V8 HiPo Powered: 1966 Ford Bronco

• Seller: Giordano’s Vintage Motors (Contact)
• Location: Carnation, Washington
• Mileage: 000000 Shown
• Chassis #: U15FL737334
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 302 cui HiPo V8
• Transmission: AOD Automatic

Many of the early Broncos we come across are modified so heavily that it seems like very little of the original factory metal remains. This 1966 Ford Bronco might be modified, but its body hasn’t been cut up to make room for bigger tires. The seller’s goal was to preserve the weathered early body and removable steel top, then hide a substantial list of modernized mechanical components underneath. The result combines vintage Bronco character with a 302 V8, automatic transmission, power disc brakes, power steering, upgraded differentials, and better everyday usability. Located in Carnation, Washington, the Bronco carries a clean title and is being offered as a Barn Finds Exclusive. The seller notes that the vehicle is still under construction and that the listed asking price is for the truck completed and ready to drive away.

The body is perhaps the most important part of the equation. The seller describes it as a solid, straight, uncut original Bronco body retaining mainly original paint, supplemented by custom patina work. The supplied photos show exactly that: faded turquoise paint, exposed primer and wear, and plenty of visual history rather than a fresh coat of paint. The factory steel removable top is included.

Mechanical upgrades are extensive. A 1980s high-output 302 V8 is fitted with a new four-barrel carburetor and intake, while stainless headers and a new exhaust system route exhaust away. Power is sent through an AOD automatic transmission, giving this first-year Bronco the kind of performance Ford couldn’t have offered in 1966.

Both axles have reportedly been rebuilt. Yukon 4.10 gears are fitted front and rear, with an air locker listed for the front axle and an Eaton limited-slip unit in the rear. The photos document substantial suspension and brake work, including coil springs, shocks, axle components, and modern disc-brake hardware. Power steering and power disc brakes are part of the build, addressing two areas where an original early Bronco can struggle in modern traffic. New wiring is also being installed.

The interior is planned around modern leather power front seats with matching rear upholstery, while the dashboard and painted metal surfaces preserve much of the Bronco’s simple original character. It should make for an interesting combination. Hopefully, the seller can retain the original character while still making it more comfortable to ride in.

This build is clearly not intended for the preservationists searching for originality. It might not appeal to everyone; at the end of the day, the original sheet metal is the part that’s hard to make original again. And on the upside, if you plan on actually driving it, the changes to should improve this 4×4 in nearly every way. The photos also make clear that this is an evolving project, not a completed vehicle. Some images show the Bronco in earlier stages of the build, while others document upgraded suspension and brake components.

For the right buyer, this could be a great find. The seller states that custom touches and additional upgrades can be incorporated before completion. An original-looking 1966 Bronco with V8 power, overdrive automatic, lockers, 4.10 gears, power steering, and disc brakes could be fun. Keep the weathered turquoise exterior and let everyone else wonder why the old Bronco drives like a modern one. Take a closer look and make the seller an offer!