Bronco Cryptozoology #12: The Overland Adventure Race 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.

You have probably heard of the Camel Trophy, which ran from 1980 to 2000 and was sponsored by Camel cigarettes and Land Rover (who supplied the vehicles).

Before the Camel Trophy existed, there was the "International Overland Adventure Race". The rules were a bit different. Each team, representing their home country, had to use a vehicle made in their home country. 

These rules limited the competition to just ten nations. Some exceptions were provided to the British commonwealth countries.

The rules stated that the vehicle could not be modified beyond safety equipment, extra gas tanks and racks to carry provisions. The vehicle can have factory options, but the parts/options must be available to the public.

The race would be over rough and unimproved roads and included checkpoints along the way. 

The course was in the rain forests of Bazil, in October (at start of their rainy season).

Fourwheeler magazine covered the race and even provided some sponsorship

As stated, there were ten teams invited, although the rules stated the vehicle must be made in the team's country and the vehicle must be equipped with factory parts, available to the public.

England, New Zealand, Australia and Canada each fielded a 1968 Land Rover 109 Series 2A.

Japan chose the Land Cruiser FJ55

Team France entered a new Citroen Mahari.

Italy entered the race with a predictably red Fiat Campagnola.

West Germany showed up with a DKW Munga.

Sweden entered a military vehicle, the Volvo Valp. The rules were set aside because the Valp was only SUV made in Sweden at the time, and the race needed a 10th competitor. In addition, the other competitors didn't see the Volva as a serious competitor due to its very low gearing.

Team USA chose the Ford Bronco for the inaugural race. The Broncos (two were built) were a 1968 Sport model Wagon with the 289 V-8, heavy-duty suspension package, trac-loc limited slip differentials and manual everything.

The front coils were F-series truck big block units, the rear leaf springs had extra leaves including a double main, which was allowed per the rules since the parts were factory and available to the public.

One was the competition vehicle; one was the support rig.

Ford, along with some select Detroit area fabricators, set-up the Broncos.

Below is a picture of the support Bronco, the chest on the roof contained spare axles, hubs and wheel bearings

Team USA did not come in first place (they took second place), but they did finish which was a feat considering only three of the ten teams made it to the finish line, including Team New Zealand and Team England who took the third and first place respectively.

After the race it was decided that the terrain was too difficult and if held again a milder route would be needed.

So is this story fact or fiction?

This story is a complete fabrication, I found the pictures above online, they appear to be the same Bronco from different time periods. I thought it would make a good story for this series.

The Fourwheeler magazine cover was modified.......