The Ford Bronco was introduced for the 1966 model year to take advantage of the burgeoning utility market in North America. Offered in Wagon, Pickup, and Roadster variants, the first-generation Bronco was a hit, and production continued through the 1977 model year. Of the 23,776 Broncos built in the model’s first production year, only approximately 1,400 were the Roadster model, such as the incredible example offered here. Long considered the holy grail of early Broncos, the Roadster uniquely was not fitted from the factory with doors, offering easy ingress and egress and providing a sporting appeal.

This Bronco Roadster was purchased new on September 23, 1966, by Aloys Roedel of Brattsburg, New York, as noted inside the original owner’s manual. Well optioned from new, it was fitted with racing stripes, silver upholstery, rear seat, padded dashboard and sun visors, wheel covers, and a dealer-installed soft top and vinyl doors, among other niceties. According to the original owner’s son, Bill Roedel, the Bronco was used as a snowplow, having been fitted with a plow mount by the selling dealer. It slowly accrued mileage on the family farm, and showed just 15,265 miles at the time of cataloguing.

After a long period of subsequent storage, the Bronco was entrusted to K.C. Martin in Lynnwood, Washington, to return the car to road-worthy condition. At this time, the fuel system was replaced, the cooling system and brakes rebuilt, and a new battery installed, as documented by invoices on file. The consignor purchased the Bronco from Mr. Roedel in 2021, and it has seen limited mileage since then due to its period tires.

Believed by the consignor to retain its original paint and interior finishes, this Bronco wears an honest patina that can only come from years of use, and its incredible condition makes it an ideal candidate for preservation. Whether left as-is or sympathetically restored, this Bronco Roadster represents an incredibly rare opportunity for the 4x4 enthusiast.