OVERVIEW

Developed as a competitor to the Jeep CJ-5, Toyota Land Cruiser, and eventually Chevrolet Blazer, the Ford Bronco was one of the most successful and long running vehicles of the pioneering SUV line of trucks developed in the early 1960s. Conceived with dual purpose use, utility, and sporty performance in mind, the first-year offering arrived in 1966, concurrent with the success of the Ford Mustang. And while the Mustang was all about stylish road use, the Bronco sought to capture a more rugged rodeo America with distinct wild west influences in a durable, no-frills package.

Outfitted with shared power trains from the Mustang and Falcon line, the spunky, short wheelbase Bronco came with four-wheel drive and standard locking hubs. Mechanical simplicity and durability were key to the amazing lifespan of the Bronco as many enjoyed ownership spanning decades of use on beach, mountain, and suburban terrain. For years Ford enthusiasts scooped up early Broncos and enjoyed the largely secluded market for vintage Broncos, keeping their secret largely to off-road motorsports enthusiasts. With the introduction of the all-new Ford Bronco, values for vintage Broncos have rapidly increased, especially for early-series Broncos. Now more than ever, vintage Broncos are appreciated by a larger audience of enthusiasts who realize how captivating the vintage looks, ease of use, and durable features can be even in modern driving conditions.

This Bronco is a first-year model featuring the short wheelbase, hinged door body, upper roof shell, and rear mounted tire. A fantastic example that has captured the clean lines of the original an innovative Bronco design, this four-wheel drive truck integrates carefully selected performance upgrades into a great driving package. Professionally restored and modified for performance and durability, the finished results combine modern SUV underpinnings while retaining the character and presence of the original Bronco.

Beginning in 2010, the former owner purchased this Bronco, which already featuring a frame off restoration with several beautiful details completed to a high level of finish. The prior owner had been very thorough in the build, stripping the frame down to bare metal, removing all suspension and installing a 1994 Ford Lightning F150 Fuel-Injected 351 cu. in, V8 engine, air conditioning, and heater unit, and new axles. The frame was powder coated and the mechanical systems were all installed. A three-speed automatic with Detroit Locker was fitted to the engine, and all wiring redone for the engine systems, lighting, and dash. Working further on refinement with a high-quality Bronco restoration specialist in Phoenix, AZ, in 2013 the former owner had the truck repainted, this time selecting a new color, Ford Storm Gray. A set of custom-built 35” off-road wheels and off-road performance tires with matching spare mounted on the rear were mounted. For added safety and ease of use, a set of four-wheel disc brakes and new master cylinder were installed.

Other features of the build include a new custom hood, sculpted fender arches, noise deadening floor accessories and new carpeting, custom aluminum door and rear body panels with custom covering, and Beard custom heated seats front and rear. A custom-built roll bar was constructed both for safety and structural rigidity. Front and rear bumpers were finished in satin black to match various other trim pieces. The interior of the truck features a custom-made dashboard with Vintage Air AC/Heater concealed behind the dash, and a Dakota Digital VHX speedometer with accessory gauges.

The current owner purchased this Bronco in 2018 and enjoyed driving it moderately during mostly warm weather use, engaging professional maintenance experts for regular annual services including oil changes every summer. In 2020 the current owner had the truck fully serviced, replacing gaskets for the transmission, cooler, valve covers, and other minor items as needed.  

Today this Bronco exhibits all the traits one looks for in a vintage Bronco with a restoration that can be proudly displayed at car shows or confidently used in a range of driving conditions. The paint is in excellent condition with excellent gloss applied over high-quality body panels. The finish has great detailing including the distinctive Bronco slotted grille, round headlights, tall profile taillights, and chrome plated Bronco side script. The stance is taller than stock but delivers a commanding presence and stability managed by contemporary suspension upgrades, disc brakes, and modern drivetrain. While exterior body modifications have been minor, the rugged satin black wheel arches and trim add an aggressive touch to the short wheelbase look that so perfectly captured the bucking Bronco name. 

The interior is a very nice balance of durable materials, comfort features, and purposeful trim. With heated seats front and rear, air conditioning, and more sound insulation than stock restored Broncos, owners can feel equally confident about paved road or rugged terrain use and enjoy the amenities while safely cruising highways at modern speeds.

The engine compartment is very well sorted having accommodated the modern Fuel-Injected 351 V8 engine with ample room for cooling and accessories. New wiring, modern AC unit and professional finishes reflect the excellent engineering implemented in addition to the restoration work. The finishes and features are very nicely prepared with attention to detail and consistency using Ford product accessories. The underside reveals a nicely detailed chassis with a great deal of refined finish work performed on the frame members, suspension, and other mechanical systems. As so much of the Bronco can be seen in the wheel wells due to the height and design, these suspension and structural elements are very well presented, offering reminders of the off-road capabilities of these agile vehicles. The suspension, disc brakes, and specially designed tires are perfectly suited to the character of the original, and further inspire confidence for off-road use.

For anyone seeking a quality Bronco outfitted with contemporary upgrades, restored to a very high level of finish, and mechanically suited for a wide range of uses, this first series Ford Bronco is just right for someone seeking the outdoor fun and sporty driving experience offered more than 50 years ago when the first Ford Bronco came bucking up the mountainside of America’s heartland.

Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1966 Ford Bronco.

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