Daily Slideshow: It's easy to get carried away modifying first-gen Ford Broncos, but this 1971 example is a nice mix of old and new.
Vintage Meets Modern
First-gen Ford Broncos have always been immensely popular among both collectors and enthusiasts. And the reasons why are quite obvious - these things are simple, highly capable, and just downright cool.
Despite this, there is always a lot of room for customization, and many take advantage of that by adding in a host of modern parts to make an even better Bronco. And while many go a little too far in that endeavor, this '71 we found over at Mecum Auctions is a great example of adding some nice amenities without going too crazy.
Mild Looks
Completed by BuildABronco in Marshall, Michigan, this '71 is truly a comprehensive build, yet it retains most of its original character. Outside of its lifted stance, aftermarket rolling stock, and cut rear fenders, this Bronco doesn't look too out of the ordinary. And that's one of the many reasons why we like it.
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Keeping It Classy
The dark blue paint and contrasting fender flares look great on this body style, as does its heightened stance. Even the Cepek wheels look somewhat retro, and are a far cry from the overly modern stuff you see on so many restomod builds these days. Capping it all off is a set of white-lettered BF Goodrich off-road rubber to give it the appearance of something built in a different era.
>>Join the conversation about this 1971 Ford Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Clean and Effective
The interior of this Bronco is likewise simple and attractive, yet thoroughly modernized. Here you'll find modern conveniences like a tilt steering column and Grant wheel, aluminum pedals, upgraded stereo, and a roll cage for safety.
>>Join the conversation about this 1971 Ford Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Perfect Mix
The new seats look very inviting and comfy, and there's a pair of aluminum shift knobs to control the four-wheel-drive system and 5-speed manual transmission. But even with all these additions, much of the interior remains largely stock, including the dash and door panels.
>>Join the conversation about this 1971 Ford Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Old but New
Under the hood of this Bronco, you'll find a traditional 302 V8 that's been modernized thanks to a FAST EZ electronic fuel injection system. The fresh engine has been treated to a couple of performance mods, including a Spectre cold air intake, headers, and dual exhaust.
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Show and Go
If nothing else, the addition of fuel injection helps make maintaining this V8 a little easier, as well as giving you better gas mileage. A Howe aluminum radiator was added to keep things cool, but it also helps dress up an already attractive engine bay, too.
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Modern Amenities
The old Bronco also features a host of nice upgrades that make it easier to cruise around in, including power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes. Pretty much all the basic stuff you'd want to add to a vintage ride like this without going over the top.
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Blended Build
But that's pretty much the extent of changes made to this beautiful Bronco. And quite honestly, we think it's the perfect mix. Nothing crazy, just a few upgrades to make it a little more pleasant to drive and just generally live with.
>>Join the conversation about this 1971 Ford Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Worth the Price
Still, a reported $63,000 was spent bringing this Bronco back to tip-top shape. Which, given the six-figure-plus price tag of some builds these days, isn't terrible. And in the end, we'd rather have something like this than one of those overly modernized rides, truthfully!
>>Join the conversation about this 1971 Ford Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.
