Description

The first-generation Ford Bronco is a red-hot collectable, but not many measure up to the standards set by this 1974 Bronco. With a restoration that's as thorough as it is beautiful, this is one early 4x4 that you can drive to work every day, to the cruise in Friday night, and still have fun in the dirt on Saturday. Someone really polished the details on this one!

Starting with the paint, this beautiful burgundy Bronco looks expensive. It looks like it was borrowed from the late-model color chart, because the sparkling metallic finish simply glows in the sunlight. But before the paint went on, someone went the extra mile to get the slab-sided Bronco super straight, which also includes hanging the doors so they fit right and installing those cool rear wheel fender flares to cover the oversized rubber. All the bright trim was polished or replaced, then reinstalled to give it plenty of jewelry to stand out. Finally, the removable hardtop was painted gray to add some contrast without stealing the paint's thunder, ensuring that it looks good with or without the top in place. The bumpers are new, the grille is highlighted by color-matched FORD lettering, and the tailgate is decorated with chrome FORD letters just to add a little sparkle. We've seen quite a few Bronco's over the years, and the finish work on this truck is simply a must-see.

Want to drive this truck every day? It's easy with the deeply sculpted and extremely comfortable bucket seats. Detailed with 'Bronco' script, they look like they belong in a $60,000 Shelby instead of a heavy-duty off-roader, but they're a big part of this truck's appeal. A lockable center console is another nice upgrade, as is the custom steering wheel that looks right with the upgraded buckets. The factory gauges show bright markings and there's an effective under-dash A/C system from Vintage Air. In back there's a standard Bronco seat that's comfortable for two, and there's actually plenty of legroom back there for longer trips. You can see that the Bronco was starting to mature in 1974, as there are woodgrained door panels and a full carpet set instead of bare steel. Paint work and attention to detail are equally nice inside, and it's clear the builder of this one wanted something special that you could be proud of anywhere you go. With an AM/FM/CD stereo and speakers in the cargo area, this Bronco is also ideal for tailgating on the weekends or trips into the wilderness overnight.

For performance, this beefed-up Bronco definitely delivers, complements of a 302 cubic inch V8 and a 4-barrel Carter carburetor. Looking like it belongs in a Mustang instead of an SUV, this potent small block gives this truck the acceleration of a muscle car on the pavement and the climbing ability of a mountain goat in the rough. Thanks to a giant aluminum radiator, it's content to idle around in low range without getting hot and with power steering and brakes, those big wheels and tires are assets without a downside. You can tell that this truck is loved by how spotless the engine bay is, and it has likely not been off-road since the restoration was completed. There's an extensive list of new mechanical components, and the overall look is quite fresh. Even underneath it's very nicely finished, with a C4 3-speed automatic transmission, 2-speed transfer case, and a dual exhaust system that sounds fantastic. It also includes dual fuel tanks for true go-anywhere capacity, and the flashy 15-inch aluminum wheels carry giant 32x11.50R15 Bridgestone Dueler A/T radials.

This is one of the nicest early Broncos we've ever featured. With lots of documentation, the only real question will be whether you can bear to get it dirty. Call today!