The Ford Bronco was produced for thirty years from 1966 to 1996 and has continued to grow in popularity over the past few years. Set to make a comeback for the 2020 model year, the Bronco is sure to continue its rise for the foreseeable future. This 1966 Bronco is a first year survivor and can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $3,550. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, it looks like an honest project that needs quite a bit of work.
One very common modification done to these first generation Bronco’s was to cut the rear fenders. All Broncos were produced as 4×4’s and the design of the tall front fenders with lower profile rear wheel openings didn’t leave a lot of room for tires much over 30″ tall. The easiest modification to allow for larger tires and wider wheels was to trim the rear openings. While the aftermarket now has uncut rear quarter panels you can bolt right on, it’s refreshing to find an original Bronco that is uncut. As the saying goes, they are only original once.
There are a few detailed photos of the interior in the ad, but it’s hard to get an overall feeling for the condition. One photo does show what appears to be daylight peeking through the floor pan. A very expensive fix on these trucks is rust. The entire tub and most other components on these trucks are very prone to rust. While there are replacement panels available, it can be more time consuming and expensive to fix a rusty project than it would be buy a better example to begin with.
The engine in this Bronco is a straight six with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. While not as powerful as the 289 and 302 V8 engines, the six has a lot of torque and is competent in most situations. The ad states the condition of the engine and transmission is “unknown” so the new owner better plan on at least a rebuild or powertrain swap. Maybe they will get lucky and the truck will run and drive with just a little work. Either way, the new owner had better plan on a lot of time and money to get this truck back to roadworthy and reliable condition.
Uncut fenders. It seems to be the two words people get excited about when talking Broncos.
Yea I always love Broncos and I own an 1987 Bronco and love them and I want first gen Bronco but they to much.
Super tough to find one these days that doesn’t need floors. Door posts and other locations are a lot scarier.
IMO, $3,550 seems just about to the penny what this one is worth. Only 4×4 I know of that rots worse than the J-Series Jeeps.
Please help me understand what is so special about these Broncos,
they road quite terrible,
they rattled like ballbarrings in a tin can,
Had no power,
did not handle well,
did not get great fuel mileage,
Leaked oil like the Exxon Valdez,
had more wind noise then a jet engine,
And of course would roll over quite easily.
One more thing they are kinda ugly. Nissan Cube ugly
It’s lost on me too. But people get big bucks for them. CJs are starting on the same too. Where I live, CJs and Broncos are at a premium, for rust buckets…
A myriad of reasons on why people like them. Many of your comments apply to nearly every other vehicle of the era. Writers far more eloquent than me can wax poetic about the appeal of older vehicles, whether they’re a Nash Metropolitan, Porsche 911, or Ford Bronco.
As for the looks, that’s strictly a matter of opinion. A lot of us think they’re a pretty handsome rig, both stock and modified.
Paul I have owned 2 first generation Broncos 1 68 with a 6 cylinder three on the tree, rusty but that was my mud bogger, then there was my 73 a maintenance man I worked with built, he went all the way to Las Vegas to buy a rust free tub, installed a 351W and a fiberglass front end, soft top & doors, that was my everyday vehicle and weekend toy for dry off roading. I loved both of them and so did my wife and sons, yes they rode rough but true off road guys expect that but they can get in to tight places like a Jeep and the 73 had a 12K pound winch but was only used to pull others out never the Bronco. In 2 wheel drive I surprised quite a few 70’s Camaros / Mustangs / Firebirds. I will have another but not the one featured as I will not buy a rusty one at my age 65 on 3/27/18.
Wow, finally something local to where I live! Its a Bronco too! This would make an excellent restoration project.
First gen Broncos and seventies Scouts have so much character. I’ve always loved ’em! The first time I sat in the driver’s seat of my Scout and looked at the simple dash gauges and flat windows, I was hooked!
What’s amazing is they sold this first-gen body all the way through 1977.
These 1st gen bronco’s have solid tube frame’s and rear dif’s are 9″. These things are bullet proof and have plenty of power with the six or V8. Short turning radius and were not made to ride smooth and rattle free. They get just as good of mileage as any other 4×4 of the era. There is tons of parts available on the after market. Repairing the tub is easy if you know how to weld. If your sending your work to an overpriced shop that’s your mistake. When built right they will go anywhere and ride decent for a 4×4. Many of these where used to plow snow. They hold their value and sell easily when done properly.
Where’s the gas pedal?
Thanks for the explanations, lots of it make sense….jeeps and scouts I do like!
pretty complete 4 a vehicle that has alota 1 yr only things onit. Like the mount behind the R rear wheel well. Never saw that B4 & am a 35 yr owner (ofa ’70/’75/’77). I do C a missing latch on the windshield that’ll match the ‘loop’ on the hood.
Any 1 tell me more bout the mount in the rear? Todd?
Chad – that’s the ’66-only jack mount.