Where the market values have gone on first-gen Ford Broncos just leaves me speechless. Finding one from that esteemed 1966-1977 generation can easily top six figures assuming restored and/or well-modified condition. And right out of the box, examples such as this first-year pickup version are a pretty primitive ride and that facet just adds to the mystery. What drives the value? Don’t know, let’s look this one over and see if we can figure it out. Located in Howell, Michigan, this 1966 Bronco is available, here on eBay for a current bid of  $9,650 with the reserve not yet met.

The seller states, “Originally a full wagon top, somewhere in its life someone put a half cab top on it. Could easily be swapped back out as a wagon or soft top or no top“. I wonder about that speculation as there was a pickup truck version offered in the Bronco’s inaugural year and it shares the same roof lines and rear window as this example. As for condition, the seller is pretty forthcoming as he states, “Frame overall solid, with one spot that will need addressed underneath the driver’s side floor pan. Surface rust throughout, and one small section that will need repaired. Floors have been patched in with sheet metal at some point. Bed has a rubberized spray liner on it. The floor of it has been replaced at some point. Tailgate has had some tin work done, but is an original 66 only tailgate“. The underside shows a good deal of scale but admittedly, no damaging rot is observed. The seller also suggests that the tub will probably need to be replaced and follows up with, “(a) little bit of time and energy…” Actually, it sounds like a lot more than a just little time and energy will be needed to straighten out this Bronco. All-in-all this little Ford is in reasonably sound condition but the devil is always in the details and those details will become more evident as dismantling and refurbishment occur. This one sure gets points for originality!

Unfortunately, this Bronco is a non-runner. The engine is claimed to have been rebuilt some time ago but no details are provided. Assuming that this is the born-with engine, it should be a 105-gross HP, 170 CI, in-line six working through a three-speed manual transmission. No mileage is reported.

The interior is about what one would expect, it was a primitive environment to start with and it now shows the results of age and use. But that said, the seating upholstery still shows well and the interior is a small and simple enough area that restoring it should only take a little bit of time and energy.

Production numbers for the ’66 Bronco seem to vary based on the source employed. The consistent value that I find is 23K copies of which 5K were pickup versions but I’m not confident in that breakdown. Regardless, this truck is a great find as it is a first-year example and is in very original condition. I have no idea what the seller’s reserve is but I’m sure it will sell, the popularity of these is just outstanding! As to what to do with it, considering its unmodified and uncut bearing, I’d go for a stock restore, but what’s your suggestion?