition, making this pure and factory-correct
example a welcome and rare sight. The quality of the restoration is
outstanding, and it is ready for its next keeper to relish in its
charming simplicity.
