1973 Ford Bronco
If you're fans of the big TV car auctions, you've undoubtedly noticed a trend that has been hot for about 15 years. Vintage 4x4's have been in high demand and none more so than first generation Ford Broncos. As a result, and as they age, subsequent generations of Broncos are also enjoying a resurgence in desirability. Ford took notice and reintroduced the Bronco with retro styling but in modern materials and proportions. But the Bronco's fetching the most interest at those auctions continues to be modified first gen classics.
For consignment, a fully rebuilt 1973 Ford Bronco with 1,680 actual miles since the build. This frame up restoration included paint, interior, exhaust and more and recent additions of a new stereo system and hardtop put the proverbial cherry on top.
Exterior
This Bronco looks great in a coat of two stage Charcoal Gray Metallic which is fantastically complemented by the black accents including the grille, fender flares, wheels and tires, bumpers, and black top. Matching hood vents have been cut out cleanly near the cowl and the vertical windshield is framed in gray metallic. Contrasting metal bits include the door handles, emblems, and chrome exhaust tips. The 15-inch wheels carry 33x12.5R15LT tires. Panel gaps are well minded, and we had to look hard for imperfections and there are only a few minor ones including some chipped paint by a hinge, at the base of a panel, near the tailgate, and some extra paint in a body crease.
Interior
Attractive black vinyl door cards fit in the door and look factory while a speaker has been added at the base. Inside, the front bucket seats are tall and modern with good side bolstering and stitch patterned inserts. The back bench repeats the pattern but in smaller proportions and veering from the original, the bench has headrests which we're glad to see. There's a ton of legroom in the back and for kids, it's a virtual playground. The front is airy too with a gap between the seats and a dashboard that is simple and flat, topped with a padded cover and color matched to the exterior. One round gauge houses all of the pertinent information and ample billet knobs take up the right side of the column, each nicely labeled with clear text. A Kenwood AM/FM/CD unit is in the dashboard flush, just above the long stick shift that is floor mounted well forward of the dash in tandem with the range selector which is closer to the driver. Low pile black carpet covers the entire floor and as mentioned, the hardtop is new, floating just above the black roll cage that covers the back section.
Drivetrain
Our clean engine bay contains a rebuilt 302ci V8 featuring an Edelbrock intake and 4-barrel carburetor. Chrome valve covers dress things up underneath where a stock appearance prevails. Things are set in motion by a 4-speed manual transmission going first to the Ford 9" rear with 4.10 gears and bringing in the front differential where a Dana 44 and 4.10 gears are situated. Power brakes are present in the configuration of discs in front and drums in back.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with areas of typical surface rust and some oil on the rear diff, the transmission, and the oil pan. Dual exhaust interacts with Flowmaster mufflers before heading out back. Most other surfaces underneath are black and look good with no invasive rust noted. For suspension, radius arm and coil springs up front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
We climb up into the gray beauty and enjoy great visibility from the large windows. She fired up and sounded great and rolled out on the knobby tires and exhibited decent acceleration. Tempted to make a beeline to our local mountain trails at nearby French Creek State Park, we chose to keep our job and stayed on track. Our report reveals that the turn signals are not working, nor the radio, and the heater blow is inoperable. Beyond that it's a fun ride, even on flat asphalt.
The craze is not over. These are some of the most desirable vehicles in the collector world today and if you don't like compliments and questions, this might not be the truck for you. But if you want a stunning, well sorted classic Bronco, look no further than this one. Get your lasso skills in order to snag this wild horse.
U15GLR31477
U15-Bronco 4x4 Wagon
G-302ci 2bbl 141hp V8
L-Michigan Truck Assy Plant
R31477-February 1973 Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
