1974 Ford Bronco Explorer

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 in Broncos increased in the central plains and the American West, while they also appeared rapidly from the northern states, since they were a good platform for a small snowplow and the perfect get-around vehicle in the winter. Rugged, utilitarian, simple to maintain, and powerful where it counts, these first-generation Broncos are now highly collectible.

This 1974 Bronco is a rare Explorer edition, a seasonal option group that offered Grabber Blue or Burnt Orange paint, matching “random stripe” pattern cloth seats, an Explorer badge on the glovebox, and an Explorer spare tire cover. Only the Explorer glovebox badge remains, as the off-roader was heavily modified 20 years ago by Bronco specialist Rocky Roads. Upgrades included swapping its original 302 cubic-inch V8 for a 351 Windsor V8 engine that has been stroked to 392 cubic inches and generates 400+ horsepower, as well as transmission, suspension, and braking enhancements. Known as the Desert Drifter, the one-of-a-kind Bronco was featured in the April 2004 issue of Bronco Driver magazine.

Highlights 

• 2004 custom build by Rocky Roads (Los Angeles) includes: 

  • British Racing Green paint over tan vinyl interior  

  • 351 Windsor V8 engine (stroked to 392 cubic inches) with MSD ignition billet distributor and Edelbrock 600 cfm carburetor, rated at 400+ horsepower 

  • Trans Pro rebuilt C4 three-speed automatic transmission  

  • Ron Davis four-core aluminum radiator 

  • Ron Davis automatic transmission oil cooler 

  • American Eagle 10x15 aluminum rims 

  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain 33x10 tires 

  • Trans Pro Dana 20 transfer case 

  • Custom-built Ford 9 in rear axle with 31 spline axles with 4.11 Detroit locker; attached to 4 link suspension with eight heavy duty hemi joints at each link 

  • Ford Explorer disc brakes 

  • Corbeau racing seats with five-point Simpson belt system 

  • Pioneer stereo with six speakers 

  • Warn 8000 winch with remote control option 

  • Rocky Roads high desert roll cage front to back 

  • Rocky Roads fiberglass hood 

  • Baja high desert fenders 

  • Custom half door to minimize dust  

  • Custom enclosed doors and top 

  • Custom Bimini top 

  • 18 inches of wheel travel in the rear and 13 inches in the front 

  • 36-inch Race Runner shocks (mounted where original coils sit) 

  • Rear custom fabricated trailing arms and 4 link system 

  • Fox air bump stops at each corner 

Features 

• The chassis number (U15GLU81869) decodes as: 

  • U15 – U100 wagon 

  • G – 302 V8 

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

  • U81869 – Production sequence 

• 100 mph speedometer and odometer 

• AutoMeter instrumentation: 

  • Oil pressure 

  • Water temperature 

  • Oil temperature 

  • Transmission temperature 

  • Voltage 

  • Fuel level  

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips up front and around wheel wells 

• Scratches on passenger side front fender near the Bronco script  

• Small marks near the wheel well on the driver’s side 

• Light wear on center console 

• Light wear on headliner 

Included 

• Rear-mounted spare 

• Jack (in center console) 

Ownership History

The consignor of this 1974 Ford Bronco has owned it for more than 20 years. He commissioned its 2004 custom build by Rocky Roads.