Ground-Up, Nut-And-Bolt Restored First-Year Bronco Roadster 4x4

Will the automotive industry ever match the glory it achieved in the 1950s and 1960s? A hallmark of an industrial powerhouse that's spawned legendary designers, groomed global leaders and literally driven innovation, the 'Golden Age' was an excellent time to be a car enthusiast. Consumers were enamored with the latest and greatest cars, and virtually every manufacturer, from Ferrari to Hudson, was busy winning on Sunday and selling on Monday. It seems only fitting that, along with celebrated personalities and modern-era dynasties, this period gave rise to some of the coolest collector cars ever created. Produced during the second month of Bronco production, this choice Bronco Roadster is a meticulously restored icon that, thanks to a roster of NOS components, is exceptionally correct and exceptionally exclusive. And if you're in the market for a cool collectible that backs incredible pedigree with timeless looks and impressive attention to detail, you're reading about your next classic!

COMPULSIVE INFATUATION

Originally sold in sunny California, this fine Ford is the beneficiary of a frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration that was completed over the course of four years. That said, four years is probably a bit of an understatement since the project actually started ten years ago when the rust-free truck's owner began obsessing over getting every detail as correct as possible. Naturally, that obsession involved the acquisition of a roster of New Old Stock components. And today, decked in correct Wimbledon White two-stage, this Bronco rolls as a literal testament to the glory of '60s Detroit steel!

In addition to some crisp red stripes, this Ford was assembled with an interesting array of notable aesthetics – many unique to early-build Broncos. At the front of the truck, an early-build 'eyebrow grille' hangs crisp parking lamps and old school FoMoCo headlights above an original, 1966-exclusive bumper that was factory-optioned in chrome. Behind that grille, a sculpted hood, complete with optional windshield washers, flows to a hinged windscreen, which hangs an NOS mirror behind polished NOS wipers. A vintage driver's mirror joins an NOS, convex passenger's mirror to reflect a doorless profile under an NOS antenna, flowing “Bronco” scripts and a color-keyed fuel cap. And at the back of the truck, a “FORD” branded tailgate shades an original, 1966-exclusive bumper that shines optional chrome under NOS taillight bezels and NOS taillight lenses.

ORIGINAL 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 Roadster's super clean engine bay is both correct and original. 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 1-barrel carburetor that's centered on cast FoMoCo manifolds. The fires get lit by an NOS distributor, which makes excellent use of an NOS cap, an NOS rotor and a reproduction Autolite Sta-Ful battery. Cooling is provided by an original, re-cored radiator. All the mill's wear components, such as hoses, wires, caps and cables, are accurate reproductions that were sourced directly from Marti Auto Works. Era-correct detailing includes an NOS washer bag, an NOS washer pump and an NOS vale cover breather. And there's even a super rare, 1966-exclusive metal fresh air box.

AS IT WERE

Lovingly restored from the ground up, this beast is Built Ford Tough with show car polish! Torque meets the pavement through an original 3-speed which, like the truck's Thriftpower Six, was the only kit Ford offered at the Bronco's launch. That drivetrain powers an optional 9-inch rear axle which, along with a familiar Dana 30 front axle, pushes a powder-coated frame on a correct suspension. Stops are provided by a quartet of manual drums, which lap NOS front hubs. An aluminized, single-pipe exhaust system runs the entire length of the floor. And everything rolls on original Kelsey Hayes steelies which, fully powder-coated, twist 7.00-15 STA Super Traxions around original, optional wheel discs.

AS IT SHOULD BE

Between the doors, original bucket seats stretch familiar Silver vinyl beneath original, professionally restored belts. A simple dash floats a thin pad over correct telemetry, 1966-exclusive New Old Stock knobs and 1966-exclusive Poly Gray paint. A retro steering wheel laps a rare, 1966-exclusive Ford Motor Company horn button above an NOS floor mat. A correct radio bumps modern tunes thanks to a professionally integrated phone jack. And NOS detailing abounds, from the truck's transfer case shift knob and transfer case boot to its spare tire wingnut, tire jack and tire jack wingnut.

Pedigreed, exclusive and freshly restored, this first-year Ford is an excellent chance for any serious enthusiast to score a world class collector car. Literally one of the first utes that kicked off Ford's hallowed Bronco sub-brand, it currently rolls as an uncut, 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 automotive industry? Find it now at http://www.RKMotors.com!

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HIGHLIGHTS

* Early first-year Bronco Roadster that's benefitted from a ground-up, nut-and-bolt restoration
* Four year restoration that utilized many NOS components
* Original 170 cubic inch 6-cylinder
* Original 3-speed manual transmission
* Correct, optional Ford 9-inch rear axle
* Correct Dana 30 front axle
* 4-wheel drum brakes
* Powder-coated frame
* Correct, 1966-exclusive Silver interior
* Correct radio that's upgraded with a phone jack
* Correct Wimbledon White paint with red stripes
* Original Kelsey Hayes wheels that are powder-coated and fitted with correct disc covers
* All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
* We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world