1966 Ford Bronco U14 Half-Cab project with a good frame, at a no-frills Alabama estate-style auction

Why we picked it

This is one of roughly two dozen early Broncos in a TAC Enterprises online sale on HiBid. It is a first-year 1966 U14 half-cab (serial U14FL768302 per the listing, original VIN plate still on the kick panel). The seller says the frame is very nice, the A and B pillars and door bottoms are good, the 170 six is complete and not stuck, and the three-speed, transfer case, both axles and both driveshafts are there. Both original 1966 bumpers come with it. The listing says there is rust in the usual places.

At about $1,600 with premium today it is far under the $13,750-$21,500 that recent project Broncos have sold for, and half-cabs are the less common early body. The catch is that bids on this sale have been climbing fast (other lots are already past $5,000), so treat the current number as a starting point. Set your limit around project value minus parts and shipping, and remember this one needs nearly everything.

The value check

The current bid is $1,826. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $13,750–$21,500, so the middle of the market is about $17,625. That put this car 90% under. Bids usually climb in the final hours, so the discount will likely shrink.

Recent sold early-Bronco projects ran $13,750 (1972 302 project, Mar 2025) to $21,500 (1973 302 project, Jun 2025); finished 1966 half-cabs sold $29,000-$31,000. The current high bid of $1,460 plus the 10% buyer's premium is about $1,606, far under project money, but bids on this sale usually climb hard near the close.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1973 Bronco 302 project, sold $21,500 (classic.com)
• 1972 Bronco 302 project, sold $13,750 (classic.com comps)
• 1966 Bronco half-cab 3-speed, sold $29,000 (classic.com comps)

What to check

• Paperwork: the lot comes with a previous Mississippi title, but Alabama only issues a bill of sale for vehicles over 35 years old. Confirm with the auctioneer exactly what you receive and that your state will title it.
• 10% buyer's premium, sold as-is, payment within 7 days, pickup Mon-Fri in Moulton within 30 days or arrange a broker shipper.
• Early Bronco rust spots: rear quarters and wheel lips, floor pans, rocker/cab corners, rear frame rails near the spring hangers, tailgate and the cowl corners.
• Half-cab tops and the cab-to-bed seal are hard to find in good shape; check the top and its mounting points in photos.
• Not running; the seller only says it could move under its own power after some work. Budget brakes, fuel system, wiring and seals.
• Verify the serial on the frame matches the VIN plate and paperwork.

Making it drive like new

A good frame is the expensive part, so this is a strong base for a restomod: Coyote or a fuel-injected 302 with a modern overdrive, a Dana 44 front and 9-inch rear with discs all round, coilover radius-arm suspension, power steering conversion and a new wiring harness. The half-cab body keeps it unusual at shows and trailheads.

4 builders make a complete chassis for the 1966–77 Early Bronco. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.