1966 Ford Bronco Wagon
Salvo, NC, 27972
Features:
Mileage: 59,550
Engine: 6 cyl.
Transmission: Manual
Drive Type: 4X4
Exterior: Caribbean Turquoise
Interior: Turquoise
Description:
Ford 1966 Bronco Wagon, early 1965 model, 6cyl, 170cc, manual 3-on-Tree column shift, engine completely rebuilt, mechanically sound and fun to drive, restored to original showroom quality, Caribbean Turquoise-Wimbledon White, 2019 DPC winner at Hershey, 2nd owner since 2010, 59,550 total miles on vehicle, car show magnet with many parade entries.
Above is the classified ad that will be placed in the July 2024 issue of Hemmings Motor News. But there is much motor to tell about my 66 Bronco. The following is a further description of some of the truck's features:
All lettering and stripes are painted (not stick-ons).
The interior floor was lightly sprayed with bedliner before painting.
All gages work: fuel, battery, oil pressure, temp
Kept non-power steering and brakes for originality
Door locks, lights, signals, horn, heater, wipers all work well
Tow package (original) with electric hook-up
Manual pull chock
Manual Transmission 3-on-the-Tree
4-wheel drive
Oil bath air filter
Grill “eyebrows” above headlights (unique feature)
Rear license plate will swing down with tailgate open to be visible
Very early truck built in 1965 (the truck is titled in 1965)
Body and frame S/N’s match
Frame mounted spare tire behind driver’s seat with tools
Truck has always been garaged and only driven on dry roadway
Clean North Carolina title in-hand
I am the 2nd owner. The original owner was a physician in the Chesapeake, VA area. When he passed in 1989 the Bronco sat in the family barn undriven until I purchased it in 2010 from Moyock Muscle in North Carolina who acted as a broker for the owner’s wife. After some minor repairs Moyock Muscle flat bedded the truck to my home in New Jersey. I drove it “as is” for about 3 years on the streets and back roads hauling firewood and job equipment with the back seat removed. The restoration project began with me pulling the engine in the fall of 2013. I knew of a famous engine re-builder in town Dick DeBiase (Dark Horse) who obliged to take on the project. He did a complete disassemble and overhaul and bore the cylinder block and hone until 60 over. Also, a new set of pistons were installed. During this time, I made arrangements with Kanter Restoration in Boonton, NJ to restore and paint the truck. My goal was to bring it back to its original look as if you were to see it on the floor of Ford dealership in 1965. The colors all matched to the original, Caribbean Turquoise body, Wimbledon White top, trim, and wheels. The interior paint the same except the dash and door panels kept the grey color. The seats were reupholstered, and seat belts added. Amazingly, 90% of the original parts were refurbished and used. The truck has its all-original Ford steel fenders, doors, tailgate, top, windows, hood, and front end.
The project was completed in the summer of 2015. As great as the truck looks; it drives just as well. It became my pride and joy. I would drive it all year round, but only on dry sunny days with good road conditions and it was always garaged. It has been in many parades and car shows winning several awards. People flock to it at car shows often telling me it was their favorite entry. With the simplicity of its 6clynder 170cc engine I would have the hood open and teach young people Engine 101 class. So many older gents would say, “I had one of these and never should have gotten rid of it.” Perhaps my greatest thrill is when I took it to the Hershey show in October 2019 and won the Driver Participation Class (DPC) award. This award is transferable to the new owner.
When I retired and moved to the Outer Banks in North Carolina in 2020 the Bronco stayed in NJ at my son’s house well protected under a cover and in his barn garage. He would periodically take it for a spin. And my timely visits kept it in car shows. I soon realized I wanted to haul it back with me on my next trip south. So, now it continually gets the TLC it deserves with plenty of nice drives on Route 12, but I have come to the realization it is time to sell it and let someone else enjoy this American Icon
