1966 Bronco Roadster: One of 4,090

Rare but Fun

Without a doubt, the most underappreciated Bronco ever produced is the first-gen U13 Roadster. Few of these little fun machines were ever built - 4,090 from 1966 to 1968, to be exact. And it's kind of understandable why people back then wouldn't want something that lacks doors or a proper sealing top. But today, in our minds at least, there's nothing we'd rather cruise around in on a fair weather day than this gorgeous '66 U13 we found over at Mecum Auctions.  

Roadster Perfection

This red roadster has received a full body-off restoration, and it sure shows. Everything from the bright red paint to the white trim shines like a diamond and is nicely correct. That means no cut fenders, aftermarket suspension, or giant tires. 

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Do Everything Machine

Granted, the U13 is an interesting vehicle in its own right. A bare-bones, utilitarian vehicle with few frills. But it has everything you'd want in a proper off-road fun machine capable of taking you just about anywhere you want to go.

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Simple Works

That spartan theme continues to the interior, where you'll find the usual silver seat inserts, the original radio, and 3-speed manual transmission shifter on the column. Operating the 4-wheel drive system is done via a floor shifter, while basic gauges tell you what you need to know and nothing else. 

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Lacking Power

Pop the hood, and you certainly won't find anything resembling a powerful V8. Nope, this U13 packs a humble 170 cubic-inch six-cylinder powerplant pumping out a whopping 105 horsepower. But in all fairness, that was wholly adequate back in this Bronco's day. 

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Slow but Capable

That smallish powerplant was enough to get this Bronco where it needed to go, which was supposed to be down some fun trails on the weekend. What really matters is that it packs a capable four-wheel drive system underneath complete with locking front hubs.  

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Impractical Fun

Looking back at it now, we wouldn't blame folks for thinking the Bronco U13 Roadster was a custom, one-off vehicle. We can't even fathom Ford (or anyone else, for that matter) making anything this impractical today. 

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Sleeper Bargain

But that's beside the point. We're certainly glad that the U13 does exist, and we'd love to have one of these things in our garage. And the good news is, one like this won't cost you nearly as much as a regular first-gen Bronco would these days. But we imagine that eventually, collectors won't be sleeping on this rare 'utes any more! 

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