1974 Ford Bronco

1974 Ford Bronco Ranger — 302 V8, 4x4, Two-Tone Burnt Orange, Soft Top


Why This Car Is Special

The first-generation Ford Bronco ran from 1966 through 1977, and those early trucks have become some of the most sought-after American four-wheel-drive vehicles on the collector market. The reason is straightforward: they were purpose-built, body-on-frame trucks with solid axles front and rear, a short 92-inch wheelbase that made them genuinely capable off-road, and enough factory trim options to give buyers real choices. Ford produced the first-gen Bronco in three body styles — roadster, half-cab, and wagon — but by 1974, the wagon configuration had become the dominant seller, and that's exactly what this truck is.

The 1974 model year is particularly interesting from a drivetrain standpoint. The 302 cubic inch V8 — the same engine Ford had been developing and refining since 1968 — was the go-to engine choice for buyers who wanted a capable street and trail performer without the added weight and fuel consumption of the larger 360. By 1974, Ford had begun fitting emissions controls across the lineup in response to federal regulations, but the 302 remained a proven and parts-friendly small-block that owners and mechanics have understood for decades. This particular 1974 Ford Bronco Ranger carries that 302, backed by a C4 three-speed automatic and a Dana 20 transfer case — a combination that has logged millions of miles in trucks just like this one.

What separates this truck from a basic Bronco Sport is the Ranger trim designation. The Bronco Ranger was Ford's upper-level package for the first-gen truck, bringing a more finished interior and exterior compared to the base Sport trim. The dash badging visible in the photos confirms the Ranger designation, and the interior reflects it — more on that below. This is the configuration serious collectors and users look for when they want a first-gen that was well-optioned from the factory rather than stripped down.

The two-tone Burnt Orange over white exterior is a period-correct color combination that photographs well and reads as a complete, intentional build rather than a tired work truck. Someone has put real money and thought into this Bronco, with upgrades that add utility without undoing its character.


Features List

302 5.0L V8 Engine
C4 3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Part-Time 4-Wheel Drive
Dana 20 Transfer Case
Power Steering
Dual Exhaust
Superlift Shocks
Two-Tone Burnt Orange and White Paint
Soft Top
Black Steel Wheels
Goodyear Wrangler Tires
Spare Tire Mounted Rear
Bronco Ranger Tire Cover
Chrome Front and Rear Bumpers
Chrome Side Trim
Wood-Grain Dash Trim
Leather Bucket Seats (Tan)
Rear Bench Seat (Tan)
Houndstooth Door Panels
Ford Logo Floor Mats
Pioneer Head Unit (Upgraded)
Upgraded Rear Speakers
Roll Bar Installed
Rear Locking Storage Box
Fire Extinguisher Mounted


Mechanical

Under the hood sits Ford's 302 cubic inch V8 — 5.0 liters in modern terms — wearing its factory-style blue valve covers and a round air cleaner assembly. The 302 was introduced in 1968 and became one of Ford's most versatile and reliable engines, used across the Mustang, F-Series, and Bronco lineups. In the relatively light first-gen Bronco, it provides adequate power for street driving and enough low-end torque to handle trail work without complaint. Parts availability for this engine is about as good as it gets for any American V8 of this era.

Power routes through a Ford C4 three-speed automatic transmission, which was a common and practical pairing for the 302 in truck applications. The C4 is a straightforward, proven unit with a long service history in Ford vehicles. Behind the C4 sits the Dana 20 transfer case, a two-speed unit that offers a low range for off-road work. The Dana 20 was standard equipment on the first-gen Bronco and has a solid reputation for durability. The floor-mounted transfer case shifter is clearly visible in the interior photos, sitting alongside the