;)
- Block
- Main caps
- Heads
- Intake
- Exhaust manifolds/headers
- Crank
- Rods
- Pistons
- Camshaft
- Camshaft lifters
- Pushrods
- Rocker arms
- Pulleys
- Fan
- Oil pan
- Carburetor
- Fuel injectors
- Valve covers
- Air cleaner
- Distributor
- Water pump
- Alternator
- Radiator
- Transmission
- Shifter
- Driveshaft
- Rear axle
- Transfer case
- Front axle
- Original wheels
- Aftermarket wheels
- Tires that hold air
- Questionable tires
- Mechanical fuel pump
- Electric fuel pump
1973 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja
No Reserve
1973 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja
No Reserve
Build Difficulty
Build Status: 80%
Parts Inventory: 82%
Sold to JGO for
$46,000
Bids:
26
Views:
3,489
Listing ended on Monday, July 22, 2024
Nuts & Bolts
Contact SellerSeller: BuildMyRide
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Chassis/VIN: U15GLR44573
Mileage: 12,505 TMU
Year: 1973
Make: Ford
Model: Bronco
State of title: CA
Status of title: Clean
Title in seller's name: Yes
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Video Gallery
The Story
This Baja Bronco was originally sold at Chaffee Motors in Hawthorne, CA, conveniently located close to Bill Stroppe's renowned workshop in Long Beach, CA. This Baja’s authenticity is supported with the VIN stamping on the frame, which matches the door jamb sticker, title, and Marti report. The glove box door and corresponding data plate are missing. It is listed in the Baja Registry that is maintained by BajaBronco.com. The consensus estimate is that between 450 and 650 Broncos were converted by Stroppe to commemorate Ford's Baja 500 and 1000 race victories. The late owner purchased the Bronco in 2017 and enjoyed it for a few years before parking it. He never took it off-road and primarily used it for a short commute to work and around town. He reportedly loved the attention he received when he had it out in the wild.
Based on the heavy duty driveline upgrades, high lift, and deep scratches on the front differential protection, this Baja probably wasn't running high speed through the desert, but more likely crawling on rocks in its prior life.
Build My Ride is representing this unique piece of Bronco history with no reserve on behalf of the owner's family. If you have specific knowledge of this Baja Bronco and its history, please email us at support@buildmyride.com.
What You Get
The Bronco is a running and driving project that can be enjoyed right away with only minor mechanical attention. The engine is a combination of a 1978 302 block and 1965 289 heads. The block part number is D8VE-6015-A3A, which decodes as a "302 Mexican block" with thicker main caps. The engine starts and idles perfectly, without any smoke from the tailpipes. It is very responsive while driving without any hesitation and making good power. The Holley 600 CFM carburetor is new, with functioning electric choke. The headers are high quality L&L Ultra Flow, with one O2 sensor bung on the passenger side. Fuel is delivered from the aftermarket fuel tank through a Holley electric fuel pump. An MSD Pro Billet distributor and MSD 6A box light the fire. The C4 three-speed automatic transmission shifts with a soft factory feel and appears to be original to the truck based on the stamped date codes on the main case. The case shows April 2, 1973, 11 days prior to the reported build date of April 13, 1973. The 9" rear axle housing appears to be sourced from a 1966 Bronco and the third member is a High-Pinion 9-Inch unit from Currie Enterprises. After speaking with a Currie representative, they determined that the 4 digit serial number was from the early 2000's and they did not have a record of it. Their "High Nine" of that time used an 8.8" gear set and 31 spline axles. The tires chirp when making turns, so it seems that it has a spool, as there is no ratcheting or unlocking when turning. The beefy Atlas II transfer case features a 4:3 ratio, typically used for rock crawling. According to Advance Adapters, this Atlas was purchased in July 2002, which also aligns with the Currie axle timing estimate of "early 2000's".
The body and tub of this Southern California Bronco are very solid. The only visible areas of corrosion are the lower front footwell seams on the underside, and the passenger side of the engine compartment in the common spot near the firewall. The driver side engine compartment has an aluminum piece in place of where that typical rust spot normally is. Headlights, taillights, and all turn signals are functioning. If the hard top is off, there is a custom spare tire rack with an unused BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tire (2021 date) and light bar roof rack, both of which mount directly to the roll cage.
The Stroppe front dual shock conversion appears untouched and has a combo of Ford Racing and 9-way adjustable Rancho RS9000XL shocks. The rear shocks have been converted to a custom dual inboard setup. The rear lower dual shock mounts from Stroppe are missing due to the Currie axle swap. Teraflex shackles are in place on the rear leaf springs. The front steering has upgraded linkage, dampener, and support, for extra durability. Four wheel power disc brakes handle the stopping.
What You Need
The doors are missing, but replacements can be added with the existing hardware that's present. The body has several small dents that can be fixed if the new owner wants to restore it to the correct Stroppe quad-color scheme. BMR detected hidden body filler on the driver fender, several areas of the tailgate, and a small section of the hood (as circled in the photos). There is visible filler on the driver quarter behind the tire where the low antenna mount is. The condition of the rockers is unknown, as they are concealed by diamond plating. The factory bodyside moldings were removed and pin striping was placed over the holes. The tailgate hits the bumper when opening more than halfway. The grill has a dent on the drivers side and the grill surround has been modified to fit the aftermarket bumper. The hard top is not currently bolted down and has numerous rivets and dimples showing on the top side. The Swing-Away spare tire carrier is missing, leaving the factory mounting holes exposed.
The cooling system has a leak from the thermostat area, with coolant collecting on top of the the timing chain cover. Both drive belts need to be replaced. The oil pan bolts were somewhat loose, so the gasket was leaking and it should be replaced. The volt meter is not functioning. The factory auxiliary fuel tank and skid plate are missing, with the filler tube and cap in place. The passenger side tailpipe bracket is broken. The Simpson seatbelts should be inspected based on the corrosion on the metal and the condition of the belt material. The Dick Cepek tires have 2003 date codes and have dry cracking between the tread blocks, so they should be replaced for safety reasons. What would you do with this Baja if you owned it?
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1973 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja
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