1974 Ford Bronco Ranger

Description

The original four-wheel-drive Ford Bronco — built as a direct competitor to the International Scout — was introduced in 1966 and earned a loyal following from new. Interest increased in the central plains states and the American west, while they also disappeared rapidly from the northern states, being a good platform for a small snowplow and the perfect get-around vehicle in the winter. 

Clever details like front fenders with raised edges to allow for clear visibility during articulating movements gave the Bronco an advantage over its competition. Rugged, utilitarian, simple to maintain, and powerful where it counts, these first-generation Broncos are now highly collectible. 

Although the open models are the rarest, they aren’t collectors’ top choice, since they are fair weather friends. Instead, closed wagons like this 1974 version are the most prized. 

Highlights 

• Powered by a 302 cubic-inch V8, which has been bored and stroked to 347 cu in, increasing power from 145 horsepower to an estimated 425 hp 

• Hydro-boost master cylinder 

• High output water pump and aluminum radiator 

• Ford C6 three-speed automatic transmission 

• Refinished in Ford Frost Blue Metallic paint with Ford Charcoal Gray lower stripe and Wimbledon White top over two-tone gray vinyl/cloth interior 

• 16 x 7 inch Mickey Thompson performance wheels 

• WARN power winch 

• PIAA fog lights 

• Grant four-spoke steering wheel

• The chassis number (U15GLT51466) decodes as: 

  • U15 = U100 Wagon 

  • G = 302 V8 engine 

  • L = Michigan truck assembly plant (Wayne, Michigan) 

  • Production sequence = T51466

• Original Ranger trim package included: 

  • Spare tire cover with Bronco Ranger lettering and bucking horse logo 

  • White vinyl striping on the body and hood 

  • Houndstooth vinyl seat upholstery 

  • Full color-keyed carpeting 

  • Color-keyed vinyl trim panels with wood-tone accents 

  • Color-keyed vinyl trim on rear quarter panels 

  • Color-keyed instrument panel paint 

•  This 1974 Ford Bronco is offered with the five-digit odometer showing 899 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown because the original speedometer stopped working and had to be replaced 

Features 

• Two-door, 4x4 wagon 

• Removable hardtop 

• 5 in 1 replacement gauge cluster: 

  • 100 mph speedometer 

  • Alternator 

  • Fuel 

  • Temperature 

  • Oil pressure 

• Seat belts 

• Rear bench seat 

• Dual-range transfer case 

• Limited-slip rear differential 

• Manually locking front hubs 

• Front wheel disc brakes 

• Rear wheel drum brakes 

• Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac LT 245/75R16 tires 

Known Imperfections

• Original speedometer stopped working and was replaced 

• Paint has a few scratches that have been touched up 

• Steering column needs replacing 

• Light rust on windshield hinge 

• Rear bumper is scraped from the spare tire bracket 

Included

• Spare tire 

Ownership History

According to the consigner, this 1974 Ford Bronco is mechanically sound, has an original uncut body with all original body panels (never removed from frame), and has never been involved in an accident.