The 2021 Ford Bronco is one of the most highly anticipated model launches of the year, marking the long-awaited return of Ford's iconic off-roader after a 25-year-long absence. Production of the reborn off-roader will start in May and it's undoubtedly going to be a huge hit judging from the huge number of reservations Ford has received. Its launch will no doubt spark new interest in older-generation Broncos, but tracking an authentic first-generation model isn't easy - let alone one of the earliest examples that rolled off the production line.

However, a rare opportunity has emerged to own one of the oldest Broncos in the world that's still in working order. Listed for sale by RK Motors is a 1966 Ford Bronco believed to be the seventh oldest Bronco in existence.

This is an important piece of automotive history because it was assembled during the first hour of the Bronco's production in 1965 and is the earliest known U152 heavy-duty Bronco in existence. It wasn't intended to be sold to the public and was instead built either for a Ford executive or promotional purposes.

Everything is period-correct, from the old school halogen headlights to the bumper with optional guards, liftgate, and taillights that were exclusive to the 1966 model. Under the hood is an original 170 cubic inch six-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Since the historic Bronco was bought by its current owner on Craigslist in 2010, it's undergone a thorough five-year restoration to bring it back to its original factory specification.

Finished in Caribbean Turquoise paint with period-correct rocker stripes, the seventh oldest Bronco has heavy-duty drum brakes, suspension, and skid plates, along with Kelsey Hayes wheels with the correct disc covers early-build Heavy Duty Kelsey Hayes wheels with correct disc covers. Inside, the interior was also unique for the 1966 model year, featuring exclusive silver trim and armrests, as well as an optional heater and AM radio.

RK Motors is selling the historic Bronco for $109,900. That's nearly four times more expensive than the base two-door Bronco, but opportunities to own a first-model year Bronco as restored as lovingly as this don't happen very often.