Frame Off Restored Bronco U13 Roadster 170 I6 105 HP 3 Speed Manual

SUMMARY

Frame-off, concours-style restoration
Correct 170 cubic inch 6-cylinder
Correct 3-speed manual transmission / 2-speed transfer case
Correct Ford 9-inch axle / Correct Dana 30 differential / Locking hubs
15-inch steel wheels / Correct '66-exclusive wheel covers
'66-exclusive Silver upholstery
Rangoon Red paint
Correct drum brakes
1 of roughly 200 authentic U13 Bronco Roadsters known to exist

Sometimes an item is so good that its trademarked name becomes a generic term for an entire category of products. Many of us say Kleenex instead of tissue, Xerox instead of copy, or Band-Aid instead of bandage, despite knowing the proper term. The off-roading world finds one more example in the Ford Bronco. To many, the word Bronco defines an array of capable, feel-good fun machines that can be found in all the places we'd rather be, from the mountains and the woods to the beaches and the dunes. And classics like this killer Roadster are an excellent reminder why. As an authentic U13 Bronco, it's one of roughly 200 known to exist. The beneficiary of a frame-off, concours-style restoration, it's a pristine collectible that makes excellent use of many correct and hard to find parts. And, sporting a reliable 6-cylinder/3-speed drivetrain, it's a fun cruiser for folks who are ready for a bit more than just some mud-caked toy!

If you were asleep at the wheel when we rolled out another fully restored U13 Roadster a couple of months, paralyzed by price guide fixation, note that RK Motors is the single best source of data on what these rare trucks sell for. We've had four in ten years done to this standard and each have sold for $60,000.00-$65,000.00 within 14 days or less. Accordingly, this is the LEAST expensive example we've ever had and in the best color combination we've seen.

HISTORY/RESTORATION

You might be wondering what's so special about this Bronco. Well, it pretty much boils down to production. Ford only made the U13 Bronco Roadster from 1966 to 1968. And, although 1966 was the biggest year for the model with 4,090 Roadsters sold, overall production was essentially capped at 5,000 units. Now, we all know the life of a utility. These things are driven hard, thoroughly enjoyed and often left to the elements during the off-season. Thanks to that disposable mentality, today, less than 200 U13 Broncos are known to exist; and this highly detailed U13 is truly one of the nicest in the world. You're probably thinking you can find door-less Broncos almost anywhere. But, the caveat to that observation is: most door-less Broncos are actually regular U14 and U15 models that have been shamelessly modified to emulate authentic Roadsters.

To say correctly restoring a U13 is a challenge is a bit of an understatement. First, you have to find one that's solid enough to fix. Then you have to take in to account that these were base-model Broncos which often survived tough lives as workhorse utilities. And lastly, you have to account for the individual quirks of every year. The '60s was an era when Detroit continuously updated their offerings on a yearly and sometimes semi-yearly basis. So, finding parts, sometimes produced for only months, for the 'unglamorous' model of a 50-year-old truck becomes a very tedious task.

Nearly every generation of Bronco has a following, but '60s trucks are arguably the most desired. Introduced in 1966 as direct competition to Jeep's legendary CJ, Ford's more accommodating offering was just a little bit easier to live with day to day. This Roadster is easy to admire thanks to a body-off, concours-style restoration that, based on appearance, is relatively fresh. That highly detailed rebuild molded the ute into a straight and solid stunner that's been finished in fabulously retro layers of Rangoon Red 2-stage. And presently, this Ford is poised to make a memorable and functional first impression!

As expected, the truck's awesome detailing highlights solid form and stunning pigment. At the front of the rig, a '66-exclusive 'eyebrow grille' hangs fresh parking lamps and bright halogen headlights above an optional, '66-exclusive bumper that features deleted guards. Behind that grille, a smooth hood flows to hinged glass that's complete with fresh stainless wipers. At the sides of that hood, sculpted, "Bronco" branded panels are correctly finished with one stem-mount mirror and a simple fuel cap. And at the back of those panels, a '66-exclusive tailgate centers a chrome handle between '66-exclusive taillights that feature optional bright bezels and an optional, '66-exclusive bumper.

ENGINE

Peer in to the truck's super clean engine bay and you'll find a correct, 170 cubic inch 6-cylinder that's been completely rebuilt and carefully detailed. Designed from the ground up to be a tough-as-nails workhorse, and serving as primary Bronco power for almost a decade, this stalwart mill is a favorite among vintage truck fans because of its simple design, adequate power and excellent durability. And, in the name of authenticity, pretty much everything on the block has been returned to intentional, factory-spec simplicity. At the top of the engine, a Ford-tagged carburetor mixes oxygen, supplied by a '66-exclusive oil-bath air cleaner, with fuel that's piped through fresh stainless lines. That carb rides on a cast, factory-spec intake, which, along with a cast, factory-spec exhaust manifold, floats next to a stamped, Ford Blue valve cover. Opposite those manifolds, a traditional points-style distributor sequences fire between fresh Radio Resistance wires and a modern alternator. And a petite radiator provides cooling with the help of a 6-blade pulley fan, pliable FoMoCo hoses and reproduction tower clamps. The correct, highly accurate restoration is rounded out by a roster of cool components, including an old school FoMoCo washer bag, a correct single-reservoir master cylinder and a slick Autolite battery topper. And, naturally, the compact mill is framed in rich Rangoon Red paint.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Crawling under this fresh Bronco reveals a solid chassis that appears completely weather-free. Power meets the pavement through a correct 3-speed transmission, which rides between a familiar Ford axle, a 2-speed transfer case and a correct Dana differential. A correct combination of coils, springs and shocks complement locking hubs and traditional drum brakes. An aluminized, single-pipe exhaust system, which is wired to a large muffler, runs the entire length of the floor. And everything rolls on painted steelies, which twist a quartet of 7.00-15 Power King Extra Traction meats around '66-exclusive wheel covers.

INTERIOR

Inside this classic, you'll find a spacious and comfortable cockpit that has enough room to be your vehicle of choice for any weekend adventure. Front and center, optional, professionally restored buckets stretch '66-exclusive vinyl between correct lap belts. In front of the driver, a '66-exclusive Gray Poly dash hangs a '66-exclusive speedometer, '66-exclusive knobs, a correct radio and a locking glovebox beneath a straight Pencil Pad. Below that dash, a correct transfer shifter rides a "Bronco" branded, factory-style floor mat. The driver stays connected to the road thanks to an elegant, chrome-trimmed steering wheel. And behind the front passengers, a spotless bed centers a small bench in front of a fifth steel wheel and fifth Power King tire.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES

A small display board

This Bronco started life as a truck that was rarer than most and ended up a show-stopping stunner that's now nicer and more exclusive than ever. In fact, of the roughly 200 Bronco Roadsters left, it's likely one the best examples. And, fully functional and as hard-working as ever, it's also a fun vehicle that can easily earn its keep. If you're ready to enjoy a serious ute with serious pedigree, don't miss the chance to claim this awesome Ford!