The ongoing popularity of the First Generation Ford Bronco means we see a few crossing our desks at Barn Finds. However, the relatively rare Roadster version is seldom seen, making this 1966 example arrive like a breath of fresh air. Significantly, the seller confirms it is a genuine Budd Body vehicle, increasing its desirability to Bronco enthusiasts. It needs a new home, and the seller is listing it here on eBay in Ada, Oklahoma. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,000, but the intense action so far suggests that the situation could change at any time.
Ford introduced the First Generation Bronco for the 1966 model year, but a VIN search confirmed this one rolled off the line in September 1965. The company sold 23,776 Broncos across all variants in 1966, although only 4,090 were Roadsters. This version didn’t achieve the success the company envisaged, and it was dropped from the range for 1969. Its original owner ordered it in Caribbean Turquoise, and we can still see traces across the vehicle. It is begging for restoration, but many positive attributes will make that idea attractive to some readers. It is physically unmolested, meaning nobody has cut the body to accommodate larger wheels and tires. Most of the panels are free from significant rust, and any bumps and bruises are relatively minor. However, the solid nature of this survivor is one of its greatest attributes. It has the typical rust in the floors, but the frame is rock-solid, and prone areas like the front inner fenders haven’t succumbed to problems. It will need cutting and welding, but it won’t consume the hundreds of hours some Broncos require. Most trim pieces are intact, and the seller includes a new windshield.
The fact that this Bronco isn’t numbers-matching is initially disappointing, but as we will see, it isn’t the end of the world. Its engine bay houses a rebuilt 200ci six, with the remaining drivetrain components comprising the original three-speed manual transmission and dual-range transfer case. The seller recently replaced many brake components to ensure the Roadster stops effectively. They haven’t touched the rear brakes, but they confirm the Bronco runs and drives well. The winning bidder could theoretically enjoy this Ford immediately, but one further piece to this puzzle adds to its attraction. The vehicle may not be numbers-matching, but the seller retained the original 170ci powerplant, including it in the sale. Therefore, reinstating it as part of the restoration should not be an issue.
One attraction of First Generation Broncos as project candidates is that whipping a substandard interior into shape is neither challenging nor expensive. Refreshing the painted surfaces can happen when the exterior receives a repaint, while complete trim kits in the appropriate colors and materials rarely retail for more than $1,500. That is all this Roadster requires because there are no aftermarket changes or modifications requiring attention. The shifter remains in its original location, and the dash is uncut. Returning it to its former glory would be easy in a home workshop, and there are few experiences more satisfying than stepping back to admire an interior that you have brought back from the brink.
The First Generation Ford Bronco is one of the heroes of the classic scene, with any example that looks even remotely viable attracting significant interest. This 1966 model is no exception, but it has attributes that may see the already spirited bidding turn ballistic as the auction end draws near. Its rarity as a Roadster is unquestioned, while its Budd Body adds to its attraction. The lack of significant rust makes it a prime candidate for a DIY approach, and the fact it can be returned to numbers-matching form will improve its long-term prospects as an investment-grade classic. It has attracted thirty bids, which is what I would expect from a vehicle of this caliber. However, some enthusiasts might be sitting back and biding their time. Pouncing at the last moment could be a wise strategy, but that also risks failure. Would you wait and hope, or make a bold play early, hoping to discourage the opposition?
I wonder if they had cheesy TV sitcoms in other parts of the world in the 60s? Well, we did, fact is, it made up 95% of our TV shows. Fun shows the whole family( yeah, yeah, get on with it),,,um, anyway, Green Acres( 1965-1971) was one such show. Sponsored by Ford, it was the perfect place to introduce its new Jeep/Scout fighter, the Bronco. In the show, the bumbling county agent, Hank Kimball drove a ’68 roadster. A direct kick in the nads to the CJ, only to be rivaled later by the Landcruiser. Obviously, it was a hit, with over 26,000 sold in 1966, it’s best year. Compared to Jeep CJ at 18,000 for ’66, it made a big dent in Jeep sales, and continued to be a sales leader until, yep, you guessed it, the Landcruiser killed that. The U13 was extremely rare, with like only 200/year, but it sure zoomed Ford to the top of the 4wd ladder, and never looked back.
4,090 the first year, 698 the second year, and 212 the third year.
The Landcruiser outsold Bronco? Maybe in California. Never even saw one of those Toyoyo’s in the midwest, til the 80’s.
The numbers I mentioned were just for the roadster. The total numbers were much higher.
Whenever I see one of these Bronco Roadsters, I too instantly think of Hank Kimball, played by Alvy Moore. To me, one of the great TV “characters”, despite being a supporting member of the cast. I’ve recently watched some Green Acres reruns, they are still funny today.
By Bronco standards, this one isn’t bad. That was a popular color on Ford trucks back in the day.
Hi. I’m County Kimball, your Hank Agent. No, I don’t believe I am. I’m, eh Hank Kimball, your County Agent. Yes, that sounds better. Well, not better…
Saw this early and it didn’t seam out of price for what the rusty ones are bringing…
Add a cheap snow ❄️ plo and its an asset to the property 🏡
Was there a valid reason why my comment was removed? Getting to be as bad as the old Hemmings.
We didn’t remove it. It was an error with the reporting system.
I apologize, I guess I was ready for a kerfuffle, for no reason, as usual. I thought I may have known why, certain language, while fine for my old man, doesn’t fly today. Again the “Hemmings” comment wasn’t intended to be all bad. After all, had it not been for an ad for BFs on Hemmings, lo these 10 years ago, I may never have known about the site. BarnFinds on!
Wow – all the comments disappeared! With regards to all the comments about the Green Acres Broncos, there were three of them – a 66, 67, and 68. The ’68 is owned by a friend in California. The ’67 is owned by a gentleman in California and the ’66’s whereabouts are still unknown.
This one looks to have ’67 Sport seats in it, which are pretty rare themselves.
Looks like someone moved the warranty plate from the driver’s side kick panel to the glovebox door like the ’68-newer rigs.
Is it just my old eyes, or does that side photo look like this Bronco is bowed in the center?
Oddly enough, in `66 when the Bronco appeared, for whatever reason Ford dug out the full wheel cover from the `53 Mercury to use on these. I see this one still has theirs. They just popped the medallions out of the front ones for the 4WD mech. to clear. I don’t recall seeing those on later models.
Yes, they were just a one year item. There are some subtle differences between the Mercury caps and the Bronco caps, but the Mercurys can be modified to work.
Junk on wheels as usual!
Really? Seen any Challangers or GTOs lately? Lol