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 Ford Motor Company has a long history of supplying vehicles to the U.S. Forest Service. For years they supplied just trucks, but when the Bronco was introduced, the Dept. of Agriculture began to think about purchasing the bobtail SUV for use in the National Parks.
Ford put together a program in 1973 to supply Broncos to the National Park Service division of the U.S. Forest Service. The initial order was for 780 Broncos.
The Broncos were stripped down models equipped a 302 V-8 engine, automatic transmission and power steering.
The special package came with 70A alternators, dual batteries, external battery jumping connections, heavy duty suspension & axles, trac loc differentials, dual fuel tanks and rubber floor mats.
There was also a special rear bumper, specified by the forest service, similar to what was supplied on the 1967 Military contract Broncos. They needed a heavy-duty steel bumper for towing and hauling items that would not fit in the rear cargo area.
Most noticeable though was the Forest Service Green paint.
When the Broncos were retired from service their new owners often repainted the rig in a more popular hue. Occasionally these Broncos show up for sale, still wearing their original color.
The one below has a replacement top and custom front bumper, but the rear bumper and green paint prove its history.
23 of the 780 ordered were Ranger models, it is not known why or where those 23 were used. The Ranger Broncos came with chrome bumpers and trim, perhaps they were for senior Forest Service Officials?
The Bronco below is one of those 23 Ranger models, the owner liked the color enough, that when he rebuilt and modified the Bronco he repainted it the original color
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