Photo: RM Sotheby's
When it left the assembly line in Wayne, the first generation of the Bronco couldn’t do better than 302 cubic inches (4.9 liters) for the larger of two small-block V8 engines and three forward ratios for either transmission. The 1972 model we’ll talk about today is a bit of a unicorn, though, because it marries a free-breathing Shelby powerplant to a five-speed manual tranny.
“Custom built for a collector of Shelby models that wanted a very special utility vehicle to accompany his car collection,” the Bronco in the photo gallery rocks 331 cubic inches and a four-barrel carburetor from Holley. The 5.4-liter motor delivers 421 horsepower and heaven only knows how much torque, which is a hairy proposition in such a high-riding vehicle.
Fuelie wheels and chunky off-road rubber bring the point home, along with locking hubs, suspension components and a lift kit from King Shocks, MasterCraft Baja RS Safety seats, and a digital instrument cluster. The Bronco “has reportedly been driven fewer than 300 miles (483 kilometers) since completion,” but the odometer readout remains a mystery.
In any case, you’re looking at a freshly-refurbished and rust-free build that has been modified with utmost attention to detail. You can also expect the Bronco to attract more attention at Cars & Coffee than an in-your-face supercar or a new Shelby GT500, but this Bronco doesn’t only talk the talk.
The off-road hardware is more than adequate to show the 2021 model a thing or two in the desert and on a rocky trail, but as opposed to the Ranger-based SUV, ol’ grandpa here doesn’t feature any electronic nannies. Instead of anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, the best this Bronco can do is a hydraulic brake assist unit that comes courtesy of Hydratech.
Scheduled to be auctioned on January 22nd at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona event, the 1972 model is expected to fetch at least $120,000. The highest estimate for chassis number U15GLP61760 is listed at $160k.
Fuelie wheels and chunky off-road rubber bring the point home, along with locking hubs, suspension components and a lift kit from King Shocks, MasterCraft Baja RS Safety seats, and a digital instrument cluster. The Bronco “has reportedly been driven fewer than 300 miles (483 kilometers) since completion,” but the odometer readout remains a mystery.
In any case, you’re looking at a freshly-refurbished and rust-free build that has been modified with utmost attention to detail. You can also expect the Bronco to attract more attention at Cars & Coffee than an in-your-face supercar or a new Shelby GT500, but this Bronco doesn’t only talk the talk.
The off-road hardware is more than adequate to show the 2021 model a thing or two in the desert and on a rocky trail, but as opposed to the Ranger-based SUV, ol’ grandpa here doesn’t feature any electronic nannies. Instead of anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, the best this Bronco can do is a hydraulic brake assist unit that comes courtesy of Hydratech.
Scheduled to be auctioned on January 22nd at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona event, the 1972 model is expected to fetch at least $120,000. The highest estimate for chassis number U15GLP61760 is listed at $160k.
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