1986 Ford Bronco 4X4

Description

Every generation of America's favorite and most notorious 4x4 has now become a great collectable. This absolutely dialed-in 1986 Ford Bronco 4x4 "Bull Nose" is now eligible for AACA shows and remains the pinnacle of full-sized Bronco fun. Very nicely preserved and maintained, this Bronco features a powerful fuel-injected 302 V8, a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, and a host of options like power steering/brakes, and cold factory A/C. With its killer good looks and go-anywhere attitude, this is the Bullnose to own if you've always admired the big Bronc.

Ford did gangbuster business in the '80s with their upscale off-road machines, and not many full-sized off-roaders were more admired than the Bronco. While the most famous full-size Bronco was white (although it came from the 5th generation of these 4x4s), this handsome Dark Shadow Metallic Bronco (its original shade) is elegant yet sporty and it's hard to believe that these went out of production more than two decades ago. I mean, you'd never think this bruiser was almost 40 years old! The majority of the finish is factory-original, so it's obviously showing some signs of use here and there, but nothing critical and it certainly speaks highly of the care it has received over the years. It's a strong driver-quality hauler with an awesome Ford Tough look, further punctuated by the recently restored, removable roof that was recovered with matching blue, spray-on bedliner material. The 'chip guard' on the lower portion of the body was also redone, and it not only looks awesome but will always protect this hauler from the elements, and the period-perfect Bronco decals and stripes on the profiles do a wonderful job of providing a little contrast to all that dark blue finish. The chrome grille and headlight surrounds are all new, as is the front bumper, the chrome side mirrors, and the step-bars, while out back the heavy-duty rear bumper was refinished to match the swing-away spare tire. The lenses covering the lights are new and clear as can be, as is the big 'Ford' badge in the front grille, and the butch, go-anywhere stance atop those 'bullet-hole' alloys is the perfect choice for an awesome rig like this Big Bronc.

The restored interior is another very pleasant surprise, offering comfortable and great-looking blue vinyl seats and lots of space for five. Ford insisted on upscale appointments in their trucks, but the newer vinyl upholstery inside this Bullnose looks much better than the original cloth seats did, and it's tasteful and very durable, yet still stylish enough to never look dated. Brand new blue carpets feel very plush, new door panels at the flanks are in excellent condition, and the original dash is in very solid condition as well, especially compared to other SUVs from this era. A full array of big, legible gauges are in front of the driver, with the climate controls and JVC AM/FM/CD/AUX stereo waaaaay over there in the center of the dash. A wide center console with cup holders and extra storage space splits the buckets up front, while the original tilt steering wheel was wrapped with a leather cover that feels great in the hands of the driver, with the column shifter for the automatic transmission is just a short reach away, just like the floor shifter for the 2-speed transfer case below. Factory options include cold A/C, cruise control, and a power rear window that actually works, which is nothing short of a miracle if you're familiar with these Broncos. The nicely appointed back seat looks barely used and the cargo bay is positively massive, fully upholstered and with the spare mounted back outside, you can take pretty much everything you own with you out on the trails.

Ford's erstwhile 5.0L EFI engine (aka the 302 V8) is a great choice to move all this brawny sheetmetal, providing plenty of low-end grunt that never feels strained. Despite a vast aftermarket for the venerable 5.0L, this one remains quite stock, from the long intake hoses from the snorkeled air cleaner to the original valve covers. The engine bay is clean and very well-maintained, although not detailed for show, and if it's ever seen anything rougher than a gravel driveway, we'd certainly be surprised. With a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission and a 2-speed transfer case, this truck is equally happy at highway speeds or crawling at barely a walking pace and the suspension is built for off-roading that would strand one of today's "cute utes." The upgraded dual exhaust system sounds slightly throatier than the original but it's by no means over-the-top or obnoxious, power steering and power disc brakes mean it's a comfortable SUV to handle, and the undercarriage is very solid thanks to a life spent in Georgia and show signs of maintenance throughout. Handsome 15-inch "bullet-hole" wheels are in great shape, wearing fresh 31x10.5x15 Hankook white-letter radials that are pretty pricey all by themselves.

If you grew up in the '80s, you know this is a super-cool SUV, and you just won't find more full-sized go-anywhere transportation for less cash than this. Bullnose Broncos are starting to skyrocket in value just like the earlier generations, so this may be your last chance to get in on the fun before they get out of reach. Call today!