Today’s post is brought to you by the numbers 68 and 302.
The first-generation Ford Bronco was one of the few vehicles Ford built that didn’t share parts or chassis with any other Ford vehicle. Other than some drivetrain components, the Bronco was its own entity, standing alone in a lineup replete with low, wide, heavy cars and big, even heavier trucks. Built as a dedicated off-road vehicle (ORV), the first Broncos were built to go up against CJ’s and Scouts, some very worthy competition. According to the interwebs, it was also conceived by the same man who created the Mustang – with a very different execution.
Recently, I had the chance to look at my friend’s 68 Bronco and get some pictures. After enjoying it and working on it for a few years, he had to make the tough decision to make more room in his garage, starting with this. His loss, your gain? Read on and see what you think.
My friend told me he was planning to take pictures of his own and post the Bronco on Craigslist. As of this writing, the ad has not gone live. Does that make this a Hooniverse exclusive?
Here’s a brief description the rig that my friend sent me:
68
Originally red has be painted metallic Green
rear fenders have been cut and a 5″ lift installed.
Original drum brakes and manual steering. Its a beast to drive. Top of my todo list if I were to keep it would be front disc brakes and power steering.
The tranny leaks a bit. It was rebuilt just before I got it and the paperwork indicates warranty work on a tranny leak. It still leaks unfortunately.
A beast to drive? That’s how most cars should be.
It’s not easy to see in this picture, but the original 3-speed automatic has been converted to a 4-speed floor shift.
The 5-inch lift.
There’s a fair bit of diamond plate steel on the Bronco, but it looks good with the dark green paint and black removable hard top.
That is indeed transmission fluid on the tire. It’s been sitting a while and clearly has leaked a little where it’s been sitting for a few months.
Overall, I’d say this Bronco is in decent shape. It stops, starts, and drives. Sure, it needs a little work, but it’s a 45-year old ORV: it’s bound to need a few things. I don’t know what he’s asking, and I don’t know when he’ll get the ad up on Craigslist, but if you’re in the market for a first-generation Bronco, this is a great choice. If you are interested, I can always let him know.
What do you think of this green machine?
[Photos Copyright 2013 Hooniverse/Marcal Eilenstein]
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