1968 Ford Bronco Sport

In recent years, vintage 4x4s have climbed into the ranks of the top collector vehicles. The first-generation Broncos have led the way, with their popularity enhanced by the success of Ford’s modern Bronco that is essentially a tip-of-the-hat to the first-generation models. From the third year of production, this 1968 Sport model presents as an impressive example of the Bronco that was delivered new in its color scheme of Pebble Beige over a Parchment rosette bucket-seat interior.

Built at the Ford assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan, and sold at Ficken-Grebe Ford in Ashland, Nebraska, the 4-wheel drive Bronco’s appeal is enhanced by its peppy 289 CI V-8 engine with 3-speed manual transmission. The Bronco came from the factory with the optional Sport package that adds a bevy of mostly cosmetic upgrades, including bright metal trim and moldings, chrome bumpers, frosted headlight bezels, a grille with “FORD” in red paint, wheel covers and a vinyl-covered instrument panel, plus door panel armrests and a cigarette lighter. The Bronco is also equipped with the rare swing-away spare tire carrier, a new option for 1968 that frees up a significant amount of space in the rear cargo area. Although little changed from 1967, the 1968 Broncos were upgraded with a replaceable dry air filter, standard free-wheeling lock-out hubs, side marker lights and standard heater/defroster.

Introduced in 1966, the Bronco was Ford’s first foray into the off-road sports-utility market as a competitor to Jeep and International Harvester’s Scout. It was conceived by Ford Product Manager Donald Frey, who had championed the Mustang just a few years earlier. This ultra-nice and all-stock 1968 Bronco Sport comes with its Marti Report to document its factory build configuration.