306‑Powered 1967 Ford Bronco: From Factory Specs to Modern Custom

The 1967 Ford Bronco was introduced as a compact, off‑road vehicle built on its own 92‑inch chassis and offered with a 170‑cid inline‑six or an optional 289 cid V8 [1]. In 2026 a Colorado shop transformed one of these originals with a Blueprint Engines 306 ci V8 and extensive aftermarket upgrades, creating a heavily modified, lift‑equipped showpiece [2].

Key takeaways

• The first‑generation Bronco used a unique chassis, four‑wheel drive and a Dana 30 front axle as standard [1].
• Original powertrains included a 170‑cid inline‑six (105 hp) and a 289 cid V8 (200 hp) introduced in 1966 [1].
• The 2026 custom build installed a Blueprint Engines 306 ci V8 and a Holley Sniper EFI system, along with a rebuilt C4 automatic transmission [2].
• Modern upgrades feature a Wild Horses 2.5‑inch lift, Bilstein shocks, 33‑inch BFGoodrich tires, and a full roll cage [2].
• The vehicle’s exterior was repainted metallic green, and the interior received vintage‑style leather upholstery and a digital Dakota instrument cluster [2].

Original 1967 Bronco Design and Powertrain

When Ford launched the Bronco in August 1965, it was positioned as a compact off‑road competitor to the Jeep CJ‑5 and International Scout, featuring a body‑on‑frame construction and a 92‑inch wheelbase [1]. All models came with four‑wheel drive, a Dana 20 transfer case and locking hubs, while the front suspension used radius arms and a track bar for a tight turning circle [1]. The standard engine was a 170‑cid inline‑six derived from the Falcon, delivering 105 hp, and a 289 cid V8 producing 200 hp was added as an option in March 1966 [1]. Transmission options were limited to a three‑speed column‑shift manual at launch, with a three‑speed automatic becoming available in 1973 [1].

2026 Blueprint 306 ci V8 Conversion

Pappy’s Custom Classics in Colorado completed a comprehensive rebuild of a 1967 Bronco in 2026, installing a Blueprint Engines 306 ci V8 paired with a Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection system [2]. The powertrain was mated to a rebuilt C4 three‑speed automatic transmission and a twin‑stick transfer case, retaining the original Dana 30 front axle and 9‑inch rear axle [2]. The suspension was raised with a Wild Horses 2.5‑inch lift and Bilstein shocks, and the vehicle now rides on 33×12.5‑inch BFGoodrich All‑Terrain tires mounted on slotted 15‑inch alloy wheels [2]. Additional modernizations include power steering, four‑wheel disc brakes with a Wilwood master cylinder, a Wild Horses Baja roll cage, and a digital Dakota instrument cluster with a 120‑mph speedometer [2].

Why it matters

The contrast between the factory‑spec 1967 Bronco and its 2026 custom incarnation highlights how a classic off‑road platform can be adapted with contemporary performance parts while preserving its original architecture. The original Bronco’s simple, rugged design—unique chassis, solid axles and four‑wheel drive—provides a solid foundation for extensive modifications, as demonstrated by the Blueprint 306 ci V8 conversion. This blend of heritage and modern engineering appeals to collectors and off‑road enthusiasts who seek both authenticity and upgraded capability, suggesting a continued market for heavily customized classic SUVs.