Bronco Cryptozoology #19: Shelby Bronco

Cryptozoology is the study of mythical creatures that may or may not exist.

This applies to Broncos how? Well, there is a lot of mystery and myths surrounding certain Bronco models and specialty-built Broncos.

So, this new segment at the blog will focus on these prototypes, one of a kind, special editions and the most historical Broncos ever built.

To keep the posts short, we will include only a brief story of each

We will try to separate fact from fiction and possibly come up with more questions than answers.

At first, I was going to compile this into one post, but it got waaay too long. 

There has been a lot of talk about a "Shelby Bronco", but did Shelby American actually modify Broncos? If so, what did they do, and how many are still out there?

Here is what we have been able to piece together. Carrol Shelby signed up to build exactly twenty 1966 Broncos. Why only twenty? Shelby was swamped with orders for Cobras and he also had a race team putting together cars for Le Mans, he barely had time to eat, much less take on another project.

The Broncos were special ordered with a V-8. This was just before the V-8 was offered to the public in March of 1966, but this was no ordinary V-8. The standard 289 engine was swapped out for a hi-po 306 HP K-code 289, same as used in the 1966 Shelby GT350 Mustangs.

While the Broncos were standard U15 Wagon models, they did come with 4.11 gears and trac-loc differentials.

Shelby American added their 4-barrel aluminum intake manifold, 4-barrel Holley carb, valve covers, custom headers & dual exhaust. Believe it or not, the headers from the Mustang actually fit the Bronco.

The two biggest modifications were the 4-speed toploader transmissions and the power steering. 

The Broncos rear fenders were left uncut, Shelby preferred the skirted look. Besides, bigger tires were not on the menu just yet. Mucho testing would need to be done. Shelby wanted to improve straight line performance, then work on the suspension.

The colors were Raven Black or Marlin Blue with Wimbledon white tops and grills.

One of the Broncos remained with Shelby American and was used for a time as a tow vehicle. The Bronco even saw duty at Le Mans in France.

So, the above story is a partial fabrication. There was a V-8 Bronco that was given to Carroll Shelby, he didn't modify it, however.

Here is the real story:

Ford disposed of several of their test/pre-production Broncos, many of them went to Bill Stroppe and ended up racing in Baja, one of them, the very first Bronco actually, went to Carroll Shelby. 

It has been misreported that Shelby American installed the first V-8 in a Bronco, that is incorrect. Shelby did not install the 289 V-8, that was done at the factory, a feasibility project, that was obviously successful. 

The Bronco spent many years on Shelby's farm in Texas. During that time it was repainted more than once.

It is now owned by Gateway Broncos in Colorado. The paint is now a medium metallic blue, under that and the red paint job is the original Caribbean Blue. I assume Gateway will restore the Bronco to its original factory condition.