1973 Ford Bronco 4X4 Wagon, 302 V8, 3spd Hurst, Original Sheetmetal, Magnificent

1973 Ford Bronco 4X4 If you’re looking at this truck. you either already know how red-hot popular First Gen Broncos have become. or you just like what you see. The Bronco was one of the first sport utility vehicles. Ford’s competitor to the small four-wheel-drive compact SUVs such as the Jeep CJ5 and International Harvest Scout. and was built on its own platform. The original Bronco’s small size (92-inch) wheelbase made it popular for off-roading and other practical and recreational uses. The Bronco was a more original concept than the Mustang. which was based upon the Ford Falcon. The Bronco’s frame. suspension. and body were not shared with any other vehicle. The Bronco’s axles and brakes were sourced from the Ford F-100 four-wheel-drive pickup truck (a bear). The front axle was located by radius arms 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. The rear suspension was leaf springs in a typical Hotchkiss design. A shift-on the-fly Dana Corp. transfer case and locking hubs were standard. In 1969. the Bronco received Ford’s 302 V8 as an option that transformed the power and drivability of the vehicle. especially with a manual transmission (both drivetrain options are on this truck). Styling emphasized simplicity and economy: all glass was flat. bumpers were simple C-sections. the frame a simple box-section ladder. and the basic left and right door skins identical except for mounting holes. This purity of design has made Bronco’s the focus of modern collectors. and explains why their values have skyrocketed recently. The early Broncos were offered in wagon (this model). half-cab. and the less successful roadster configuration. Popular options included front bucket seats. and functional items such as an auxiliary gas tank (both on this truck). Aftermarket accessories included the usual array of wheels. tires. chassis. and engine parts for increased performance. This particular example is a Western. rust-free vehicle (just imported from Portland. OR). with all its sheet metal and undercarriage intact. (Many Bronco’s have been cut up. which destroys their value to collectors. ) It has been fully restored and extremely well cared for in the interim. It features a removable hardtop w/ opening rear window. making it ideal for all-season use. The only non-stock items are its serious off/on road tires. Other than that. this Bronco is pure stock. Oh. one other modification: the 3 speed (3-on-the-tree) shifter and linkage has been professionally replaced with a Hurst Floor Shifter and linkage. If you’ve ever driven a car with a Hurst. you know the silky precision of this system. The steering collar from the column mounted handle has been replaced with a smooth one; the boot and floor plate are brand new. and the installation is pristine. (My last Bronco had 3-on-the-tree and I cannot tell you how much better and how much more fun this truck is to drive and shift. It completely transforms the truck. in my opinion. ) Look at the details on this truck: the original steering wheel (restored to new). the chrome. gaskets. lenses. windshield washer system. dash. seats and door panels. etc. We have gone through this truck with a fine tooth comb to make sure everything is as it should be or we replaced or restored it. Unfortunately. we may not have left anything for you to do. other than choose a radio (either original or aftermarket). Blanking plates are installed until you decide. If you’re looking for a fun winter/summer car for snow. beach or just cruising. this Bronco delivers more performance and character than almost anything out there. It is a rock solid investment. financially. and reliable to the max (It's basically a Ford. with parts in plentiful supply from a variety of knowledgeable and dedicated aftermarket vendors (like Paul's Bronco's. for example). This particular truck's color and pristine condition make it a favorite wherever it goes. Park it next to a Lamborghini and watch which attracts more attention. For more information. or to discuss interesting offers/partial exchanges up or down. please feel free to call Michael at 631 553 5300. Thanks for reading.