The 1973 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja represents a high-water mark for factory-authorized off-road performance. Produced to celebrate dominant victories in the Baja 500 and 1000, these trucks are among the most collectible early Broncos. This specific example began as a project in 2024 and has been transformed into a formidable restomod. It retains the legendary red, white, and blue tri-color scheme that defined the Stroppe legacy. Modern mechanical upgrades have been seamlessly integrated to ensure it performs as well as it looks. Consequently, it offers a unique blend of vintage racing pedigree and contemporary drivability. It stands as a vibrant tribute to the rugged spirit of desert racing.
Tri-Color Heritage and Exterior Equipment
The exterior of this 1973 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja wears the iconic Calypso Coral, Wimbledon White, and Astra Blue finish. During its recent refurbishment, the body received replacement doors and a fresh fender before the high-quality repaint was applied. A classic “Cactus Smasher” pushbar protects the front end, accompanied by powerful Cibie auxiliary lights for night excursions. The removable hardtop provides versatility for open-air adventures or sheltered cruising during inclement weather. Chrome bumpers and a rear-mounted spare tire carrier complete the purposeful off-road silhouette. Every detail, from the louvered hood to the bright trim, honors the original Baja conversion package. It is a striking visual package that remains unmistakable on any road or trail.
Chassis Enhancements and Braking Precision
Handling for the 1973 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja is vastly improved thanks to a Wild Horses 1.5-inch lift kit. The truck sits on 15-inch US Mags Indy wheels wrapped in aggressive BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires. Modern Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes provide significant stopping power, aided by a MOAB hydroboost system. James Duff radius arms and power steering ensure the truck remains stable and easy to maneuver over uneven terrain. Manually locking front hubs stay true to the vehicle’s mechanical roots while providing reliable four-wheel-drive engagement. These upgrades transform the original utility chassis into a more refined and capable platform. It bridges the gap between classic 4×4 ruggedness and modern suspension technology perfectly.
Refreshed Cabin with Modern Comforts
The interior of the 1973 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja features a clean Parchment upholstery that brightens the entire cabin. A sturdy roll bar provides essential safety for occupants while adding to the truck’s competition-inspired aesthetic. Heated front seats have been installed, offering a level of comfort the original Baja racers would have envied. Modern convenience is tucked away in the glovebox, which houses a discreet Bluetooth module for audio connectivity. Coordinated door panels and fresh carpets ensure the interior feels as refined as the updated mechanicals. A padded black dashboard top and a refurbished steering wheel maintain the period-correct look and feel. It is a thoughtful cabin that respects the past while embracing modern driver preferences.
Refurbished Dashboard and Accurate Instrumentation
Drivers of the 1973 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja face a clean, traditional dashboard layout featuring a 100-mph speedometer. A column-mounted tachometer has been added to help monitor the output of the modernized V8 powertrain. The main cluster is encircled by auxiliary readouts for vital statistics like oil pressure and coolant temperature. Since the completion of the build, the five-digit odometer shows fewer than 500 miles of total travel. This instrumentation setup provides a tactile connection to the machine’s operations without unnecessary digital clutter. Every switch and dial functions with the mechanical precision expected from a high-level restoration. It is a focused environment designed for the serious off-road enthusiast.
Stroker Performance and Drivetrain Specifications
The 1973 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 sourced from a 1987 Mustang. This engine was bored .020 over and fitted with Sealed Power pistons and Eagle connecting rods for enhanced durability. An Edelbrock Pro Flo 4 fuel injection system ensures perfect fuel delivery across all altitudes and temperatures. Power is managed by a C4 three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case for versatile gearing options. Both the front and rear axles feature limited-slip differentials with 3.55:1 gear sets for optimal traction. JBA ceramic-coated headers and a Magnaflow muffler provide a muscular exhaust note that reflects the truck’s performance capabilities. This drivetrain offers a significant power increase over the original factory specifications.
Final Summary
The 1973 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja is a spectacular fusion of historical significance and modern mechanical engineering. Its rarity is confirmed by the included Deluxe Marti Report, which documents its authentic production statistics. The combination of fuel-injected V8 power and upgraded Wilwood brakes makes it a truly usable investment. Every aspect of the red, white, and blue finish has been executed with an eye for historical accuracy. This truck represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of the Bill Stroppe legacy in turnkey condition. It is ready for the next owner to enjoy on the beach, the trail, or at a high-end show. This Bronco remains a definitive icon of American off-road heritage and performance excellence.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
