For the 1966 model year, the first for the Bronco, the Blue Oval produced 23,776 units at the Michigan Assembly Plant. The old-school SUV we’ll be covering today is one of the most desirable examples of the breed for a few reasons, starting with a five-year restoration.
A first-hour model and the most period-correct early Bronco in existence, this fellow has been refinished in the original exterior color of Caribbean Turquoise over Silver for the interior. The optional heater and AM radio are both original, along with the padded sun visors, hand throttle, and horn ring.
The seventh oldest model and the earliest known U152 heavy-duty Bronco in existence rocks a Thriftpower Six engine instead of a V8, a 2.8-liter engine shared with the Falcon. The straight-six motor used to develop 105 horsepower when it was new, and it’s connected to the original three-speed manual transmission with a column shifter and a limited-slip differential.
A 9.0-inch rear end with 4.11 gears complements the heavy-duty drum brakes, suspension, skid plates, and Kelsey Hayes wheels with disc covers. The oldest restored Bronco of them all is currently wearing 7.00-15 Power King Extra Traction tires, 1966-exclusive armrests, and the period-correct rocker panel strips. When all is said and done, it’s a seriously collectible utility vehicle that will undoubtedly shoot up in value in a few years’ time.
Listed by RK Motors Charlotte at $109,900 or $988 over 120 months with 20 percent down, the Bronco in the following video and photo gallery above is almost double the price of the First Edition for the 2021 model year. Be that as it may, the all-new Bronco doesn’t have the makings of a collectible.
If you’re in the market for a newcomer, the Badlands specification is the one to get for its off-road prowess. And if you can wait a little longer, the Warthog promises to bring Raptor-like capability to the Ford Bronco family.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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