Frame Off Restored Early-Build Bronco Half Cab 170ci 3-speed Ford 9" 4,125 Miles

The year is 2020. There hasn't been a new Bronco sold through Ford showrooms in two and a half decades. In July, Ford previewed the highly anticipated sixth-generation of its legendary ute. And now, roughly nine months later, Bronco fever is in full swing! Presently, Ford has enough orders for the sixth-gen to satisfy TWO YEARS of production. A companion model, the Bronco Sport crossover, will bring even more buyers into the fold. At least 100 Ford dealers are constructing Bronco-exclusive showrooms for what Ford has now deemed one of its two sub brands. And there's even rumor that Ford's upcoming Maverick small truck will debut as an extension of the Bronco family. Point is, there's never been a better time to invest in a vintage Bronco. And this classic, an early example of the truck that started it all, is the kind of collectible that builders hoard and enthusiasts covet!

A HULK WITH A HISTORY

An early-build Bronco that was recruited as a dealership workhorse straight off the showroom floor, this Ford spent a lot of time sitting. As you probably know, parking any car can be both beneficial and detrimental because, in addition to reducing wear and tear, it can also lead to deterioration. For most of its life, the well-maintained pickup was used for utilitarian shop tasks like parts runs and plowing parking lots. However, times and leadership change, and the ute was eventually parked 'out back' where it sat for decades. Out of sight but certainly not out of minds, many folks courted the dealership about a purchase and, eventually, the right buyer pulled down a wall of sentimentality. That buyer was an avid Bronco enthusiast who knew the truck's early-build status and was determined to restore it back to its former glory.

Despite a decade of battling the elements, the Bronco only had 4,000 miles on its odometer and, with fresh gas and a new tank, fired right up! In fact, the truck ran so well that its restorer even plowed his driveway a time or two before totally disassembling the rig for a detailed, ground-up restoration. That said, with every breakthrough comes an impasse, and this Bronco's bed had weathered so badly that a major decision had to be made. Should the restorer cut into the truck's original metal to add replacement pieces or should he simply buy a replacement body. Well, the eventual answer was NEITHER. It just so happened that this well-networked enthusiast got a lead on a donor Bronco with a rust-free body. But here's the really cool part: the donor Bronco was also an October 1966 build that, thanks to a long life in Arizona, had zero rust issues. So, what you have here is a 4,124-mile early build Bronco that, thanks to a donor truck of the same build month, still wears 100% correct Ford Motor Company steel!

Decked in a crisp combination of correct Rangoon Red and Wimbledon White two-stage, this Ford features an interesting array of notable aesthetics. At the front of the truck, an early-build, 1966-exclusive 'eyebrow grille' hangs old school halogen lighting above a 1966-exclusive bumper. Behind that grille, a 1966-exclusive hood, finished with optional windshield washers and a correct catch loop, flows to a hinged windscreen that's complete with an early-build, 1966-exclusive frame-mount rearview. Fresh glass casts reflections in a correct fender-mount mirror, which shades polished handles and 1966-exclusive lock cylinders. 1966-exclusive Bronco badging tops 1966-exclusive fenders, which lead tasteful rocker stripes. A retro chic hardtop, unique to 1966 in the way it latches to the truck, leads a pristine bed that's boxed around a 1966-exclusive spare. And at the back of that bed, 1966-exclusive taillights join a 1966-exclusive tag lamp to illuminate a 1966-exclusive tailgate and a second 1966-exclusive bumper.

CORRECT AND ONLY

As most Ford historians probably know, Dearborn kicked off Bronco production with a 170 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder. The 289 that is often retrofitted to these trucks wasn't technically on the option sheet until about halfway through the 1966 model year. So, the completely rebuilt and carefully detailed mill you see in this pickup's super clean engine bay is factory-correct. Designed from the ground up to be a tough-as-nails workhorse and, serving as primary Bronco power for almost a decade, the Thriftpower Six is a favorite among vintage truck fans because of its simple design, adequate power and excellent durability. And, in the name of authenticity, pretty much everything on this ute's 170 has been returned to intentional, factory-spec simplicity. At the top of the engine, a 1966-exclusive oil-bath air cleaner caps a requisite Ford carburetor. Cooling comes courtesy of a correct, 1966-exclusive radiator. And authentic detailing includes a correct washer bag, a 1966-exclusive master cylinder, a correctly wired alternator and an early-build, 1966-exclusive metal fresh air box.

AS IT WERE

Recruited directly from the showroom to be a purposeful runabout, this Half Cab's been Built Ford Tough literally from day one! Power meets the pavement through a correct 3-speed which, like the truck's Thriftpower Six, was the only kit Ford offered at the Bronco's launch. That drivetrain spins a correct 9-inch rear axle behind an early-build, 1966-exclusive Dana 30 front axle, which is shackled to a correctly restored 1966 suspension. Extra trail prowess is provided by an early-build, 1966-exclusive skid plate that, as you might imagine, is exceptionally rare. Stops are provided by a quartet of manual drums. An aluminized, single-pipe exhaust system runs the entire length of the floor. And everything rolls on heavy-duty, 1966-exclusive Kelsey Hayes steelies that twist 7.00-15 Power King Extra Traction tires.

AS IT SHOULD BE

Between the doors, a correct bench seat wears 1966-exclusive 'match stick' vinyl that, because it isn't reproduced, had to be purchased raw from Ford's original supplier, patterned off an original cover, and hand-stitched to form. A simple dash stretches a correct 'pencil pad' over correct telemetry, 1966-exclusive knobs and 1966-exclusive Poly Gray paint. Silver door panels hang 1966-exclusive handles behind 1966-exclusive cranks. A retro steering wheel laps a rare, 1966-exclusive Ford Motor Company horn button. And choice detailing abounds, from the truck's correct wiper motors and 1966-exclusive wiring harness to its correct seatbelts and 1966-exclusive floor mat.

Storied, unique and freshly restored by a long-time Bronco aficionado, this fine Ford is an excellent chance for any serious enthusiast to score a world class collector car. One of the first utes that kicked off Ford's hallowed Bronco sub brand, it currently rolls as a highly correct testament to why American trucks continue to make big gains in popularity and price. Looking for an ultimate homage to the 'Golden Age' of the automobile industry? Find it now at https://www.RKMotors.com!

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HIGHLIGHTS

* Exquisite Bronco Half Cab that's benefitted from a detailed, frame-off restoration
* Highly accurate restoration completed by renowned Bronco restorer Jeff Leslie
* Driven only 4,125 miles since NEW!
* Original 170 cubic inch 6-cylinder
* Original 3-speed manual transmission
* Original Dana 30 front axle
* Original Ford 9-inch rear axle
* Heavy Duty Kelsey Hayes wheels
* Early-build Ford steel body with correct Rangoon Red and Wimbledon White paint
* 1966-exclusive Silver interior
* Removable hardtop
* All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
* We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world