1973 Ford Bronco Wagon 4x4

Description

The Ford Bronco marked Ford's inaugural entrance into the sport utility vehicle market. The Bronco's development was the result of comprehensive surveys conducted among owners of the International Harvester Scout and the Jeep CJ series, who appreciated their vehicles’ off-road prowess, but disliked their lack of passenger comfort and highway passing power. In response, Ford boldly entered the arena and unveiled the Bronco in time for the 1966 model year. The early SUV offered three distinct body styles: the open-air Roadster, two-door Sports Utility, and three-door Wagon. Both the Sports Utility and Wagon versions boasted a removable hardtop and doors, allowing for fun in the sun.

Seven years later, the 1973 Bronco Wagon featured steel doors with roll-up windows, providing a more enclosed and weather-protected environment, while still providing a removable roof. Under the hood, the ’73 Bronco Wagon was equipped with a 302 cubic-inch V8, which — combined with the Bronco's four-wheel-drive capability — made it a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts and urban drivers alike.

This 1973 Ford Bronco Wagon 4x4 underwent a two-year restoration that included multiple upgrades. Originally Golden Yellow, it now wears Competition Orange paint (a 2015 Ford Mustang color) and is powered by a new Blueprint Crate 302 cu-in Winsor V8 engine.

Highlights 

• Restoration completed in 2023 included: 

  • New Blueprint Crate 302 cu-in Winsor V8 engine rated at 375 hp 

  • Rebuilt C4 three-speed automatic transmission 

  • Refinished in Competition Orange paint with Rhino Paint on interior 

  • Reupholstered black vinyl seats with orange patterned cloth inserts 

  • 6-inch suspension lift  

  • Fuel Wheels with Toyo Open Country M/T tires 

  • Disc brakes  

  • Power steering 

  • New electrical harness  

  • New steering column 

  • Family roll cage  

  • New LED headlights 

  • Towing rings on steel front bumper 

  • Black wheel-well trim 

  • Wood-rimmed steering wheel 

  • New temperature, battery, and oil pressure gauges mounted below the dash 

  • Dual 4WD shifters 

• The chassis number (U15GLQ66137) decodes as: 

  • U15 – U100 wagon 

  • G – 302 cu-in V8 

  • L – Michigan Truck Plant 

  • Q66137 – 1973 sequential production number  

• 4WD transfer case 

• U100 chassis with fully enclosed body and black removable hardtop 

Features 

• Fold-forward seats for easier rear access 

• 100 mph speedometer/odometer 

• Build date: August 1972 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips up front 

• No radio, leaving horizontal opening in dash 

• Additional (dual) fuel tank needs to be installed 

• No windows in hardtop 

Included 

• Spare tire on swing-away bar mounted in rear 

• Two radios: One older and one newer model that was never installed

• Additional fuel tank 

• One window for hardtop 

• Four bins of spare parts 

Ownership History

The consignor of this 1973 Ford Bronco Wagon was looking for a project and always loved Broncos, so he purchased this one in 2023 and spent two years restoring and upgrading it. “The Bronco was originally owned by a tree stump company in South Georgia and was part of the fleet of trucks that it would use to find stumps for paper mills to process. A ton of time and work has been put into making this Bronco a vehicle that you can drive and enjoy, although it still needs carpet, a fuel gauge, wiper motor, door seals, and windows in the hard top (if you want to keep the hard top on).”