Butch Is the Only Proper Name for This Hardcore 1969 Ford Bronco Custom

In fact, if you really think about it, the Bronco is one of the few models made in this world that get better with age. Despite the Blue Oval throwing its entire might, financial or otherwise, behind the sixth generation launched in 2021, people still seem to be incredibly fond of the older Broncos, the ones made during the nameplate's initial generations.

Proof of that is not only the large number of businesses making a living from restoring and customizing early Broncos, but also the fact that new interpretations of decades-old SUVs keep popping up all over the U.S., apparently in a sort of conscious spite directed at the new line of SUVs.

The Ford Bronco you're looking at right now is the most recent project you'll set eyes on this month. It was completed in December 2023 and later this month it will enter the collector's circuit as it is selling during the Barrett-Jackson auction taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The frame-off rotisserie restoration SUV is the work of a Missouri-based custom garage known as Lucky 13 Hotrods. These guys have around 60 custom builds to their name, many of them of the muscle car variety, but they don't shy away from taking on more demanding projects either.

The custom Bronco was born its original self in 1969, and that makes it a representative of the family's very first generation, which ran from 1966 to 1978. It's a run that forever put the Bronco name on the map, and one of the most sought after by custom crews across America.

A quick look at the project makes it immediately clear no expense was spared during the build. Although the Bronco remains on a visual level pretty much the same as it was, the number of modifications made is staggering.

Starting from the ground up we first see a set of four Mickey Thompson aluminum wheels touching the ground by means of BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The wheels have been installed at the end of a 2.5-inch lifted suspension system that uses Go Rancho long travel shocks.

The wheels spin courtesy of a Dana 44 front differential and a Ford 9-inch rear end, which in turn are activated by the power they get from a 10-speed automatic transmission. That's right, ten speeds, because that's how many are needed to handle the engine's power properly.

The hardware is a crate 5.0-liter V8 Coyote of the third generation. You know, the Blue Oval engine that uses Mustang-specific tech to develop an impressive 460 horsepower and 420 ft.-lb. of torque in stock configuration.

We're not told anything about potential modifications made to the engine, except for it being tied to a MagnaFlow stainless exhaust with ceramic-coated headers and an aftermarket air intake, so we'll assume the stock performance numbers apply for this one as well. And they are kept in check by Wilwood-branded braking hardware.

The almost vintage exterior of the Bronco is a simple but effective play between black, white, and red trim accents. There are full fenders on both ends and a set of wheels that can be removed if that's what the owner desires. Beneath the doors the Bronco hides power running boards.

The lights on the SUV are brand new, and they come as LED projectors, tail, and running lights. It's a touch of modernity that is more than obvious inside, where some of the most coveted technologies have been included.

The first thing that strikes you when looking inside is the abundance of tan leather, spread with no regard to cost on the seats, door and side panels, and dashboard. In between the two front seats a custom center console has been imagined, needed not only to support the elbows of the occupants, but also as a home for the music and infotainment system.

Speaking of which, the Bronco is as modern as they get in this respect. An Alpine stereo with touchscreen has been installed in there, in what appears to be a pretty uncomfortable position, but one that keeps the dashboard clear of modifications.

The SUV comes with built-in Apple CarPlay, a set of JL Audio speakers, and Dakota Digital gauges in front of the steering wheel. Safety is taken care of by using , a six-point roll bar with 3-point retractable seatbelts.

The Bronco in this interpretation wears the name Butch, which for one reason or another seems pretty fitting.

Barrett-Jackson has it listed for sale at the end of this month with no reserve, meaning it will go to the highest bidder, no matter how much they offer for it. And it also means it's impossible to make an estimate before the hammer falls.

Update: sold for $176,000.