The 1966 Ford Bronco holds a special place in automotive history, it was the very first year of production for the now-iconic SUV that started it all. This clean-titled example, listed here on eBay and finished in white, shows 96,000 miles and is being offered by a private seller who has owned it for over five years. The seller states that it runs great and has primarily been used for weekend drives, making it an honest, usable first-generation Bronco rather than a trailer queen.
According to the listing, power comes from a 289 cubic-inch V8 paired with a manual transmission, providing the kind of mechanical simplicity and connection that defines classic four-wheel drives. This was the combination that helped Ford’s new Bronco compete directly with the Jeep CJ and International Scout when it debuted in 1966.
The seller notes that the truck is mechanically strong and ready to drive, with a new exhaust system adding the right amount of rumble. The description also mentions aftermarket door hinges that make removing the doors quick and easy, a popular feature among Bronco fans who love open-air driving. For top-down adventures, the truck includes both a full hard top and a bikini top, making it adaptable for year-round use.
Inside and out, the Bronco shows what the seller calls “honest patina”—the kind of look that comes from decades of enjoyment rather than over-restoration. The body appears solid and straight in the photos, and the seller makes it clear that this is a dependable, enjoyable driver rather than a showpiece.
The first-generation Bronco has become one of the most collectible vintage 4x4s on the market, admired for its rugged charm, simple design, and capable off-road performance. Being a 1966 model, this one comes from the inaugural production year, making it especially appealing to collectors who value originality and heritage.
With its combination of mechanical strength, first-year status, and usable condition, this ’66 Bronco represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of the SUV’s origin story. Whether you’d preserve its authentic character or take it to the next level with a light restoration, it’s a truck that still captures the spirit of freedom Ford designed it for nearly 60 years ago.
Would you leave this first-year Bronco as-is for weekend cruising, or would you restore it back to showroom glory?
Missing a lot of the cool stuff that makes 66s unique but still looks like a fun rig to drive and own. The 289 rigs were fairly low production for ‘66.
I spot ’68 MOPAR side marker lights front and rear.
yeah, there’s indications (not enuff pic) that it IS the 1st 3 yrs @ the least. BUT…
anything can B swapped out. Only now are these becoming like other ‘classics’ (restored rather than modded). The rear 1/4s have a nice integrated flair (to me). I like the oem & kept it on alll mine. This might have been the Rangoon red my current ride has. White, silver good light colors for hiding dirt. I see the lift off hinges and would place the 2 rearviews just ahead of there (this style not company): https://www.smittybilt.com/shop/exterior-products/mirrors-accessories/tj-jk-trail-mirrors-black-6in-round-pair-7618/
Might be a fun one if price doesnt go “covid hi” (3/1/20 was #1 in price paid, cherokee came into # 1 that Spring, these to some where in the low 20s). Not sure where they are now, wwill not ck this 1 on flee-bay.
Hank Kimball, well, not exactly Hanks truck, well, kind of, Hank Kimball, (Alvy Moore) was the bumbling county farm agent that constantly pestered Oliver Douglas( Eddie Albert) in the TV show Green Acres. Initially for the pilot, Hank drove a CJ, but Ford being a sponsor, that wouldn’t fly, and a perfect place to debut their new CJ fighter, the Bronco. Hanks was a ’66 Roadster, of which only 4,000 were sold,( 207 in 1969, the poorest seller) and with only 24,000 total, compared to over 116,000 CJs,( and probably half as many Scouts) it’s safe to assume, the show didn’t do much for sales. In fact, the 1st gen Bronco never sold more than 20K units, 1969 the most with almost 21,000. It wasn’t until the “big” Bronco, sales really took off. I never did understand why these became so expensive and wanted. Like the CJ or Scout, I didn’t think they were that special, a snow plow/service truck, nothing more.
We know you hate the Broncos, Howard, but let’s make sure we get our facts straight :). There were 5,000 roadsters sold over 3 years – 66-68 (212 in ’68). There were no roadsters in ’69. The early Bronco sold over 20k units in 5 of the 12 years it was sold. Yes, almost 21k were sold in ’69 but ’74 was the best year with 25,824 going out the door.
They’ve become more popular because they’re a handsome vehicle (purely subjective, I know….), they’re easy to get parts for, they drive better than their similarly sized contemporaries (CJ-5s and Scout 800s), they’re good off road performers and they’ve always had a solid fan base.
Now I’ve gotta run because my ’69 Bronco is packed and I’m off for a week in Baja with friends in old 4WDs! Pray for my safety and that my old rig is trouble-free – she should turn over 387K on the odometer on this trip!
Now just hold on, Todd, I enjoy your comments, but I never said I hate Broncos, and tire of always having to defend myself. They were great vehicles for the utilitarian purpose intended, it’s the blatant greed that followed that I have a problem with.
I’ve said before, the internet is full of numbers, and I simply type in what I want to know, and take the 1st example that comes along. Bob from Tenn. lambasted me on the same subject per Mustang figures a while back. I don’t mind being corrected, welcome it in fact, everybody wants to be a winner, but don’t insinuate I’m a doofus because the numbers are incorrect.
You’re a sharp dude, Howard! Never would insinuate you’re a doofus!
Wouldn’t touch a thing on this. Modified the way Ford should have done it to handle it’s off road duties. Nice!
Ended at $25,100.
Reserve Not Met
27 bids.