Bronco Cryptozoology #10: The African Safari Broncos

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.

The story begins with Henry Ford II's (aka the "Deuce") Honeymoon trip to Africa in March of 1965, the trip was to include an animal viewing safari. You see his new bride, Maria Christina, loved elephants and wished to view them in the wild.

Unfortunately, the safari ended before the couple could see any animals. This was due to the caravan of Nissan Patrols constantly breaking down. Henry & his new bride returned to the U.S. without getting to see the elephants. Henry promised her a return trip.

The Nissan Patrol

It was at this time the first couple of dozen Broncos were in final testing for production.

The Deuce had four 1966 U-13 Bronco Roadsters shipped to Bill Stroppe to be modified for a second African Safari. These Broncos were among the first to get the 289 V-8 engines. 

The Broncos would be equipped with double shocks, traction bars, limited slip differentials, power steering and upgraded alternator and dual batteries. The fenders were trimmed, and rear flares added to accommodate the 9.50 series tires and wide wheels.

A six-point roll cage was added for safety and to hold the roof. The Broncos were Holly Green with white interior, the roof was covered in green felt with gold fringe.

Below is one of the few known pictures of one of these Broncos, Bill Stroppe is behind the wheel, testing out the Bronco on the hill above Long Beach.

The Broncos were shipped to Tanzania and were waiting for the Fords when they arrived there the first week of December 1966.

The safari was successful, the Broncos performed without a single hiccup, much to the delight of Ford.

At the completion of the trip, Ford donated the Broncos to the tour guides where they served without failure for quite a few years. 

Did this really happen? 

Yes and no, there were some Broncos built by Stroppe for an African Safari, but it was not for Henry Ford II and his wife they instead were built for Texas Sportsman John Mecom and shipped to South Africa. I don't know how many were built or if this is the only one, see the Ford Times article from August 1967 below:

In addition, I found January 1971 issue of Camping Journal Magazine in which they talked about Broncos going to Africa.

Here is a picture of the 1966 Bronco from the article (also featured in 1974 in Ford Truck Times) actually on safari

A different Bronco in Africa (also featured in 1974 issue of Ford Truck Times)

Then I found this picture of a Bronco that apparently spent time in Nairobi, or at least was meant to look like it had......

If you have any verifiable knowledge of the stories above, post in the comment section below