The First Known 1966 Ford Bronco Prototype Reappears after 40 Years
The very first known 1966 Ford Bronco made an encore appearance after 40 years, and the timing couldn't be better with the new Bronco just around the corner.
1. The Ford Bronco
In an attempt to compete with the very capable Jeep CJ-5 and the International Scout, Ford introduced the two-door Bronco SUV in 1966. The SUV gained tremendous and immediate popularity, thanks to its four-wheel drive capabilities, removable hardtop, and its relatively low price tag of $2,194. In its very first year, the small SUV sold 23,776 units. The base engine for the '66 Bronco was a 170 cubic-inch Inline-6, but customers had the option of choosing a bigger 289 cubic-inch V-8 engine. This Bronco, however, is unlike any other Bronco.
>>Join the conversation about this 1966 Ford Bronco prototype right here in the Ford-trucks forum.
2. How it Started
It all started when a man named Vinnie Yakubanski, a Ford dealership owner in Texas, was on the lookout for a Ford Bronco in 1978. This Bronco was being serviced at his dealership, and he took the opportunity to ask if he could buy it. As it turns out, the legendary SUV belonged to a ranch, which was owned by automotive legend Carroll Shelby. After some back and forth, Vinnie was able to acquire the Bronco, and he wrote a check for $100 for it.
>>Join the conversation about this 1966 Ford Bronco prototype right here in the Ford-trucks forum.
3. VIN Surprise
The VIN came as a surprise, indicating that the Ford Bronco had come from a Ford pre-production plant in Allen Park, MI. A pre-production plant in 1966 could only mean one thing: this Bronco was a prototype vehicle. After further research, it turned out that the Bronco had spent one year in Michigan before it was acquired by the Shelby American Facility in California. The Shelby facility gave the Bronco a little upgrade, like the red and white paint and a 289 cubic-inch V-8 engine.
>>Join the conversation about this 1966 Ford Bronco prototype right here in the Ford-trucks forum.
4. The Journey
It was quite unclear why the Bronco had gone to Shelby if it was just a prototype; however, it seems as if it may have been an attempt to add Carroll Shelby's signature performance touch to yet another Ford prototype. Shortly after the Bronco was acquired by Shelby, however, it was shipped to Texas where it served as a farm truck until 1978 when Vinnie came in the picture.
>>Join the conversation about this 1966 Ford Bronco prototype right here in the Ford-trucks forum.
5. 000 Serial Number
Vinnie's mechanic noticed the bizarre serial number of the Bronco, which read "000." Vinnie turned to all the professionals and enthusiasts, and many doubted that the serial number was real. However, further investigation exposed the historic journey of the vehicle, including its unfamiliar engine and the modified paint job. The Bronco was purchased by Seth Burgett of Gateway Bronco in 2016, which made him the third owner of the legendary, probably first ever, Bronco prototype.
>>Join the conversation about this 1966 Ford Bronco prototype right here in the Ford-trucks forum.
6. The Future
The future couldn't be more bright for this Bronco. The plan is to restore the prototype back to its original color, which was red, and after sitting in a barn for the past 50 years, the one-of-a-kind SUV will now be preserved and protected forever. If you're a fan of barn finds, this could be one of the most valuable of all.
>>Join the conversation about this 1966 Ford Bronco prototype right here in the Ford-trucks forum.
For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.