1971 Ford Bronco Restomod Boasts Coyote V8 Power
Daily Slideshow: The Joe McMurrey Collection is offering this fully-rebuilt 1971 Ford Bronco at the upcoming Mecum Auction in Indianapolis. Take a look for yourself to see if you think it's worth the estimated price.
More than just a pretty face
Back in 2015, this rebuilt 1971 Ford Bronco from the Joe McMurrey Collection came out like a freshly-minted debutante at SEMA in Las Vegas. In the five years since its restoration began, it has been driven a meager 40 test miles! To say that this Bronco is chaste would be a gross understatement. Almost every system and part that matters was replaced or added, from the engine down to the LED floodlights and retractable assist steps. Click through to see one amazing Bronco that will soon be on the block at Mecum Auctions.
Quadruple the horsepower
We are not sure what powerplant was original to this particular Bronco. The first generation Bronco's standard engine was a 170 cubic-inch inline-6 that produced 105 hp. Interestingly the early Bronco engine was derived from the Ford Falcon and modified with solid valve lifters, a 6 L oil pan, heavy-duty fuel pump, oil-bath air cleaner, and a carburetor with a float bowl compensated against tilting. In 1966, a 200 hp 289 cubic-inch V8 was introduced as an option. Take your guess as to which one sat under the hood, but thanks to BC Broncos of Kerrville, Texas, you can now find a 5.0L/435 HP Ford Coyote V-8 and 4R70W overdrive automatic transmission powertrain enhanced with remote Mad Dog oil filtration, aluminum radiator, a carbon-fiber cover, gel battery, and pushbutton start.
Dressed to the nines
On the outside, this Bronco has seen drastic changes as well. The custom blue pearl metallic paint is accented by offset matte-finish trim and 5.0 Coyote badging with an ARB roof rack, LED floodlights, retractable assist steps, winch-equipped steel front bumper, and rear bumper with the swing-out spare for added capability and protection. The matte-finish grille is framed by a pair of JW Speaker LED projector headlights, and a pair of aircraft-style locking fuel-filler caps indicate that this vehicle carries enough fuel for the long haul. It's safe to say that none of these finishing touches were available back in 1971, making this Bronco refresh a stand out at any classic Bronco event.
Old school meets modern ingenuity
Old school meets modern ingenuity as you climb inside the cabin. It should be noted that factory A/C systems did not exist in early Broncos. Every one of them is aftermarket. Even new Broncos that came with A/C were aftermarket dealer installed A/C units. But in this Bronco, air conditioning and Dynamat sound-deadening work together for quiet comfort, and custom loop carpet and handcrafted Italian leather seats raise the style meter. A CNC-carved genuine wood dash has been added to accommodate the built-in defrost ducts. Infinitybox computer-controlled wiring enables real-time engine diagnostics with driver display and Apple CarPlay synchronization.
Smooth operator
Modern comfort and convenience are carried by Krawlers Edge 4-link suspension capability with a 4.5-inch lift, Bilstein shocks in custom-fabricated mounts, Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes, custom radius arms, and reinforced steering linkage. Ford Coyote power gets down to the ground through an Atlas 2-speed transfer case, ARB Locker differentials, and custom CV-joint driveshafts with bash-plate powertrain protection throughout.
Xtreme race wheels
Ultra Motorsports Xtreme Race Wheels with true precision-machined bead locks and BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires wait for their next driver to take the wood-rimmed steering wheel and command an all-new first-generation Ford Bronco adventure.
Part of the Joel McMurrey Collection
From childhood, Joel McMurrey has always been passionate about cars, especially those with a Carroll Shelby connection. Over the years his passion has evolved into a well-known and respected car collection with a focus on cars linked to Shelby, such as the Mustang, Cobra, Tiger, Ford GT, and Series 1. But his automotive interests go beyond muscle cars and even the Ford brand. What all of his cars have in common are immaculate looks, rarity, documentation, driveability, and collectibility.
Mark your calendars
This year, at the May 14-19 Mecum Auction in Indianapolis, McMurrey will be selling off 9 of his cars. "You're sad to see them go, but you are opening up a new chapter in your life," he says. "I will be happy for the new owners. To me, collectors are caretakers. We take care of them for a while, then pass them on."
If you want to take this 1971 Bronco off McMurrey's hands, expect to pay somewhere between $175,000 and $195,000. To follow the auction, please visit the Mecum site.