Despite being built in fairly limited numbers, these four-door converted Ford Bronco Centurions still appear for sale every now and again. A few different aftermarket companies got into the business of converting the classic two-door Bronco into a four-door SUV before SUVs became the darling of seemingly every domestic automaker’s lineup. This Centurion conversion is a project, but it still runs and drives and has under 70,000 original miles – but will the rough exterior appearance make it a hard sell? Find it here on Facebook Marketplace in Rigby, Idaho for $4,000.
It seems like relatively few of these converted Broncos managed to survive in anything approaching respectable condition. It’s too bad, because they certainly weren’t cheap to buy new. Like so many other aftermarket experiments, these nicely-executed four door creations still didn’t have the cache of a factory model. Suburbans of the same era tend to go for solid money in reasonable condition, despite being far less rare than a Centurion or other aftermarket creation. This one is missing some of its door trim and/or stickers on the lower panels, oddly enough on both rear doors.
The original marketing photos definitely place an emphasis on a luxurious driving experience, highlighting the acres of space, leather, and recessed lighting. It’s amazing how the aftermarket essentially predicted what consumers would be willing to pay for hand-over-fist in the coming years, as these were effectively the template for a Suburban or Escalade. That being said, if given the choice, I would choose one of these nine times out of ten over a contemporary bling-mobile. Should you take this one home, the seller notes he has a “newer front clip” and a spare engine he was planning to build up. Is this rare Bronco Centurion a fair deal at $4,000?
Worked at Centurion late 90’s.
Was havin beers and steak with the guy that ran weld shop this past Saturday.
We had mid 70 degree temps on Mich/IN border.
I see these old beasts and still grin.Lol.
Sweet looking Bronco. I’ve seen plenty of Broncos, my favourite being the 1990 model year, but I’ve never seen one like this before, with 4 doors. The only thing I’d do to upgrade the rig would install a Powerstroke Diesel engine, if it fits under the hood.
back in the day these were used to haul your camper/trailer (new) to travel in comfort
“new front clip”
Does that refer to the front nose(and rear) fascia(grill, lamps, bezel, other plasticky snap-ins?
I know that being able to just “snap in” a whole different nose was an economical way for Ford to distinguish, IE, a LTD from a Marquis, or at GM, an ’85 LeSabre from a same year Caprice.
yeah, some say clip to mean non-body (frame, suspension, etc).
I like the vanup better (or is it trucan). The 4 dor (later yrs). I enjoy automotive history (even this ‘after market’ type stuff) and followed down the 4 or 5 co that passed this contract over the yrs to the nxt co. Engine history is neat too (Y I put a particular in my own rig). The names, etc. Just a car guy I guess.
Sometimes the makers/dealers follow the modder culture to design the nxt big thing. We saw them incorporate some of those ideas from the 50s into the 60s production vehicles, again in the ’80s’n ’90s. I C now the new bronk has done the same for its new 3 models.
Interesting vehicle and fairly uncommon. Other than typical rust, one of the biggest issues seems to be the area on the roof where the different body parts were attached. Poor finish, too much body filler, rust issues, and many leaks. A lot of questionable work being done by Centurion back when these were built.
Seems to have lost most of its side body graphics/cladding where the two halves are joined too. Poor workmanship indeed but it has been 30 years after all.
These were built on a production line.
People came and went.
I agree on the roof issue.
To much mud in roof because they were warped because of to much heat when welded.
1994 to 1997 were dialed in.
Different trained crew in those years.
He needs to keep the bricknose front clip….