A little-known pre-production Bronco was transformed into a bare-bones sand drag racer that sacrificed comfort, and even front brakes, in pursuit of speed.
A Bronco Built to Race
What looks like a stripped-down off-roader actually began as a rare pre-production 1966 Ford Bronco before being converted into a purpose-built sand drag racer. The transformation was carried out in the mid-1960s by off-road figures Charlie Erickson and Bill Stroppe, turning the new SUV into a competition machine for sand events across the western United States. Rather than trail use, this Bronco was optimized for short bursts of speed across loose terrain.
Source: Mecum
Supercharged Six-Cylinder Power
Under the hood, the original 170-cubic-inch inline-six remains, but it’s far from stock. The engine was upgraded with a Paxton supercharger, dual Stromberg two-barrel carburetors, and a custom intake setup, along with revised intake and exhaust cam profiles. Power figures were never officially documented, but output was sufficient to justify pairing the engine with a modified three-speed manual transmission built to handle drag-style launches.
Weight Savings Above All
The Bronco was aggressively stripped to reduce weight, a crucial advantage in sand drag racing. Body components and unnecessary equipment were removed, and even the front brakes were eliminated to shave additional pounds. As racers joked at the time, when winning mattered most, “stopping is optional.” It’s an extreme solution, but one that reflects how single-minded these builds could become.
Upgrades During Restoration
Although the vehicle retained its competition appearance, a comprehensive restoration completed in 2011 addressed mechanical components throughout. The rebuild added limited-slip differentials front and rear, traction bars, reinforced suspension pieces, and heavy-duty shock absorbers. Custom 15-inch wheels wrapped in hand-grooved Goodyear tires further reflect the Bronco’s original racing purpose rather than modern off-road styling trends.
A Cabin With Nothing Extra
Inside, the Bronco is nearly empty. Weight reduction again dictated the layout, leaving only a single bucket seat, a steering wheel, and a handful of gauges set into a simple wooden dash. Doors and windows are absent, underscoring its competition roots. In period use, drivers relied on helmets and goggles rather than creature comforts.
A Rare Auction Appearance
Now scheduled to cross the auction block during Mecum's upcoming Glendale event in March, the Bronco is a rare survivor from the earliest days of Ford’s off-road performance efforts. While estimates remain undisclosed, its status as a one-off competition build and pre-production vehicle makes it an unusual piece of Bronco and racing history, far removed from the restored cruisers and modern restomods that dominate today’s market.
Find the listing here.
