Velocitys 1969 Ford Bronco – How The Pensacola-based Builder Made Its Turnkey Restomod
We love the look of this Velocity Signature Series 1969 Ford Bronco with its custom BASF Glasurit Meadowlark Yellow paint and Ranger Edition Package.
When the folks at Ford introduced the Bronco in 1966, they had no idea what the humble SUV, built to take on the Jeep CJ-5 and International Scout, would become. Since its inception, the Bronco was put to use, working on ranches and farms across America. Also, cruising to the beach, heading to the ski slopes, and racing in the early years of the Baja 1000. The trusty steeds were reliable, tough, and powerful with their optional V8 engines. Furthermore, the smaller dimensions of the Bronco made it perfect for those early adventurers that started exploring the rugged off-road terrain of Moab, the Rubicon Trail, and the Mojave Road.
The popularity of the classic Bronco has only increased as the years passed, as did its price. Most Broncos are now way too valuable to take to the dirt. Also, nicely built examples easily fetch well into the six figures. What was once a tough and rugged off-roader and ranch rig has now become one of the most collectable and desirable four-wheel drive vehicles ever produced.
Interest and demand for early Broncos are now higher than ever. Discovering a clean, trouble-free, and competently built one is like finding a needle in a haystack. Building one through a shop can be an extraordinarily long and headache-filled process. Trying to do it yourself usually starts as a fun project and quickly descends into frustration and the gnashing of teeth. It is enough to make almost anyone give up on their dream of owning an early Bronco.
However, there is hope for those aspiring to own a classic Bronco. Velocity offers turnkey early Broncos that blend classic looks with a modern level of refinement and performance. The result is a thoroughly modernized Bronco that drives better than the original without losing its vintage pedigree and appeal.
While Velocitys Broncos are not inexpensive, their price reflects the massive amount of labour and attention to detail that goes into their meticulous construction. And the most surprising aspect of it all is that Velocity can have one of its early Broncos to you in 14 weeks guaranteed. Furthermore, its efficient build process, utilizing over 115 artisans, working in a 135,000-square-foot facility allows Velocity to produce extremely high-quality work in a quick timeframe. Lets look at one of Velocitys early Broncos and keep our dreams of owning one alive.
Exterior
Each Velocity Bronco starts with an original Bronco that is completely disassembled and then reconstructed with new body panels and components. Four weeks of the build process are dedicated solely to mocking up the new body, precisely aligning panels, prepping the body, and painting. We love the look of this Velocity Signature Series 1969 Ford Bronco with its custom BASF Glasurit Meadowlark Yellow paint and Ranger Edition Package.
Also, it has moulded rear fenders, Wimbledon White bumpers, and 17-inch painted steel wheels that add to the old-school aesthetics and matches how early Ford Broncos rolled off the factory floor. Modern amenities include a four-point roll cage to protect occupants, nighttime illumination provided by JW Speaker LED headlights, and the option to add Velocity Electric Power Steps that are hidden underneath the body.
Interior
The inside of the original Bronco was extremely Spartan and far from luxurious. Velocity completely changes that by expertly modernizing the interiors of its classic Broncos without losing their vintage charm. This example satiates occupants with Velocitys Signature Interior, built by its in-house upholstery team with custom Ranger Edition front bucket seats. The rear seat folds and tumbles out of the way to maximize cargo room. In addition, a retro-sound stereo with Bluetooth connectivity sends tunes to four kicker speakers and a subwoofer. Further luxury and function come from a Vintage Air air-conditioning system, an Ididit tilt steering column, and a Velocity-exclusive Dakota Digital gauge cluster.
Engine
Found under the hood of the Velocity 1969 Bronco is a 430-horsepower Ford 5.0-liter Coyote V8 crate engine that more than doubles the power output of the original 302. The potent powerplant sends its power to a four-speed Ford automatic overdrive transmission, allowing the Bronco to cruise comfortably at freeway speeds. Custom Velocity headers exhale spent gases through an in-house-built exhaust system. Keen eyes can spot the Wilwood brake reservoir and hydro-boost master cylinder. The level of attention to detail and craftsmanship evident in the engine bay carry over to every facet of the Bronco.
Chassis
A 2.5-inch suspension lift adds enough clearance from the powder-coated frame and new body for 265/70R17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires wrapped around Velocitys 17-inch steel wheels. The retro steelies attach to a Dana 44 axle in the front and a Ford 9-inch in the rear. Slowing the horse down are Wildwood disc brakes on every corner. Hidden from view and tucked between the rear frame rails is a custom aluminium fuel tank hand fabricated by Velocity that adds extra capacity for a much need boost in range.