Ford sold 23,776 examples of its new Bronco across all derivatives in 1966. However, the rarest by far was the Roadster version, with only 4,090 buyers handing over their cash. The seller claims only around 200 remain, and considering how many succumbed to rust, that figure sounds plausible. Our feature Bronco is one of those vehicles, and its relatively complete and unmolested nature marks it as a worthwhile restoration project. It needs work, but we’ve seen sadder examples returned to a factory-fresh state. This Roadster is listed here on eBay in Lincolnton, Georgia. The slow bidding action has pushed the price to $5,300 in a No Reserve auction.
The First Generation Bronco saw Ford return to its roots with some extremely clever design features that reduced build costs. The door skins were symmetrical and only became side-specific when the mounting hardware was installed. The glass was flat, and the bumpers were elegantly simple c-section items. The photos suggest the Rangoon Red paint gracing this Ford’s panels may not be original because there is evidence the original owner ordered it in Raven Black. Only a glance at the Tag will confirm this. If the new owner wishes to maximize their investment potential, they would be wise to return the vehicle to its original appearance once they strip away the existing baked Red. Someone has added fender flares to accommodate larger wheels and tires, but since this is a common practice, reversing it could be one of the easiest and most satisfying parts of the build. The surprising aspect of this Bronco is its lack of severe visible rust. It would require an in-person inspection to confirm what is needed, but the rockers and lower quarter panels look clean. The seller states the frame is solid, but the buyer will probably strip this classic to the last nut and bolt to do it justice. Some glass is damaged or missing, with the same true for the trim and chrome.
The solitary interior photo is inconclusive, but it is safe to say this Bronco will require a total refurbishment. The painted surfaces show plenty of wear and tear, while what can be seen of the driver’s seat is no different. Aftermarket gauges are hanging under the dash, but I can’t spot any further additions. A trim kit would seem the most obvious solution to the woes, but the buyer needs to add a replacement wheel and gauge lenses to the list. However, with everything available to return the inside of this classic to a factory fresh state, the potential value would make the investment worthwhile.
Initially only offered with a 170ci six under the hood, Ford added the 289ci V8 to the Bronco’s options list in March 1966. However, this classic features the six that sent its power to the road via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Although the operator had a relatively modest 105hp and 158 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal, the fact that most was available below 2,500rpm made the First Generation Bronco a flexible and accomplished off-roader. They didn’t fare quite as well on the open road, running out of breath at around 80mph. This Bronco doesn’t run, and it is unclear when it last did. It is missing its air cleaner assembly but appears to be otherwise complete. These engines are pretty bulletproof, so if it turns freely, revival may not be difficult. However, it would be worth factoring a mechanical rebuild into the restoration budget to cover every eventuality.
Ford only offered the Roadster version of its First Generation Bronco for three years, with the first being the most successful. This one is a surprise because I typically expect the bidding to be pretty spirited. However, with only seven submitted, the action hasn’t been what I would normally expect. Values continue to rise in the classic market, although not as spectacularly as they were a year ago. Maybe people are becoming more cautious, which could help explain the situation with this classic. It is worth noting that even though the market has cooled slightly, values continue heading in the right direction for those assessing its investment potential. Therefore, it will be interesting to see if the action intensifies as the end draws near.
Being the sites “Crabby Appleton”,( at times),I’ll go 1st. I try and stay away from these posts, but it’s like trying not to look at a welder, but there isn’t a better example of how screwed up this is, here you go.
My views aren’t gospel, just based on common sense, and we all know where that went. We see “number of bids” and rolls right off, but I’d actually like to meet and greet those individuals and ask, what is wrong with you?
Howard, I am the owner of the 66 Bronco. Yes I have asked myself “what is wrong with me”? lol It is a true U13. It had a ragtop at one point and it had been painted at least three times when I made the purchase. If interested I can send you photos of where we are at today with the restoration. Randy
Congrats! Hopefully it is looking much better now!
That’s funny, Howard
Sad..like the term “lack of visible rust”
“Easiest and most satisfying”? Adam, they don’t just bolt on fender flares, they cut away part of the panel. Nothing easy about changing a quarter panel.
They have patch panels you do not have to replace the entire quarter panel
Roadster version????
That’s what I said to myself. Appears to relate to the removable top and doors models. Also known as a U13 model.
Yes. A true U13 Roadster.
The seller’s comment about there only being about 200 of these roadsters left is pure speculation and incorrect. A friend in the Bronco community and one of the roadster experts has compiled a registry of at least 700 roadsters that still exist and he hasn’t even found them all yet.
Umm… not a roadster- unless someone removed the door-opening inserts and mounted doors. In which case the cool part is gone.
FoMoCo cleverly did a product placement with a Bronco Roadster on Green Acres- equipping County Agent Hank Kimball with a Rangoon Red example.
It’s very much a roadster because the VIN begins with U13. Ford ended up added doors and tops to roadsters back in the day to get them sold (you’ll see this noted on the ’67-’68 Marti reports for roadsters. So it may have had the parts added by Ford or by a later owner.
I bought the Bronco on the auction. It is a true U13. The inserts were removed and the doors were from the 68-77 era. The inserts are readily available and will be replaced. Surprisingly how many changes the U13 went thru in the first 3 months of production.
Owned a ’76, great truck but don’t depend on the heater in Mn. winter. States is 6 cyl w/3 speed, Looking at the interior picture, missing a clutch pedal and brake pedal looks large like an automatic trans would. Can’t see any shift linkage in engine compartment photo. Just sayin’….
You are incorrect if you look close there is a third pedal under the aftermarket gauge pack
Per the add you get the Bronco but you don’t get the top . going to make it great for winter driving
23,755 were built by Ford. Today there are 25,000 on the road.
A rare roaster. Every piece needs fixin’.
“Roaster”? LMBO!
If the Warrantee Number (VIN) is correct then it is certainly a roadster. Not seeing the typical “roadster” mirror on the driver’s fender makes me wonder if the fender has been replaced. I belong to the U13 registry which lists just over 200 of the 1966 models. I doubt that all of the existing ones are on the registry but they are by no means common vehicles.
There is a fella here in Tucson that slipped a modified shell of a 69 Bronco onto shortened 2013 F150 4×4 Platinum. It looks dam good and retains all the features the f150 came with. It’s 8 inches wider than the original Bronco and done to a high level. Both vehicles started out as damaged goods, so no harm in my book.
Well everyone has a dream of a car that they love and would like to own and Bronco’s are hot right now put this one is going to take a lot of money and time
all the parts are out there to restore but is it worth doing it ?
Rangoon Red ? I know thats a Ford color, but if its been repainted, how does anyone know it was a Ford red ? Or even automotive paint ?
this 1s pretty ‘original’ cept for the chero (or is it falcon) steer wheel, rear fender cuts, ubictuious 3 guage fix on dash, steel wheels’n bumpers – probably seats (need silver covers) as cant C em. I like the uncut frnts, early grill (not the clear lenses tho), & snap to lay dwn the w.shield. The added roof rack can help too. Doesnt take much to topple it tho, B careful, no real lateral bracing.
Need 2C the “vin” to id ‘roadster’ from ‘wagon’ (our nomenclature, ford’s?: sport utility/U15, from U13 as roadster from p/u or U14) these R so easy to change (I have 4 tops: rag, wagon, 1/2 cab, a tonneau and nuttin)…