1968 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco was introduced to the public in August of 1965 to compete against Jeep's CJ-5 and International Harvester's Scout in the burgeoning recreational four-wheel drive vehicle market. The first Broncos were very spartan without options such as power steering and an automatic transmission. Initial models were available only with a 105hp 170ci six-cylinder derived from Ford's Falcon lineup. The only available transmission was Ford's 3.03 three-speed manual with a column mounted shifter.
For consignment a 73,491 title verified actual mile survivor in the form of a 1968 Ford Bronco. With a long term history of each of the 2 owners and starting its life out in Colorado, we see an older respray, with some scratches and dents, but no rust. A few upgrades over the years, including recent addition of power steering and power brakes, this truck is ready to roll, and will be pulling many new SUV's out of a hole for a while to come.
Exterior
Donned with Caribbean Turquoise and a white grille, painted bumpers and roofline this car is looking amazingly original. The paint is an older respray but still holds its shine but with just slight chips and dings and on the roof's drip edge I can see slight surface rust in the gullies. White painted bumpers with curved ends and side marker reflectors immediately distinguished the 1968 models from their predecessors. Manual locking front hubs are seen as well. All exterior panels are rust free, and have well minded gaps. No side spear or rocker trimmings for this model, just squared off design and a tailgate and upper window back with a swing arm mounted spare tire. Looking good.
InteriorAs I swing the pedestrian lightweight doors I'm greeted with some shiny diamond plate inserts in the middle of the turquoise outer frame. A black armrest and shiny crank is here as well as a stereo speaker. The driver's side door shows some wear off of the paint. I perch myself on to newer high bay black vinyl buckets. These float on back carpeted floors which are like new. 2 wood topped shift levers reach for my hands in the hump. Upfront, the white painted factory dash front with a black padded dash top has all the right gauges, knobs, and pulls. Below the factory radio is now an aftermarket ESN AM/FM/CD radio. Fronting the dash is an Ididit rally steering wheel. The back the truck has no back seat, just black carpeted storage and another shiny diamond plate panel on the inner tailgate. The headliner is slightly damaged in a few areas, but still is showing as a white canvas liner.
Drivetrain
Under the factory paint covered hood and engine bay, we see a very nice 289ci V8. It now sports an Edelbrock intake and Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor on top. A 3-speed manual transmission is on back, with front and rear 3.50 axles. New ignition wiring and supple hoses abound along with some black background ribbed Ford badged valve coverings. The master cylinder also has been chromed and as noted power steering and power brakes were added just at the end of last year. Headers provide the pipes for the exhale.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust seen as heavy covered areas and some light are noted throughout. Front radius arms and coil springs are on and in back leaf springs are providing the surefooted ride. Power drum brakes are now all around.
Drive-Ability
This truck started immediately and runs smoothly. The engine has some power with the 4-barrel carb and power steering and brakes were a welcome addition, albeit the brakes are now quite a bit touchy. Also the horn did not toot. The drive modes worked as they should.
Indeed a nice gem of Ford 4x4 history, slightly modified, but all for the good and certainly better performance. An older respray, new seats and original look for the dash, I am ready to go for a climb. Or just throw my stuff in the back and go for a camping trip. Either way I'll be doing so in retro style.
U15NLC14404
U15-Bronco Wagon
N-289ci 2bbl V8
L-Michigan Truck Plant
C14404-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube! This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
