Ford spent the Bronco’s 60th anniversary dressing its modern SUV in throwback paint and stripping a one-off roadster back to its 1966 bones. Meanwhile, the originals just keep getting better on the auction circuit (just take that hand-painted “rusty” ’75 hiding Coyote power that we caught this summer).
This Coyote-powered 1969 Ford Bronco goes the opposite way on looks (all gloss and contrast), and it’s currently listed on Bring a Trailer.
Small Truck, Big Heart Transplant
Back in 1969, the top V8 option for a first-gen Bronco was Ford’s freshly adopted 302 small-block. This one trades that era of eight-cylinder for a 5.0-liter Coyote crate engine (from the same family of V8s that debuted in the 2011 Mustang GT), with a claimed 420 hp on tap.
In a truck with a stubby 92-inch wheelbase, this thing is probably a best to drive. And instead of the 10-speed automatics you’ll find in pro builds like Kindred’s Black ICE, the power runs through a Blumenthal five-speed manual. It’s also paired with an Atlas Highlander dual-range transfer case with a 3.0:1 low range (chef’s kiss).
Built for Dirt, Dressed for Brunch
The hardware underneath is all business. The builder fabricated a Currie 9-inch axle for both ends, a far stouter setup than the Dana 30 Ford fitted up front in ’69, with 3.70 gears and four-wheel disc brakes on vacuum power assist.
The lift pairs Pro Comp front coil springs and custom radius arms with a rear multi-link coilover conversion on Fox shocks. There’s also a Currie Antirock sway bar, and a Warn winch handles any questionable decisions on the trail.
Up top, this thing is gorgeous. Glossy Raven Black paint meets a removable white hardtop, matching white bumpers, and 17-inch white smoothie wheels on BFGoodrich all-terrains. It’s finished off with a set of LED headlights and a rear-mounted spare carrier.
Old Bones, Modern Manners
Inside, black vinyl seats and a roll bar keep it feeling a bit more period correct, while Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital gauges, a Kenwood touchscreen, and a rearview camera make it much more livable for everyday driving.
The work stretched from 2013 to 2022, and it’s only been driven 384 miles since. And, best of all, all of the build records come with the truck. With pro shops like Gateway starting their Coyote Broncos around $250,000, a well-documented build like this might just be the smarter play, depending on where the bidding lands, of course.
Spec Sheet
Model: 1969 Ford Bronco
Engine: 5.0L Coyote V8 crate engine (Summit Racing)
Power: 420 hp (manufacturer rating)
Transmission: Blumenthal five-speed manual
Transfer Case: Atlas Highlander dual-range, 3.0:1 low
Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive
Axles: Currie 9-inch front and rear, 3.70 gears
Suspension: Pro Comp front coils, custom radius arms, rear multi-link coilovers with Fox shocks, Currie Antirock sway bar, 1-inch body lift
Brakes: Four-wheel discs, vacuum power assist
Wheels: 17-inch white smoothie wheels, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires
Paint: Raven Black with white hardtop and bumpers
Build Period: 2013 to 2022
Miles Since Build: 384 (total mileage unknown)
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pricing & Availability
This Bronco is being offered on Bring a Trailer by a Philadelphia dealer, complete with its build records and a Pennsylvania title. Bidding sat at $25,500 on Friday afternoon, and the auction wraps on Monday, November 16, so the final number is up to the bidders. Head over to the listing to dig through the full gallery and keep tabs on the action.
Recap
1969 Ford Bronco Coyote Restomod
A Raven Black 1969 Ford Bronco with a white top hides a 420-hp Coyote V8 and a five-speed manual, now offered on Bring a Trailer.
