Skip to main content

Peep This Perfectly Restored 1969 Ford Bronco Up for Auction

Auto enthusiasts are all a bit obsessed with classic Ford Broncos at the moment — and we totally understand why. One look at the original SUV, with its boxy physique, short wheelbase, and white contrasting roof, will have you picturing yourself behind the wheel (may we recommend some grazing land in Wyoming for your daydream’s setting?).

It isn’t just the truck’s design that has collectors in a tizzy; Ford’s announcement of a Bronco revival in 2020 is renewing intrigue for ancestral SUVs — especially ones with a bit of history. To demonstrate just how hard Bronco fever has hit, consider this 1969 orange Bronco that’s due to cross the auction block during Monterey Car Week.

Experts are saying this truck will sell for between $180,000 and $220,000 at the Gooding & Company auction, owing to its combination of concourse-grade restoration and unique past. Early on, this truck was a Ford test vehicle before being sold to the company’s racing partners, Holman & Moody and Bill Stroppe (for one single, crisp dollar). Instead of a Ford VIN number, the truck is identified by a Holman & Moody serial number. In 2016, the vehicle was discovered and put through a 2,400-hour restoration process by Colin Comer. By comparison, a new Toyota RAV4 takes 17-18 hours to build (including inspection time).

This special model features limited-slip front and rear differentials, a Bronco Sport package, and other collector-favorite goodies. For the 1969 model year, Ford replaced the Bronco’s 289 cubic-inch V8 with a 302 cubic-inch V8 rated at 205 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Other 4×4 hardware included solid axles, a bespoke suspension, Dana transfer case, and long wheel travel.

At this point, it’s unclear what shape the new Bronco will take, either a soft-roader or a hardcore beefcake in the same vein as the F-150 Raptor. We do know Ford will offer a hybridized version of the new truck, but there’s already a hybrid Jeep Wrangler on sale, so an electrically assisted 4×4 isn’t huge news. It’s expected the new Bronco will be based on the 2019 Ranger, which itself is a revival of sorts (in the U.S. market at least). Honestly, as long as Ford doesn’t besmirch the Bronco name like Chevy has with the Blazer, we’ll be happy.

Until then, be sure to check out Gooding & Co’s auction this week to see the sale price on this ’69 Bronco.

Editors' Recommendations

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
What the EPA’s new proposed rules about electric vehicles mean for car buyers
If you plan to purchase a vehicle, read this first
EPA plague in the U.S.

President Biden has witnessed enormous growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales since taking office, with sales tripling and the total amount of available models doubling. For example, over 130,000 public charging stations for electric cars have been deployed across the United States, indicating a 40% increase over prior years.

In addition, since Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, the private sector has spent over $120 billion in domestic electric vehicle and battery production. Now the EPA has introduced new rules and regulations surrounding EVs to further accelerate America's movements toward more environmentally friendly automobiles. 

Read more
Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90 production is taking longer than anticipated
Production delays hit Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90: What’s behind the extended production time?
Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 on stage during unveiling ceremony

Last month, Volvo unveiled the new 2025 Polestar 4. It’s an electric SUV that will compete against the Tesla Model X — but it will be cheaper with a price tag of around $60,000. The 2024 Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90 were also unveiled late last year as part of the Swedish carmaker’s plan to bring an all-electric vehicle lineup to the U.S.  

Both the Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90 were scheduled for production in mid-2023 with delivery slated for later this year. However, the production plans have changed and Polestar says we have to wait until early 2024 for the new Polestar and Volvo cars. What's the reason for the pushback? It has something to do with software issues. 
Polestar needs more time to develop and test the software
According to the Swedish automaker, it needs "additional time for final software development" before manufacturing the Polestar 3. Since the Volvo EX90 shares the same platform as the Polestar 3, it will also be affected. However, the automaker clarified that the upcoming Polestar 4 won't be affected and it will be delivered on the initial schedule.

Read more
Mercedes Benz’s new AMG SL 43 is a gorgeous RWD, F1-inspired beast
If you need to go fast and look good doing it, we've got the car for you
Front view of AMG SL 43

Two years ago, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the SL Roadster, also known as the R232. Mercedes-AMG reimagined it by adding a new fabric roof, modern tech modification, and a standard two-plus-two seating layout. Two variants of the R232 were immediately available for sale in the U.S. — the AMG SL 63 and AMG SL 55.

There was just one thing missing — the entry-level SL Roadster dubbed the AMG SL 43, was not made available in the U.S. despite it being sold in Europe. Luckily, Mercedes-AMG just announced that the AMG SL 43 will be available to order in the U.S. starting this summer.

Read more