Bronco Cryptozoology #23: The 1964 Bronco Custom Cab pick-up

 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 Bronco pick-up. I know what you are thinking, Ford offered the Bronco in a U-14 Pick-up often called the "Sport Utility" or "1/2 cab", but did you know that originally Ford thought of building a Bronco with a separate bed?

This would give them options on adding a longer bed, offering canopies and even campers.

If you didn't already know the body lines on the rear 1/2 of the Bronco mimic that of the 1964-1966 Ford F-series truck. This proto-type Bronco pick-up used a narrowed cab and a cut down bed from a 1964 Ford Custom Cab F-100. The sheet metal from the doors forward is the same as the production Broncos. 

a 1964 Ford F-100 Custom Cab Pick-up

These modifications gave the Bronco a 102" wheelbase and more frame flex.

The bed length was 5' 4", just 6" longer than the 1/2 cab Bronco, but sometimes 6" is just enough.

Only one of these Broncos was ever built, a 1966 Custom Cab Bronco Pick-up with a 289 V-8 and 3 speed manual transmission. The colors were Rangoon Red and Wimbledon White.

The Bronco prototype was supposed to be destroyed, but one Ford employee ended up with it in a not-so-legal fashion.

He basically stole the truck before it was crushed. dummying up the paperwork.

He had to keep the Bronco garaged until his retirement. It was then he moved from Detroit to Tennessee and began to enjoy driving his one-of-a-kind Bronco. 

Over the years he had to replace some parts (like the grill) from fender benders and mishaps. The Bronco was also repainted at least once.

When the original "owner" died, it was advertised for sale and immediately drew the attention of Bronco fanatics, and its history became known.

This story is a fabrication, this Bronco was actually built by its owner for unknown reasons