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Vintage 1986 Ford Bronco Rolls With Custom Monster Truck Vibes and Crate Engine

Today, Ford Bronco fans can be divided into a couple of large categories. There are aficionados who are patiently waiting for the Blue Oval to settle everything and start deliveries of the reinvented 2021 Bronco 2-Door and 4-Door sometime next summer. And there are classic Bronco devotees who prefer the vintage generations above all. But somewhere in between there’s also a neat little niche.
1986 Ford Bronco custom build for sale at Mecum Auctions 10 photos
Photo: Mecum Auctions
1986 Ford Bronco custom build for sale at Mecum Auctions1986 Ford Bronco custom build for sale at Mecum Auctions1986 Ford Bronco custom build for sale at Mecum Auctions1986 Ford Bronco custom build for sale at Mecum Auctions1986 Ford Bronco custom build for sale at Mecum Auctions1986 Ford Bronco custom build for sale at Mecum Auctions1986 Ford Bronco custom build for sale at Mecum Auctions1986 Ford Bronco custom build for sale at Mecum Auctions1986 Ford Bronco custom build for sale at Mecum Auctions
It’s the one dedicated to enthusiasts who don’t necessarily care for pristine, vintage looks. It’s the area where engine swaps easily occur or the sector where one isn’t shy on spending big cash for the proper restomod look.

It could be that someone really needs to stand out in a crowd – both figuratively and quite literally, as in dominating all other vehicles from above. Mecum Auctions’ January event in Kissimmee has the right listing for the latter, in the form of this 1986 Ford Bronco that’s very easy to spot from afar.

And it’s not just the shiny red paint that’s attracting everyone’s gaze. It’s, above all, the monster truck-inspired demeanor. Sure, crazy stunts and crushing beat-down cars isn’t exactly the theme of the build here. But we have to say it’s sending out monster truck vibes without any effort.

On the other hand, judging by the details shared by Mecum, we have a feeling this Bronco is more for the ocean-dweller than anyone else. It must be the “marine grade waterproof interior” and the “professional sound system with waterproof subwoofer” sending us in that direction, right?

That’s not to say that’s all this custom build is about. We have a feeling that rock crawling is also on the menu, or at least some sandy beach play, Baywatch-style. The Bronco was restored by Heavy Metal Customs (hence the skull gear shift knob...) and equipped with a brand new 302-cubic inch (4.9-liter) crate engine.

Without sharing the exact power specifications (or an auction estimate, for that matter), Mecum does mention the engine is hooked to a Jasper automatic transmission, NP 208 transfer case, and Yukon off-road axles and springs, among many other things.
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About the author: Aurel Niculescu
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Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution.
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