Not surprisingly, this 1966 Ford Bronco is already enjoying active bidding on eBay despite there being 10 days left in the auction. There’s a few reasons for this: one, it’s a first-year Bronco with the 289 V8 motor; two, it’s an uncut example, meaning its fenders haven’t been hacked up for larger wheels and greater suspension travel (or simply perished due to rust); and three, right – rust – there is none. Throw in the mostly original condition and you can see where this auction is heading. Find the Bronco here on eBay with bidding over $7K and the reserve unmet. Thanks goes to Ikey H for the tip!
The seller notes that the Bronco has had one repaint in its life, and it was done in the original color of Poppy Red. The truck saw limited use beginning in 1987, where the second owner stored it in his barn and didn’t touch it. Prior to that, Bronco was sold new in Salt Lake City, but remained in the dry, desert-like climate of a Utah ranch where it was used as a farm and hunting vehicle for most of its existence. The bumpers and doors have been removed, but spares of those parts are included with the sale.
The seller says the truck will start easily, and the requisite “start up” maintenance has been performed. A clean gas tank, new fuel sending unit and pump, rebuilt carburetor and brake hardware, new plugs / wires / cap / and rotor have all been done, and while there’s certainly more work to do, this is a good start. The seller notes the Bronco is still not ready for daily duties (nor would I expect it to be) but that the proven running condition and solid body make it a great foundation.
Foundation for what? Well, I wouldn’t restore this truck beyond a mechanical refresh. I wouldn’t touch the suspension other than to fix what needs replacing. No lift kit would ever grace a survivor like this, nor would any oversized tires. A hard top does need to be located, and the seller mentions there’s a slight bend in the frame, “…right front behind the radius arm,” which he calls a common fault. While there’s still work to be done, it’s hard not to like what you’re starting with.
I’d pay double or even triple to get Hank Kimball’s Bronco,,,,
Every time I see one of these I think of Mr. Kimball. And Lisa and Oleevah.
Truth be known, I believe Ford, the sponsor, debuted the Bronco on that show. For many, it was the 1st time we saw a Bronco. In the early episodes of Green Acres, Hank drove a Jeep CJ.
https://www.imcdb.org/v234338.html
Finally how a 1st gen Bronco should be!Some scratches, a ding here and there – still it’s a rig that looks just as cool on the beach as the trail. Apart from maybe a mild lift to accommodate a tad beefier mudders I wouldn’t change a thing about it – this one can be enjoyed as is every day without worries!
U15 Vin so it didn’t originally have the roadster inserts. 289 ‘66 is pretty cool though as they were only available the last 5 months of that year. Hope it stays uncut and relatively unmodified.
also I don’t see the standard silver upholstery….Still dig it !
Super nice project,haul this out !
This is a nice one.
My dad gave me his bronco when I turned 16…. they where the worst driving, riding, handling vehicles on earth and always breaking down……boy do I wish I kept it! ……I ended up junking it for scrap got $175.00 for it.
Do I feel dumb now! The body was in good shape …
In 1981 people thought these where ugly junky vehicles….my girl friend at the time would not ride in it because she said it was too ugly too noisy and road like it had square wheels. I used the $175 to put down on a Pinto runabout…after driving and (sometimes pushing) the Pinto for 1 1/2 years I realized that I should of kept the bronco!
Uncut….but pretty whale – welded up !