First-generation Broncos are absolutely red-hot right now, and for my money, they look the best in half-cab 'trucklet' form. Take this gorgeous 1968 Ford Bronco 4x4 for instance: neatly restored back-to-stock in proper Signal Flare Red and White colors, it features a strong 289 V8 and 3-speed gearbox drivetrain, choice options like power steering, power brakes, and even air conditioning, and it looks like a million bucks with a proper half-cab hardtop installed. Early Broncos like this beauty changed the SUV world forever and have scores of fans today, but when they're set-up as pickups like this '68, they're even better.
First off, this is a real code U15 Bronco, meaning it was born as a regular 'wagon' SUV, and converted into a U14-style half-cab. On these early 1st Generation Broncos, the conversion is very easy (and common), as they come pre-fitted for a factory bulkhead. So, all one needs to do is toss out the back seat, install the bulkhead, and drop down a half-cab hardtop and voil, you've got yourself a Bronco truck! In the estimation of many (including us), these incredibly versatile 'early' Early Broncos are the most valuable, as they can easily transform into a roadster (no top at all), half-cab, or wagon with only a couple extra parts and not a ton of work. Sure, you may need to enlist the help of a friend with a good back to help you lift the varying tops into position, but nevertheless, having a 3-in-1 vintage Bronco is incredibly desirable. The owner of this bright red Bronc has known it for years, ever since it was purchased new by her neighbors back in 1968. It never left Texas, and she followed it closely for decades until finally pulling the trigger in 2015 when she bought it and immediately had it restored. Her favorite configuration was the half-cab set-up her neighbors favored back when she was a child, so that's exactly what she had it restored to. Painting back to its original Code Z Signal Flare Red was the right choice, as it's one of the best colors ever to adorn the legendary Bronco, and it only looks better with a contrasting white grille, white fender flares, and a white top. The paint job is in very fresh and in fantastic order but the goal was to build a truck that wouldn't mind bouncing around town, so the builders weren't aiming for perfection. Nevertheless, other than a few minor flaws, it looks really great, is smooth to the touch, and has a wonderful gloss that really comes to life out in the sunshine. The panels are quite straight, which is critical for an excellent foundation like this, and it's obvious that it's never been a rusty truck that needed major surgery to get back into shape. The flanks are straight, the gaps are great, and in true Bronco fashion, the bumpers are simple chrome bars. The converted bed is protected with matching red spray-in bedliner material, making this is a truck you'll never have to worry about when you're out having fun.
The snug 2-seat cockpit carries stock bucket seats that may look like Mustang pieces, but they are actually unique to the Bronco. Like the exterior, it's fairly simple and basic, but that's how these trucks were when they were new and how many guys prefer them today. The red vinyl upholstery has been punctuated with white piping, the two-tone door panels were finished to match, and a custom center console was built that includes an arm rest, cup holders, and a pair of booming Memphis Audio speakers. The white dash is simple and clean and comes protected with a black dash pad, and it features an original all-in-one gauge that covers the truck's basics. Options include a Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit that manages the upgraded speakers, seatbelts, and an underdash A/C system that blows cold. A three-speed manual transmission hangs on the steering column, with the lever on the floor controlling the 2-speed transfer case, which you'll probably use if you want to explore this truck's limits. An original steering wheel with a thin rim looks just right in the '60s truck, and the original floors were coated with the same spray-in bedliner that's in the bed.
If you were smart (and had the money) you could get your Bronco from the factory with a 289 cubic inch V8, which is what lives under the hood today. Believed to be the original engine (although Ford never stamped VINS to 100% confirm), the small block V8 translates into big torque and it's a neat fit in the Bronco's restored and paint-matched engine bay. Running as smooth as silk, it's fed through a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and stock-style intake manifold, and is dressed in Ford Blue engine enamel, matching blue valve covers, and a chrome air cleaner up top. Power steering, power brakes, and a modern A/C compressor and alternator show that this Bronc was built for the rigors of the modern road, and the 3-speed-manual transmission shifts so smoothly the linkage must be new. Underneath, the chassis is very clean and solid so you'll have no worries about plunging into the brush with it, and the 289 sounds great exhaling through a dual exhaust system that exits just beyond the rear wheels. This beauty rolls on a set of flashy polished wheels wrapped with big 31x10.50-15 BFGoodrich T/A radials that give it a butch look and plenty of ground clearance.
Beautifully built and only lightly used since it was completed, this is a high-quality Early Bronco with the right look, great pedigree, and excellent hardware. Call today!
