Bronco Cryptozoology #13: Military 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.

Today we look at the Military Broncos....fact or fiction.

In 1966 Ford decided to respond to the US Armed Forces RFQs for vehicles.  in 1967 a contract was awarded to Ford for 120 U15 Wagons, paint color is not known as they were repainted once deployed with the different branches of the military.

Ford did little to set these up for their administrative duties (they were not used in combat) by installing a mil-spec rear bumper with a pintle hitch and headlight guards. Some received special front bumper/grill guards, and some got outfitted with spot lights.

All of the Broncos had the standard 170ci Six Cylinder engine and 3-speed manual transmission.

The relationship was not a good one, Ford didn't get much publicity or profit from the exchange and the military thought the Broncos to be underpowered.

The one below was either converted to a 1/2 cab or was not part of this RFQ purchase, the note says it was used in Da Nang Vietnam

A few Broncos even served the United States Military Liaison Mission in West Germany

The Citadel in South Caroline still uses their Bronco for ceremonial purposes

The above story and pictures are real, it is unknown how many of these Broncos survive, but they do pop up from time to time.

This one has been repainted and modified, but still wears the headlight guards

This white military Bronco served in the Civil Defense Department

Another one

There are at least a few "fakes" or tributes, including this 1966 original U13 roadster that the owner built into a Military tribute.

This military contract did indeed happen, in fact it is rumored that many Broncos were sold to the miliary before and after this contract in various configurations.

Stories of some early production Broncos being used in Vietnam have been told.

Tell us what you know.