First-gen Broncos never disappoint in the desirability department. One thing that I have learned is that an “uncut” example like this claimed to be 1967 example will generate more interest than one that has had its rear wheel wells “cut’ or opened to accommodate larger tires. This Bronco has also had its original engine replaced with a…you’ll have to read on to find out. Located in Santa Rosa, California, and discovered by T.J., this early SUV is available, here on craigslist for $30,000.
To open things up, the seller states, “This 67 came later in the year where the body changed so has the 1968 body where the keyhole lower like 68 and above models“. Besides the grammatical confusion, I really don’t know what this means but decoding the VIN indicates that this truck was built in January 1968 (the C78621 part of the VIN-according to CJponyparts.com). That being the case, I would suggest that it’s a 1968 model and not a ’67, especially since Ford records indicate that the ’67 Bronco model year ended in August of that year. Other than the front fender (replaced maybe?), this Bronco is wearing federally mandated 1968 side marker lights so that lends more credence to this SUV being a ’68 and not a ’67. Conclusion? Check the title.
The seller adds, “It shows of an accident in the front passenger side. The frame is straight but damage is evident to fender and even the spring is missing.” And, the above image does clearly show the damaged fender and the lack of the side marker light – but in this position only. OK, so it’s not perfect, the paint is rough but the body shows little indication of rot, just some surface accumulation – it seems to be in reasonable shape, all-in-all.
Another tidbit from the VIN is the engine description which indicates a born with 105 gross HP, 170 CI, in-line six. That motor has been given the heave-ho and instead, a 200 CI, in-line six-cylinder powerplant, donated by a Maverick, is now taking up residency. Apparently, the seller avoided the temptation to upgrade to a Windsor V8, which was an option in ’67 (and ’68). Some more confusion surrounds the transmission, the listing claims a manual (an original three-on-the-tree setup), but the floor-mounted shifter/selector and larger brake pedal are reminiscent of what one would find with an automatic – maybe it’s just the interior image. Additionally, the seller states, “I have the engine running well with (a) coolant flush and replacement of hoses, water pump, thermostat and new electric fan. I also rebuilt the carb, but it warrants a new one with a choke. It has a new battery and alternator“.
There’s only one image of the interior and it’s not very revealing. The seating upholstery looks OK but it’s evident that the windshield is cracked and something’s up with the horn ring – it seems to be dislodging itself. Also, note that gear selector, automatic or manual?
The seller concludes with, “There are too many parts to list but the complete floor pan, inner and outer rockers, door, tailgate, etc. I also have bucket seats with brackets, as I disliked the bench seat“. There is also mention of a 2.5” lift kit and the original powder-coated steel wheels. So, there’s a lot here to digest, and that model year business is troubling, but a follow-up, and maybe a phone call could help to alleviate any confusion and help to determine if this Bronco warrants its $30K price tag, wouldn’t you agree?
Well if it was built in Jan 68, it’s obviously a 68, and the 67s didn’t have rear side reflectors, strangley, the park lights look more like 67, but maybe they were the same in 68. As for the floor shifter, that’s for the transfer case, all first gen Broncos had the same “automatic transmission looking” transfer case shifter, and all had a column mounted transmission shifter, whether 3spd or automatic. The seller mentions something about a body change, no idea what he’s talking about, the body never changed from 66-77. As for the price? It’s a lotta money, pretty much everything we see these days is a lotta money. It’s the new world we live in, don’t’ya just love it? Lol
Actually, side reflectors front and rear. Some also had similar reflectors on the grille, I have a pair of NOS
@Yblocker has it pretty well covered. The “body change” the seller is referring to is the slight change of the door lock keyhole changes between ’66-’68. The ’66s had the locks just slightly above the door line. They moved them up, very close to the handles for ’67 because the ’66 location interfered with the beltline trim for the Sport package, which was introduced in ’67 (this truck is a Sport, btw). Then they moved them down below the beltline for ’68 and they stayed there through ’77. The ’68 change also corresponded with a change to the door striker/latch style and location. The ’68s are unique in that they kept the removable door/window frames from ’66-’67 and coupled them with the ’68-later doors. If removable door window frames are your thing – the ’68 doors are very desirable.
The parking lights that @Yblocker mentions were all the same ’66-’68. The transfer case shifter with the push-button started in March ’66 (with a boot) – it gained the plastic cover you see in June ’66 – near the end of the ’66 model year.
Interesting that they put an engine from a Maverick in it – as the ’73-’74 Broncos had 200 ci. 6’s available as well.
It shouldn’t take too much work to get that horn ring reattached either.
A Sport Bronco with a 6 cylinder is a rare combination.
Ten thousand tops to many unknowns and the six cylinder was common . Nothing special about it other than it’s a bronco.. you’d get maybe twenty thousand for it If properly redone.
Yes, the six cylinder was common, particularly in the early years. Just not in Sport Broncos.
Always impressive, the amount of detailed knowledge Barn Finders have, as evidenced above.
As for automatic transmissions, not available until 1973. (I’m not a Bronco expert, but I did know they were not available in 1968, but had to google for the exact year… assuming it is correct).
You are correct, as always, Bob!
The seller says as much, an original three-on-the-tree. My question was whether it was swapped when the engine was replaced as that shift selector looks like one used for an automatic but that’s been explained by Yblocker. I gather that it is the original three speed.
JO
It appears to be a 3 speed column shift. I’m not an expert on Broncos but would the floor shifter be 4 wheel drive selector? It looks to be a decent project but definitely more questions than answers….
No matter how many of these come up for sale I still don’t want them. I’ve had a few in the 70s and they just are really not any good in my opinion. I had an early International scout that I thought was a much better rig.
I do believe the seller’s statement of it being the original transmission, 3 on the tree is accurate. If you look closely you can see the clutch pedal to the left of the brake pedal. As stated by yblocker the shift lever on the floor is the typical four wheel drive selector used on Bronco’s of that era.
I think it is over priced and most likely will get it. That said I think these can be made to look pretty cool but I’ve never been a huge fan of these.
I had one exactly like that color & all. 3 on the tree. It rattled more than a wagon full of rattlesnakes.
bronks can B a mish-mosh. Actually we mod them any way we like them. Some sellers do not know what they have. Some buyers do not know what they… seek, bought, etc? This one fit some one’s taste B 4 this guy got it (swapped in stuff). He thinks it is worth 30K and so he might get it.
Dont ‘settle’, know 1st. Save ur money and do it right or buy sompin, mod or restore and enjoy ! They’re coming into the ‘classic car’ category (oem, long term ownership, fewer ‘bolt-ons’, etc), complete the due dilligence and have an investment U can daily. A true multipurpose (cant do anything well, do several ok). AND that’s Y we mod ‘em~
15K would be more appropriate…
there is 15K work to be done to bring it up to 30K.