Ford Bronco Dons Legendary Gulf Racing Livery in L.A.

Modified 1966 Bronco pays homage to Ford’s racing history. 

The L.A. Auto Show is definitely the place to see a lot of new cars and trucks. This year’s show runs from November 22-December 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It is dominated by automakers introducing the newest production and concept vehicles, which is very cool. However, when we spotted this 1966 first-generation Ford Bronco in classic Gulf livery, we stopped in our tracks. Sometimes, nothing beats a classic.

Built by Galpin Auto Sports, the first-generation Bronco Heritage is rock solid. The Gulf livery is synonymous with the GT40, and Ford’s domination at 1966’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Perfect timing for the Bronco, considering Ford Vs. Ferrari just opened last weekend.

Galpin was clever in how they applied Gulf livery details. The simple, boxy lines are nicely accentuated by the baby blue. The orange is effective on the front bars, rear spare tire mount, trailer hitch, rear bars–all custom fabricated by Galpin. It also pops up on the wheels, in other details inside and out, and a nice stripe on the roof.

It rocks more power than the first-gen Broncos of the era. Under the hood there is a Ford 377 cid (6.2 L) Stroker V8 engine, Edelbrock EFI and Powertrain control system, Ford AOD transmission, custom headers and exhaust system, It pumps out 570 horsepower and features a host of off-roading mods.

Yes, it looks perfect for a car show, but it was built to kick up dust and climb rocks. And with the custom suspension and shocks it can definitely flex some serious off-road muscle.

It rolls on beefy BF Goodrich TriGard 3-Play Sidewalls with 16″ Mickey Thompson Champion Beadlock Wheels by Alcoa.

LED and lighting options are found in the front and the rear. They really thought about this build, and what we want from a off-road rig.

But the real draw is the ’66 Bronco honoring a banner year for Ford racing by wearing the iconic livery.

Motor Trend even named Galpin’s 1966 Ford Bronco Heritage as their Top Ten Rides of SEMA when it debuted in 2012. And we think it merits a top spot as one of our favorites from this year’s L.A. Auto Show. Ford trucks perfectly merged with the legacy of Ford racing.

Photos by Derin Richardson for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.