This 1966 Bronco demonstrates how dramatically the new car sales scene has changed in the last five decades. If you order a new Bronco today, the dealership will perform a pre-delivery inspection and typically install any genuine accessories you choose at that time. However, this survivor takes that concept to a higher level. The original owner walked into their local dealership in 1966, intent on driving away in a shiny new Bronco. The only vehicle available wasn’t in their preferred color, so to secure a sale, the dealership stripped and repainted the Ford in its current shade before delivery. It has been part of the same family since that day and is an unrestored survivor. Its next journey will be to a new home because the seller is offering it for sale with No Reserve.
We live in an era where customer service is becoming less prevalent, with many retail outlets adopting a self-serve approach. The days of the local market employing someone whose sole responsibility was to bag your groceries are a distant memory, and some employees provide the impression they would rather be anywhere but at work. However, the 1960s was a very different time, and this 1966 Bronco demonstrates that. It has been part of the same family since Day One, and when they entered the dealership in search of Ford’s new SUV, the only available vehicle wore Sahara Beige paint. They found the color unappealing, so the dealer offered to perform a color change to secure the sale. So, out went Sahara Beige, replaced by a sparkling coat of Rangoon Red. The seller claims the Bronco has been untouched since that day and is an unrestored survivor. That makes its overall condition impressive. A close inspection reveals minor scratches and blemishes, but there are no issues justifying a repaint or a cosmetic restoration. The panels are straight, and the trim and glass are excellent. The underside shots tell the best part of this Ford’s story because while there is dry surface corrosion, there is no evidence of the penetrating rust that often plagues First Generation Broncos. The only identified issue is a small spot on the passenger side drip rail.
The first thing I noticed in the engine bay shots wasn’t the numbers-matching 170ci six-cylinder powerplant but the lack of bubbles and rust in the upper inner fender wells. This area is a known weak point, but there are no such problems with this classic. The 170 sends 105hp and 158 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Ford introduced its iconic 289ci V8 into the mix in March 1966, but buyers seeking an automatic option waited until 1973 for the company to make one available. This Bronco has been in the same family since Day One, suggesting they may hold evidence verifying the odometer reading of 62,000 original miles. They describe it as a daily driver that runs and drives exceptionally well. Those favoring documentation will welcome the original Window Sticker and the binder full of paperwork that is part of the deal.
This Bronco’s originality extends to its interior. It hasn’t been cut to accommodate a radio, and the shifter remains in its rightful location. The Parchment vinyl trim is exceptional for its age, and the painted surfaces are crisp and clean. There is no UV damage on the dashpad, and the Bronco retains its factory floor mats. There are no luxury appointments like air conditioning, but this interior will earn the winning bidder praise for its condition and unmolested state.
I can’t imagine walking into a dealership today and convincing them to perform a color change on a new car before I drove it off the lot, but we live in a different era. This 1966 Bronco isn’t an isolated case because I have seen a 1960s classic with the appropriate documentation confirming that the manufacturer ran that car down the line two years after the model had ceased production. I don’t believe the color change adds to this Bronco’s value, but it represents a fascinating story from an era when customer service was king. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Clermont, Florida. Bidding sits at $26,500 and will undoubtedly climb as the end draws near. Is the backstory enough to convince you to pursue this classic further, or is it largely irrelevant?
Never been a fan of the 1st Broncos, so solid pass.
1st Bronco I ever rode in, a guy just out of HS( ’72) bought a red one, a ’69 with a 302. Off roading was unheard of in the 70s, and we had to go to the “power lines”, which for some reason was okay then. I found out why it’s called a Bronco. The guy said, “might want to put on your seatbelt”,,nah, I’m good( big tough guy) The 2nd time I hit my head on the roof, I buckled the belt. This right here, was Fords original intent, direct competition to the Jeep/Scout. Priced in-between the Jeep( $2284) and the Scout( $2995), the Bronco at about $2480 was an immediate hit. I read, Ford sold almost 23,000 new Broncos in ’66. Not earth shattering, but sure put a dent in Jeep/Scout sales. Aside from it’s rough ride, it had a really small gas tank, poor heat, rattled and shook, manual hubs( what grandpa?) I think someone will be quite surprised on the test drive, if any. Sorry, I too never saw the inflated attraction with these, they just aren’t 5 figure nice, is all.
Thing is, and what is perpetuating all this foolishness, is the old guy will get it, and I suppose, good for him. Might be able to afford that new hip he’s been hankerin’ for,,,
Nice looking rig, however it does have me wondering what it looked like before the dealer painted it. And what rust issues she’s hiding
You’re missing the point. It was repainted by the dealer before initial delivery. Nothing to hide at that point.
I owned a 68 Bronco 6 cyl. that was rusty but ran great, I beat that thing in the mud / rock crawling / crossing streams and into the woods. Then I lucked out getting a freshly restored 73 Bronco V8 which was my street 4 wheeler as it was too nice to beat. These Broncos were built for outdoors guys to fish / hunt / play with, they were not meant to be every day grocery getters so all the complainers about ride & rattles were not the target consumer Ford was looking to sell to. JMHO
Still kicking myself after 25 years for letting my first wife bully me into selling my inherited ’66 Bronco after my son broke the drive train.
Don’t beat yourself up to bad, many guys have had a ex that made them sell their vehicles. Alot of muscle cars got sold because of that.
Don’t know what the complaint about the ride is about. As a kid my dad always had jeeps and his buddies had broncos and almost every weekend was spent out 4 wheeling in the desert and the broncos had a much nicer ride but did like to shuck out the front diff when doing some serious hill climbing.
Lovely looking Bronco. I’ve always loved this generation Ford Bronco, probably more so than the 1978-80 Bronco. Given its condition I’d be willing to pay between $15k and $20k.
That 1966 paint job looks really nice.
That isn’t a 1966. It has the wrong bumpers, hubcaps and interior for a 1966.
Retired auto painter here with 50 years of experience. I’ve worked on a few of these in my earlier days, and I can tell you that whoever did the paint work on it was lazy. If I had painted “over” all the wires and cables under the hood, I would have been fired on the spot! Although it looks good now, I doubt it will look that good in another 6 months to a year. Just my 2 cents worth.
I am of the opinion that the red color definitely will command a higher price. I am a retired used car dealer; if it was red, it would sell, warts and all. Green-not so much. There’s a reason they call it “Resale Red”.
Hats off to the guy that prepped it for the new paint.
I agree. All the work that went into doing under the hood and interior must have been unreal.
Not sure how the inside dents got there without a scratch…..just to funny stuff to be ALL orginal…..seller has some bad feedback…..
love the story, as that’s all it is.
Paging ToddZ. What do you make of this one, Todd? Curious about the gray painted dash. I’ve seen that on early roadsters but not a wagon. is this a true ’66?