It isn’t unusual for successful racers to place their name upon limited-edition vehicles, and some are more readily recognized than others. This 1973 Ford “Baja” Bronco was the brainchild of Bill Stroppe, a man who established his reputation via successful campaigns in the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 in the early 1970s. It is a genuine survivor, and with only a few hundred produced, it is undeniably rare. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting the Baja listed here on Craigslist in Santa Rosa, California. The seller set their price at $125,000 OBO.
Bill Stroppe was a self-taught mechanic who turned his hand to several racing categories, both as a car owner and a competitor. He firmly established a strong relationship with Ford when it released the First Generation Bronco, demonstrating its abilities to the motoring press. Racing success followed, with Parnelli Jones winning the 1970 Baja 1000 in a Stroppe-built Bronco with its creator alongside as navigator. Further success followed, and Stroppe decided to produce his own Bronco special edition with Ford’s blessing. Each Sport Bronco was delivered to Stroppe, who would apply his distinctive Black hood and Blue Metallic top to vehicles finished in Poppy Red and Wimbledon White. He added larger wheels and tires, rear fender flares, and a “Baja Bronco” spare wheel cover to the swing-out spare tire carrier. Upgraded suspension, an improved cooling system, an auxiliary fuel tank, and a quieter exhaust rounded out the basic package. From there, Stroppe offered a range of additional extra-cost features, allowing customers to personalize their ride. The seller describes this “Baja” as an unrestored survivor. It retains its original paint and other distinctive features. It presents well for a survivor of this vintage, and since it appears to have spent its life in California, it seems to have avoided the rust problems that often plague First Generation Broncos. So far, things look pretty positive.
The Marti Report confirms that the first owner ordered this Bronco with a 302ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power steering. The 302 had suffered as the Malaise Era unfolded, producing 137hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque. However, it remained a respectable performer in a 1973 context, allowing the Bronco to effectively utilize its dual-range transfer case to access some very rugged territory. The seller confirms that this “Baja” is numbers-matching. They describe it as drivable, although they don’t elaborate on how well it achieves that feat. Potential buyers who place great store in a paper trail will welcome the documentation included in the sale. They will receive the Marti Report, the original Window Sticker, original Sales Paperwork, Owner’s Manual, Ownercard, and other historic documentation.
The seller only supplies a single interior shot, so it’s impossible to determine the overall condition. We know that this Bronco left the line trimmed in Parchment Rosette vinyl, featuring a rear seat that was an integral part of the “Baja” package. The wheel may have been a Stroppe addition, and the interior also features a radio that was added later. The only thing that I can confirm is that the vinyl floor mat is torn beneath the driver’s feet. The dash paint is tired, and the vinyl would benefit from a deep clean. Otherwise, potential buyers may need to contact the seller for further information if they are unwilling to fly blind.
The Ford “Baja” Bronco is one of those classics where it is impossible to determine how many were produced. Bill Stroppe rolled these out of his workshop between 1971 and 1975, and while some sources quote a build tally of 450 vehicles, others put the figure as high as 650. Even if the higher number is close to the mark, it remains a rare classic. The seller’s price isn’t cheap, but it’s not unprecedented. If you’ve longed for a First Generation Bronco and you’re willing to pay for the privilege, could this “Baja” be a contender?
Who do you think you are, Parnelli Jones? Was the catch phrase for any speed racer. Rufus Parnell “Parnelli” Jones was/is probably the most underappreciated race car driver, that lived to be an old man. He died in 2024 at NINETY(90) which is incredible considering all the racing he did, something like Parkinsons takes him down. I think his off road days catapulted Bronco sales to the moon, proving a guy proficient in open wheeled cars, could do that too. While the Stroppe ones he drove were a bit more modified than a stock one,, didn’t matter, it was a Bronco. Amazing guy.
Price? Well, I’m under some obligation not to disclose many details of my nephews ’66 U13 he found. Some progress has been made, and he sent me a link, Ford is showing a “new” Bronco, named the “Roadster”, inspired by the U13,, and even Jay Leno endorsed it, but not likely to be offered to the public,,,yet. Makes my nephews pretty attractive, no? Once I started researching that, a SLEW of aftermarket providers came up. I think you can build one entirely from aftermarket parts. This is an okay find, naturally a Jeep lover would say that, I never really cared for these, and read buyers remorse is high when people actually do drive them. I think when peoples jaws return to the normal position, we’ll hear about the price, these people sure live in a different world.
Adam, Bill Stroppe’s association with Ford began well before the Bronco, extending back to NASCAR, the Trans-Am series, the Mexican Road Race in the early 1950s and, of all things, the Mobilgas Economy Run. One book has been written about him; there should be more.
The “street” Baja Broncos were a pale imitation of their racing kin, of course. By the time Bill was done with them, little but some exterior body panels and the engine blocks remained.
First gen Broncos are the coolest looking of all of them!!
My friend has this one in his garage.He bought it from the original
owner,who I also knew.This is one gorgeous Bronco!
And no,it IS NOT for sale.
For that price it better be running better than it did when it was new!
Sweet Bronco anglia. Such great 4wd vehicles.