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Most Awesome 4x4 Trucks Ever Made |
High Bid of $40,000 September 4, 2014 Two year no-expense-spared nut and bolt restoration Restored interior with 1966 Mustang Pony seats and trim Rhino lined body tub Frame and suspension refinished in Hammer Gray Rebuilt 302 CI V-8 engine Remanufactured 3-speed transmission Hurst shifter Dana 30 front and Dana 44 rear pumpkins Remanufactured balanced driveshafts 15x8 Method custom wheels BF Goodrich all terrain tires 1" body and 2 1/2" suspension lift New custom dual exhaust |
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1966 FORD BRONCO |
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The original Bronco, Ford's first compact
SUV, was an entirely unique vehicle -- it didn't share its basic
engineering with any other Ford. Those that are in great shape, and have
the optional V8 engine, are especially valuable today. The original
Bronco, Ford's first compact SUV, was an entirely unique vehicle -- it
didn't share its basic engineering with any other Ford. Those that are
in great shape, and have the optional V8 engine, are especially valuable
today. The 1966 is by far the most collectible and is the first of the
first generation. The Bronco's small size riding on a 92-inch (2,337 mm)
wheelbase made it maneuverable for some uses, but impractical as a tow
vehicle. The Bronco was designed under engineer Paul G. Axelrad. Although the axles and brakes were used from the Ford F-100 four wheel drive pickup truck, the front axle was located by radius arms (from the frame near the rear of the transmission forward to the axle) and a lateral track bar, allowing the use of coil springs that gave the Bronco a 34-foot (10.4 m) turning circle, long wheel travel, and an anti-dive geometry which was useful for snowplowing. The rear suspension was more conventional, with leaf springs in a typical Hotchkiss design. A shift-on the-fly Dana Corp. transfer case and locking hubs were standard, and heavy-duty suspension was an option. The early Broncos were offered in wagon, halfcab, and a less popular roadster configuration. The roadster version was dropped and the sport package, which later became a model line, was added. The base price was US$2,194, but the long option list included front bucket seats, a rear bench seat, a tachometer, and a CB radio, as well as functional items such as a tow bar, an auxiliary gas tank, a power take-off, a snowplow, a winch, and a posthole digger. Aftermarket accessories included campers, overdrive units, and the usual array of wheels, tires, chassis, and engine parts for increased performance. Broncos during this period were offered with several engine choices, but the most collectible is the 302 cu. in. V-8. This particular one shown here has been greatly but tastefully modified while keeping to its original character making it a very valuable Bronco. Since there are very few all original Broncos in factory unrestored condition many collectors have been modifying original ones with some of the latest gear and completely restoring everything on the vehicle. These nicely retrofitted and restored first generation Broncos are starting to really climb in value. |
