Most old vehicles have a cool story to tell, but this early production "test vehicle" 1969 Bronco's tale is more interesting than most.
Story to Tell
Early Broncos are cool in their own regard, but this one, up for grabs at Mecum's Kissimmee auction on January 2-12, is something truly special. The very early production '69 was originally ordered with some very unique options as a "test vehicle." It was delivered to Ford Motor Company’s Research and Engineering Center in Michigan on August 29, 1968, then sold the very same day. Thus, this Bronco has a very cool story to tell, even more than most.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Dollar Bronco?
The purchaser was none other than Ford-backed racing firm Holman & Moody and Bill Stroppe and Associates, also known as "HMS." It's believe that this particular Bronco was ordered to serve as a developmental vehicle for the successful off-road racing team, or that it was part of Ford's $1 agreement designed to circumvent the sponsorship ban in certain racing bodies.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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Unique Number
Regardless, HMS immediately began altering the Bronco once it came into their possession, first dubbing it the "Bronco Hunter." They even removed the original VIN plate and replaced it with Holman-Moody serial number HM9028 S. That number denotes "9" for the year 1969, "028" for its sequential build number, and "S" as an unknown designation. And today, that number is still visible on the driver's side seat riser.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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Stroppe Orange
The Bronco was originally painted Wimbleton White from the factory, but HMS resprayed it orange, a color that would later make its way onto the famous Stroppe Baja Broncos. They then fitted the Bronco with rear fender flares, a roll bar, a padded steering wheel, and power steering.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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Startling Discovery
Sometime later, the Bronco Hunter was lost for a number of years, selling at auction at one point in the early 1980s. It didn't surface again until 2016 when it was found in a Phoenix, Arizona junkyard by a collector named Colin Comer. Comer was able to locate the original Ford VIN on the right frame rail and obtain a Marti report on it, which is how he came to this startling discovery.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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Special Treatment
Once he realized how special this Bronco was, Comer treated it to a 2,400 hour, Concours-level restoration in his own shop. Along the way, he also made a few modifications including new springs, Bilstein shocks, a front anti-sway bar, electronic ignition, a fully balanced driveline, and hidden sound deadening.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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Stay Tuned
It's obviously hard to peg a value on such a rare and interesting machine, but the current estimate is lofty - between $150,000 and $200,000. But with early Bronco prices rising and this one's incredibly interesting, documented history, we wouldn't be surprised to see it sell for that kind of money. And you can bet we'll be tuning in to see how it all pans out in a few weeks!
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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