1977 Ford Bronco

Description

Custom-built for off-road fun, this 1977 Ford Bronco brings all the right hardware to the party. V8 power, a hugely competent suspension setup, and a bare-bones attitude that's all about low maintenance after a day playing in the dirt.

It would be a mistake to call the Bronco "Ford's Jeep," but when it's pared down to its very essence like this, the comparison is apt. Designed to go anywhere and have fun while doing it, this Bronco's list of equipment reads like a performance off-road catalog. Much of the body, what's left of it anyway, is original, but it's been enhanced with some stylish fiberglass body parts that transform the look. Obviously the cowl-induction hood is an aftermarket part, as are those door inserts that give it a finished look that doesn't seem to need anything more. Finish quality is about what you'd want for your off-roader, nice enough to get nods of approval from your fellow Bronco fans but not so perfect that you're afraid to use it as intended. Black means that extra time was spent on prep and it shows only minor signs of use since it was completed, suggesting it's had excellent care. A heavy-duty front bumper adds to the rough-and-tumble look, while a custom rear bumper with a beefy spare tire mount makes it look purposeful. Fender flares cover the rear tires and just about anything that was chrome has been painted black or shaved entirely, save for the shiny Bronco emblems on its flanks. You want attention, this truck delivers!

The interior is only the basics, covered in materials that don't mind getting wet, and designed to help you handle the rough stuff. The stock seats have been replaced by racing seats that hold you in place no matter what you're doing and the entire tub has been treated to spray-on bedliner material, so it's durable and easy to maintain. This was originally a 4-seater Bronco, but the rear seat was removed a few years ago to make it resemble a U14 model and added dual roll bars for safety. A Grant GT steering wheel is wrapped in leather and looks racy, while the original gauges still monitor the basics, joined by a pair of aftermarket dials under the dash. It does have an original AM radio in the center of the dash, but you'll never use it after you see how much fun this thing is to drive. It's basic, but very well executed. And just in case, you do get a bikini top and a half-cab fiberglass hardtop; nobody said you had to drive in the rain.

For power, you get a reliable, torquey 302 cubic inch V8 that still looks quite stock. The heavy-duty air cleaner, Ford Blue paint, and other systems all look very much like they would have in 1977, and that's good news for reliability. It starts with a characteristic V8 burble from the twin Flowmaster mufflers, sounding more Mustang than truck, and with things like power steering and brakes, it's especially easy to handle in the rough. Obviously the suspension is heavily modified, with a lift kit, heavy-duty springs and shocks, and upgraded hardware throughout, and you'll note that the chassis is in great shape. If anyone went off-roading in this truck since it was done, they used care and cleaned everything up properly when they got home. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission drives the 2-speed transfer case and it's a good thing they added that lift kit, because the giant 35x12.50-15 off-road tires need every bit of space they can get.

Nicely finished, lots of fun, and expertly built, this is an early Bronco that truly delivers on the promises made by its outrageous look. Call today!