Many of us are aware of the Centurion conversion that came out of the 1980s and added some clever functionality to a hybrid between a Ford F-350 and fourth-generation Bronco. However, I’m realizing now that in viewing this 1989 Ford Bronco Centurion here on Facebook Marketplace with the classic Bronco topper removed, it’s also a full-size SUV with the unique capability of enabling an open-air experience. When we think about SUVs and trucks with this capability, the list is short and usually stalls out after naming the Dakota convertible; add the Bronco Centurion to the mix, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Chuck Foster for the find.

I’ve heard that the Bronco / F350 conversion was made by more than one company, with seemingly minor differences between each iteration and the bulk of them assembled by Centurion Vehicles. The basic concept involved taking the F350 full-size pickup and integrating the rear section from a Bronco. The end result was a full-size SUV resembling a Suburban competitor, with the added bonus of a removable hard top. In many ways, the Centurion provided a road map of sorts for Ford to later build full-size SUVs like the Expedition and Excursion after letting GM dominate the segment for years. The interior of this Centurion is decent, with the seller removing the seats to show clean carpets, door panels, and dashboard.

One thing I can never understand about these Centurion trucks when they pop up for sale is how they never seem to be in mint condition. They all appear as some version of this truck, with rough cosmetics, decent undercarriage, and functionally working. There’s never any evidence that someone has gone out of their way to look after the truck for all these years, yet somehow, it has survived. The Centurion conversions should likewise be part of a class of vehicles sought-out by GenXers at this point and enjoying a corresponding bump in value; not so, as most of these trucks seem to struggle to break $10,000 when they do appear for sale. Why isn’t the Centurion more cherished by collectors?

When the Centurion was new, the option to customize the interior with a variety of luxury features and upgrades was one of its selling points, and the seller does note it comes with leather heated seats. If I were to restore a truck like this, I’d have to find an original brochure from Centurion to see what range of options were available; something tells me a mini-bar and TV were on the options list. The seller is open to offers, and notes that this truck needs a proper cosmetic restoration. I hope to someday see one of these in near-mint condition, as it’s a shame so many of them have fallen into project truck status.