Page 62 - Experience Magazine Spring 2022

SOLD! $165,000 SOLD! $176,000 SOLD! $220,000

SOLD! $181,500 SOLD! $181,500 SOLD! $335,500

TRENDING HOT undoubtedly increase power as the DOHC engine is

factory-rated with 460hp, it also tacks on more expenses
because many components need to be upgraded to
FORD’S RUGGED SUVS GALLOP support the additional power. Plus, performing the swap
INTO THE RECORD BOOKS AFTER likely necessitates cutting into the inner fenders, which
SKIPPING THE COYOTE SWAP then presents an extra set of challenges.
Over the last few years, one thing has become evident: After analyzing sales data from the Barrett-Jackson 2022
Broncos are hot and only getting hotter. In the Scottsdale Auction, a new trend emerged for Resto-
collector car market, the first-generation Bronco, which Modding the Bronco: Keep it clean with a modern but
spans from 1966 through 1977, has seen its values smaller engine that doesn’t require much fabrication
increase with the debut of the long-anticipated 2021 work to support the power relocation of essential
Ford Bronco. components. Among the most popular engine choices
for a swap are the 302ci and 351ci Windsors from Ford.
Ford’s original “all-purpose vehicle” came in three
different body styles: roadster, sport utility and wagon. Crossing the block at WestWorld, Lot #1062, a custom
1972 Bronco, powered by a freshly rebuilt 351ci
When it hit the streets in August 1965, the Bronco was Windsor 4-barrel engine factory-rated at 300hp, sold
powered by an inline-6 derived from the Ford Falcon, for $181,500.
rated with 105hp. By March 1966, it was offered with an
optional 200hp 289ci V8. In 1969, the V8 was enlarged The 302ci engine from Ford also is a popular choice for
to 302ci, and in 1973 the inline-6 was increased to a engine swaps. Case in point is Lot #1106.1, a custom
200ci engine, which remained standard through 1977. 1976 Bronco that sold for $220,000, an auction world
record. Its power comes from a new BluePrint Engines
To keep production costs in check, Ford equipped the 302ci crate engine. Other examples include Lot #1133, a
Bronco with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission with 1973 Bronco powered by a 302ci roller engine that sold
a floor-mounted transfer case shifter. Later in 1973, a for $176,000; and Lot #1127, a 1977 model, powered by
3-speed automatic transmission was offered due to buyer a 302ci V8 engine, that sold for $165,000.
demand.
Also catching collectors’ attention was Lot #1331, a
Nearly 60 years later, Bronco enthusiasts want more 1972 Bronco that sold for $335,500, another auction
power when the rubber hits the road — whether it be dirt world record. The custom over-the-top SUV is powered
or asphalt. Over the last 10 years, performing a “Coyote by a stroked 347ci Holley Terminator X fuel-injected V8
swap” to achieve more power has been a popular choice.
engine. Additionally, Lot #1081, a custom 1971 Bronco,
While replacing the Bronco’s engine with a newer with power from a new BluePrint Ford Racing 347ci
modular 5.0-liter Coyote engine from Ford can stroker crate engine, sold for $181,500.

62 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE SPRING 2022