1/2 Bronco, 1/2 Pickup: ’71 Ford Bronco
These later 1st generation Broncos are our favorite. That’s probably why we feature them from time to time. This one is a first generation Bronco known in the Bronco world as an Early Bronco. Earlies were built until 1977 when the Big Bronco took its place. These early cars were pretty spartan and all were built with 4-wheel drive. Today’s featured Bronco is unusual because it is an automatic and a pickup with a rear mounted spare tire. It was restored some time ago but has held up well according to the seller. We like the soft green color mainly because we like all things green. The seller states it has a 3-speed column mounted shift but we are a bit puzzled because it is clearly an automatic. The photos are detailed in the Hemmings ad and clears up said confusion. The floor shift is the transfer case shifter. It is said to come with the featured half top and a full length top that covers the back. You can contact the seller by clicking to the Hemmings ad.
The Bronco pictured above is a 3 speed manual on the column (a.k.a. 3-on-the-tree ). ALL 1st generation Broncos were column shift from the factory. Automatics were not available until around ’74. Over the years since they were built many have been modified to have floor shifters which would seem more natural. The column shifter was probably a result of many parts and components being sourced from the Econoline and Falcon lines.
P.S.
I own the Bronco pictured above.