1973 Ford Bronco Ranger

Description

Ford launched the Bronco for the 1966 model year, entering the emerging sport utility vehicle market with a bold new contender. As Ford’s advertising proudly declared, the Bronco was “equally at home on rugged mountain grades or on a run to the shopping center.”

Ford product manager Donald N. Frey, who also helped bring the Mustang to life, envisioned the Bronco as a youth-oriented off-roader that could appeal to a broader market. “We wanted something that could do what a Jeep could do—but with more style and comfort,” Frey later reflected.

By 1973, the Bronco Wagon had evolved into a more refined yet still trail-ready machine. It was powered by a 302 cubic-inch V8 engine and offered both three-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Key features included a through-drive two-speed transfer case, Mono-Beam front suspension, a folding windshield, steel doors with roll-up windows, and interior amenities like a heater and defroster.

This 1973 Bronco is said to have remained in storage from 1984 until the current owner’s acquisition in 2021. A subsequent frame-off refurbishment included refinishing the body in copper and installing a fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8. The suspension has been lifted, and power is delivered to all four 32x11.5 tires through a three-speed automatic transmission and Dana 20 transfer case.

Highlights

• Refurbished in 2021

• Refinished in copper with white Ranger-style accents

• White soft top

• Replacement 5.0-liter V8

• FiTech fuel injection and pump

• Three-speed C4 automatic transmission

• Dana 20 transfer case with twin shifters

• Aluminum radiator

• Disk brakes

• The chassis number (U15GLS40851) decodes as:

  • U15 – U100 wagon

  • G – 302 cu-in V8

  • L – Michigan Truck Plant

  • S40851 – 1973 sequential production number

Features

• Replacement front bucket seats and rear bench upholstered in tan

• 15” American Racing wheels w/ 32x11.5 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires

• Retro-style stereo with Bluetooth connectivity

• Body-color roll cage

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel

• Urethane suspension bushings

• Rebuilt differentials

• Replacement fuel tank

Known Imperfections

Imperfections in the finish are noted on the tailgate and grille along with a paint chip on the right door.

Included

• Deluxe Marti Report

• Owner's manual

• Warranty Identification Card

Ownership History

The current owner states the truck was purchased out of Idaho, where it remained in storage from 1984 to 2021, and relocated to Tennessee.