Jeff Leslie recently contacted me with photos of his restored first hour production 1966 Ford Bronco. As it stands this is the 7th oldest known Bronco, yet this is the oldest most original in existence. There are of later production Broncos that are lower mileage which still are in original paint, tires, etc., but this ‘66 is currently the most accurate example of the earliest production Broncos. Jeff spent years buying other ’66 Broncos so he could cherrypick original parts specifically for this restoration.
This Bronco is also the first known heavy duty packaged Bronco. The model code is U152 as most people know U15 is the wagon/full top, U14 is the 1/2 cab, U13 is top less. The base model of each of the three U150, U140, and U130 but heavy duty package equips the Broncos with HD 7 pack rear leaf springs, factory limited slip rear axle, HD Autolite shocks, and HD front coils. Also sometimes accompanied with heavy duty packages are Warn lockout hubs, HD clutch and HD riveted (not pinch welded) K/H wheels.
With all this extra beef on the drivetrain coupled with all the added bling it’s not surprisingly this Bronco’s DSO code is 89. It’s listed as “transportation services” but this is better explained by “promotional vehicle”. Ford makes promotional vehicles as intended to be used for advertisement and/or given to a Ford executive. In the early Bronco community there are only 3 DSO 89 Broncos (2 ‘66s and a ‘76). Jeff is sure there were more at one point but obviously this Bronco is still very rare and has a unique history.
Motor: Stock 170
Transmission: Stock 3 speed column shift
Transfer: Stock Dana 20
Axles: Stock 4.11 LS Ford 9” & 4.10 Dana 30
Suspnsion: Stock HD springs with HD Monroe shocks (couldn’t find original HD Autolite shocks)
Interior: Stock ‘66 silver front bucket and rear back bench
Paint: 2 stage stock Caribbean Turquoise with Wimbledon white top
Tires: Stock 7.00×15 LT M/S bias
Additional factory options: Chrome package (chrome bumpers, wheel covers, horn ring, taillight bezels) chrome door mirrors, chrome bumperettes, radio, heater, hazard flashers, hand throttle, cigar lighter, windshield washers, and sun visors. Some of the options might seem like they would be standard equipment like the squirters or the heater but in ‘66 you could get one stripped down to bare bones: hand choke, headlights switch and ignition switch… pretty hard to imagine comparing to today’s base models.
I happen to own the earliest known production bronco. 732004
Same color and options, some dealer installed options as well.
I’ve got 734823, had it since 1967, looks just like yours, just use it for knock around car.