1974 Ford Bronco 4X4

Description

The first Ford Broncos pretty much created the modern SUV craze. There were a few others before the Bronco, but none combined utility, rugged good looks, and go-anywhere abilities as well as the Ford. This essentially all-new 1974 Ford Bronco 4x4 is an excellent example of the breed, and it's set up properly with a host of upgrades that make it a pleasure to drive, on-road or off. Frame-off built a scant 511 miles ago by the pros at BC Broncos in Kerrville, Texas, this rugged beauty features a powerful, fuel-injected 302 V8, a highly desirable automatic transmission, power steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes, and rugged looks that are absolutely to die for. Early Broncos are easily reaching six-figure territory these days, this may be your last chance to get a brand-new build with all the bells and whistles for under $70K. Better read quickly...

Part of the Bronco's appeal is most definitely the rugged good looks. Not too big, not too small, but just right to be comfortable yet highly maneuverable out in the field. Then there's the classic upright profile that's instantly identifiable from a mile away. Of course, this one has been professionally modified and augmented to look like a show-stopper, and now features a Terra Comp fiberglass body that was rhino-lined inside and underneath, a sizeable lift that previews the upgraded James Duff Suspension underneath, James Duff Pre-Runner style bumpers fore and aft, matching blue nerf bars from Tom's Bronco Graveyard at the flanks, and a mounted matching spare out back. The bright white paint job is a perfect choice for the application, and was professionally laid down atop the super-solid fiberglass to a very high, top driver quality standard not often seen on vintage 4x4s. Some might balk at the fiberglass body at first, but if you're actually planning on driving your Bronc it's definitely the right choice, because not only is it lightweight, it's also very durable and highly resistant against the elements out on the trails. And if you're familiar with Early Broncos, you'll know just how rusty so many of these truly are (or full of Bond-O and/or hacked-up reproduction steel), but that's never going to be a problem on this beauty. That giant blue brush guard/bumper up front is pretty extreme, but it looks right at home on the squared-off Bronco, and painting it and all the other steel hardware a contrasting Blue was definitely the right choice. There's also a set of off-road lights mounted to the blue 'stinger' up front, hood pins, a black 4-point roll bar inside the cabin, and a custom tubular rear bumper and dual storage carriers out back. Although it's very clean and barely been used, this Bronco is not ornate or showy, and it's definitely functional, fun, and ready to hit the road today.

The interior has been tastefully modified without diminishing any of the truck's legendary functionality. Black spray-in bedliner material protects the floors, the side doors have been deleted (although aftermarket sets can easily be purchased), and a simple, black dash are still the primary elements, but upgrades like the Corbeau high-back buckets, a set of Lokar shifters, and a sporty Grant steering wheel atop a tilt column add a whole new dimension. There's also a full array of white-faced Auto Meter digital/analog gauges to monitor the truck's vitals, bright switches and toggles for auxiliary functions, a beefy 4-point roll bar, and a locking Tuffy center console that features a set of cupholders between the front seats. The builders elected to not install a back seat in favor of opening up more storage room, but again, if you're a popular person (and this Bronco will certainly lift you up the social ladder) that wants to haul friends around, a simple bench seat can easily be ordered and bolted in. A Cerwin Vega stereo with BT and USB chargers handles the entertainment and although this Bronco was designed for open-air cruising, a bikini top does come with the sale to provide a little protection from the changing weather.

Many Early Broncos were saddled with a slight inline-six, but this one is powered by a thumping 302 cubic inch V8 that's believed to be the Bronco's original powerplant. Clearly upgraded from its stock configuration, it includes a host of performance goodies like an Edelbrock intake, new cam shaft, lifters, and a Holley Sniper EFI system up top, along with a full MSD ignition and March Performance pulley system that will probably help this Bronco fire underwater should the need arise. Dressed up with aluminum valve covers a Ford Racing air cleaner and Ford Blue engine enamel on the block and accessories, the engine bay has a functional look that's only a little flashy, and power steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes make it easy to wheel around the underbrush. There's also a giant radiator up front that means slow-going in the rough isn't a problem, and the long-tube headers at the flanks of the small block feed into an awesome sounding exhaust system. Underneath, it's fully equipped with a C4 3-speed automatic transmission, a freshly rebuilt transfer case, and a fully-rebuilt rear end, but the star of the show is the full James Duff off-road suspension and 2.5" lift. All that extra clearance allows the use of those flashy Ultra chrome wheels wrapped in brand-new 275/65/18 Cooper Discover meats at the corners that look like they could climb a wall.

If you're looking for a trail-ready Early Bronco that can also hit the streets at any moment, this one is ready to roll and built for fun. Every nut and bolt on this Bronco has been replaced or restored, and the result is a stunning example of the 'Father of SUVs' at its best. Call today!