Introduced as a competitor to Jeep's legendary CJ and the venerable International Scout, Ford's awesome Bronco has always been a paramount of utility and versatility. And today, especially with the reintroduction of the brand as a Ford Icon, its quickly becoming a paramount of style and collectability. As with most things in the collector car realm, the older the Bronco the better. And this documented beast, a timeless take on timeless Americana, features a custom top, a world class restoration and a rich history that makes it the only U13 Roadster of its kind! Looking for an exclusive classic that's built, buff and ready to rock and roll? Here it is!
THE ONE AND ONLY
Tough, simplistic and marketed directly to America's youth, Ford's U13 Bronco Roadster was, in many ways, a tall factory dune buggy. Because these utes were used more as tools than cruisers, they saw fairly limited production; and the units that did roll off the assembly line often led brutal lives with predictably low survival rates. That's precisely where future collectability comes in, and when it comes to collectability, it simply doesn't get much better than this Springtime Yellow stomper!
One of just 698 U13s produced for the 1967 model year, this truck was also one of only 333 units marked for export, and one of just 70 units exported to South America. But wait, there's more. In addition to being fitted with a unique hardtop and exclusive Barn Doors during its time in Colombia, it is presently the ONLY fully restored U13 Roadster export that's made its way back to America. That means it's also the ONLY fully restored American U13 that's equipped with Barn Doors.
After almost four decades in Colombia, this fine Ford was brought back to its homeland and subjected to a frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration that was completed over the course of one year. That said, one year is probably a bit of an understatement since the project actually started eight years ago when the restorer inked papers to ship the truck north. Naturally, an obsession with factory-correct details exempted the retrofitted hardtop and rear doors. And today, decked in correct Springtime Yellow two-stage, this Bronco rolls as a literal testament to the glory of '60s Detroit steel!
In addition to some brilliant red stripes, this Ford was restored with an interesting array of notable aesthetics. At the front of the truck, an original grille hangs crisp parking lamps and old school FoMoCo headlights above a chromed bumper. Behind that grille, an original hood, complete with optional windshield washers, flows to a hinged windscreen that's cleared by polished wipers. Original fenders hang simple ""Bronco"" scripts in front of correct Cab Doors that are built with polished handles and polished mirrors. Original quarters support a super cool Colombia-sourced hardtop, which is finished in white to match the truck's classy grille and tough wheels. And at the back of that cap, a second chrome bumper guards factory taillights and distinctive, ""FORD"" branded Barn Doors.
CORRECT AND ONLY
As most Ford historians probably know, Dearborn kicked off Bronco production with a 170 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder. That means the completely rebuilt and carefully detailed mill you see in this ute's super clean engine bay is factory-correct. Designed from the ground up to be a tough-as-nails workhorse and, serving as primary Bronco power for almost a decade, the Thriftpower Six is a favorite among vintage truck fans because of its simple design, adequate power and excellent durability. And, in the name of authenticity, pretty much everything on this ute's 170 has been returned to intentional, factory-spec simplicity; with details like a correct FoMoCo washer bag and fresh Radio Resistance plug wires complementing items like a familiar Sta-Ful battery topper and pliable FoMoCo hoses.
ONLY AS IT WERE
Recruited directly from the factory to be a purposeful runabout, this Roadster's been Built Ford Tough literally from day one! Power meets the pavement through a correct row-it-yourself 3-speed, which was the only kit Ford offered during the Bronco's early years. A correct 9-inch rear axle spins correct 4.57 gears that, fitted during the truck's assembly, were a direct response to Colombia's low compression fuel. A requisite Dana 30 front axle leads to a 2.5-inch suspension lift. Stops are provided by a quartet of manual drums. An aluminized, single-pipe exhaust system runs the entire length of the floor. And everything rolls on heavy-duty steelies, which twist 30x9.50R15 BF Goodrich Mud Terrain T/As around predictable Ford lockers.
ONLY AS IT SHOULD BE
Between the doors, an original bench seat wears the same SMS vinyl that Ford used in production. Opposite that correct Parchment sheen, a simple dash frames correct metric telemetry. Parchment door panels back factory handles and factory cranks. A retro steering wheel spins above stylish T-shifter transfer case controls. And the exclusive Barn Doors reveal a fully painted cargo hold that's finished with a fifth steel wheel and spare tire.
Storied, unique and lovingly restored, this fine Ford is an excellent chance for any serious enthusiast to score a world class collector car. One of the first utes that kicked off Ford's hallowed Bronco sub brand, it currently rolls as a highly correct testament to why American trucks continue to make big gains in popularity and price. Looking for an ultimate homage to the 'Golden Age' of the automobile industry? Find it now at https://www.RKMotors.com!
HIGHLIGHTS
Fully-documented Bronco Roadster that's benefitted from a detailed, frame-off restoration
1 of only 698 1967 Bronco Roadsters produced
1 of only 70 1967 Bronco Roadsters exported to South America
1 of only 33 1967 Bronco Roadsters finished in Springtime Yellow paint
The ONLY fully restored 1967 Bronco Roadster export that's made its way back to America
The ONLY fully restored American 1967 Bronco Roadster that's equipped with Barn Doors.
Correct 170 cubic inch Thriftpower Six 6-cylinder
Correct 3-speed manual transmission
Correct Dana 30 front axle
Correct Ford 9-inch rear axle with correct 4.57 gears
2.5-inch suspension lift with Deaver springs
Correct Parchment interior with correct SMS vinyl
Correct metric telemetry
Largely original body with correct Cab Doors
Unique hardtop and Barn Doors retrofitted in Colombia (the truck's original export destination)
