Ford resurrected the Bronco name back in 2021 with a sixth generation of the mid-size SUV after a 25-year hiatus. But the old models from the 1960s and 1970s are still lifestyle off-roaders, and people in search of a vintage experience are desperate to buy them, restomod them, drive them around, and brag about it on social media and cars & coffee events.
This 1972 Ford Bronco can become an international social media star, too. Ford rolled out the new-generation Bronco two years ago and is still experimenting with trims and color, taking them out and putting others in. But there are people who would go for retro rather than modern, without compromising the modern features that a contemporary car can provide.
That is where this Bronco restomod comes in. The vehicle, which is now over half a century old, was acquired back in 2017 by the current owner. And it subsequently ended up in the hands of the experts from Rock Bottom Offroad of Lake Elsinore, California. They modded the vehicle in 2023. So, pretty much everything you see in the photos is new.
The Bronco comes with all the traditional features of the iconic original model, a first-gen version, but now with a contemporary approach. It gets power everything, digital everything, and LEDs just about everywhere.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
Rock Bottom repainted the body and chassis in a shade of exotic turquoise, that does not resemble any of the colors in the original first-gen Bronco color palette. Meanwhile, the radiator grille turned grey. They also fitted new front and rear bumpers for the extra rugged look that the Bronco deserves. That is what it was made for in the first place, right?
There are bolt-on fender extensions that make the vehicle look wider, taller, and more intimidating on the road. Pretty much the same effect has the all-new suspension system that lifts it way above the ground. The 1972 Ford Bronco is now fitted with a four-link front suspension and triangulated four-link rear suspension.
The restomod procedure also brought in LED everywhere there was room for them: headlights, bumper lights, and taillights.
Predictably, the interior also underwent a major overhaul. Bolstered front bucket seats showed up in there, while the rear bench is elegantly trimmed in brown distressed leather upholstery and is removable. The same leather shows up on the dashboard pad, center console, door panels, but also rear cargo panels.
That should withstand the elements, considering that driving a Ford Bronco in the off-road should be done with the removable hardtop… removed.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
The driver will benefit from the presence of power steering. The steering wheel got mounted on an Idiot tilting column, framing a Dakota digital instrument cluster and a Dakota digital speedometer that shows a top speed of 120 mph and a tachometer with permitter gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, battery voltage, and oil pressure.
The digital odometer currently shows zero miles for the moment, but the true mileage of the 51-year old Bronco is unknown.
An Alpine touchscreen was installed in the dashboard. The driver gets a helping hand from the rear-view mirror camera. Meanwhile, the sound experience is provided by a custom sound system with an amplified JL Audio subwoofer. A Restomod Air climate control will make life better on board.
But the most significant of them all is the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, linked with a 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission, channeling power towards all four corners. There are also an Atlas dual-range transfer case and Currie axles with Eaton locking differentials.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
The power unit was installed during the current ownership. It sports a silver air intake tube, a conical air filter, while the engine cover and valve covers are painted in the body color. The owner also came up with a Ron Davis aluminum radiator with dual electric fans.
Dual exhaust outlets showed up at the rear, and there is now a billet twist-off fuel cap. The model has been fitted with a GenRight fuel system and tank.
The vehicle is also equipped with a hydro boost disc brake system and Fox coilers with remote reservoirs at all four corners. It rides on 17-inch KMC Grenade deadlock black wheels with massive 37x12.5" Milestar Patagonia MT2 tires.
A prefabricated Rock Bottom frame, an Antilock sway bar, and a custom roll cage make the Bronco safer once it leaves the tarmac to venture into the off-road.
Listed on Bring a Trailer, where it was viewed by almost 1,000 people, the Bronco is now offered with a clean California title. With four hours to go to the end of the auction, the highest bid sits at $120,743 and is made by Armonsaheb. The one hiding behind this user has recently purchased a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. They spent $184,000 in October 2021 to take home the roadster in Medium Red. So they look ready to get a Bronco in their driveway as well.
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