Bronco

Make
Ford
Segment
SUV

After an array of teaser images, we're now less than one week away from the high-anticipated reveal of the Ford Bronco. It's been around 55 years since the first-generation Bronco launched, and with the return of the nameplate, even these earlier models are getting more attention. That would go some way to explaining how it is that a 1976 Ford Bronco custom build is currently bidding at $102,500 at a Barrett-Jackson online auction.

Make no mistake, though, this is no ordinary custom job; this SEMA build is said to be a ground-up restoration and it has clearly been meticulously finished. The custom PPG green paint job with decor-style striping and the short, upright body will ensure that in turns heads wherever it goes. The visual link to the all-new Bronco - at least what we've seen of it - is also remarkable after so much time has passed. But what you'll probably notice first is the dramatically raised suspension.

It has a fully independent front suspension with 12 inches of travel and at the back, that increases to 13 inches where a triangulated trailing arm is used. It also has 2.5-inch coilovers and twin-bypass shocks. Along with beefy 35-inch tires, it should be more than capable off-road. Under the hood, a supercharged Coyote 5.0-liter V8 is linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox, although no power figures are quoted.

Although based on the first-gen Bronco, this custom build is much more luxurious with its full leather interior and the fitment of power steering, power windows, a six-speaker audio system, and air conditioning. Most of all, as the pictures demonstrate, every aspect of it appears beautifully finished. The LED lighting and the flush-mounted glass are modern touches and yet, it retains the charm of the original. While over $100k is a lot of money, at least you'll stand out considering that Ford expects to move up to 200,000 new Broncos every year.