Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Bronco Cryptozoology #17: Bronco Macho

 


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.


"Bronco Macho" ...sounds like the name of a Jack Black movie.....






When you search the internet for Bronco Macho, this is what comes up, not far off from the picture above.


But this isn't what we are looking for.....


What is a Bronco Macho? Did they really exist?

By the spring of 1975 Ford was looking for a new "special edition" Bronco model to replace the Baja Bronco, production of which ended the prior November.


Ford approached Roger Darrington and Larry Hopkins, the owners or the Four-Wheel Drive Center in Omaha Nebraska about modifying some Broncos like Stroppe had done with the Baja Broncos.

The Broncos would be outfitted with Tacoma 15x8 steel spoke wheels wearing Firestone All-Terrain T/C 10-15 tires, fender flares, Stroppe roll bar, Stroppe Cactus Smasher brush guard KC 5Y Fog Lights, center console and custom Bronco Macho spare tire cover from Husky Products.

After a long train of car transport trucks delivered the 110 1976 Bronco Sport Models and a semi-truck dropped off the wheels and tires, the boys at Four Wheel Drive Center went to work. 

When 50 of them were ready for prime time, a press event was held at the local Ramada Inn

After which the Broncos were distributed to Omaha Nebraska Ford dealers.

recently one of these Broncos surfaced, still wearing its Macho gear.




Click on the picture for a larger version.









You have probably guessed by the magazine article, that this was a real Bronco model, albeit regional.

It is unknown how many survive and authenticating them would have to be done by the DSO code, delivery destination and date.


This leaves us with one question: Quien es mas macho? El Bronco o El Heep?



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