For those interested in classic trucks, the 1975 Ford Baja Bronco is certainly worth considering. This is a relatively hard-to-find model that collectors across the country hope to stumble across. The 1975 Baja Bronco is part of the auto’s first generation, which went from 1966 to 1977.
source: Flickr
The First Bronco
When the first Bronco arrived as a 1966 model year, it was supposed to be a competitor for the International-Harvester Scout and the Jeep models that took drivers off-road. At first, it was 151.5 inches long with a 92-inch wheelbase, making it larger than the Jeep but smaller than the Scout. Since the 1975 Ford Baja Bronco was part of the same generation, it was very similar to this original model. The first 1966 Bronco had a 170-cubic-inch straight-6, which was soon followed by a 289-cubic-inch V8 and a 302. By the time the 1975 model rolled around, the Bronco was available with a 3-speed manual transmission with column shifting or an automatic transmission.
The 1975 Model Year
1975 Ford Bronco
One of the few specific changes for the 1975 Bronco from the 1974 version was that Ford converted the powertrains to include catalytic converters and have compatibility with unleaded fuel. It also got a higher ride height, stronger rear axle, and revised exhaust system. The manual transmission also became an option only via special orders. That year, you could only get the 302-cubic-inch V8 with 125 horsepower. This was the first time you could get an engine-block heater with the auto, as well. There were 13,125 models sold during the 1975 model year, including the Baja as well as other Broncos.
The Baja Bronco
Baja Broncos began as Sports Broncos with a unique paint scheme. This featured Wimbledon White traveling from the beltline to the drip rail, Poppy Red below the beltline, and Metallic Blue for the roof. The hood was either a flat or semi-gloss black with a Poppy Red leading edge. Ford also gave these models an extra cooling package, a heavy-duty suspension, and reduced sound exhaust. If you look at other model years of the Baja Bronco, you might also find a choice of engine or transmission.
Stroppe Edition
One of the hardest to find versions of the Baja Bronco from 1975 is the Stroppe Edition, which Bill Stroppe and Associates, based in Long Beach, California, converted. It kept the steering wheel, bumper supports, cactus-smasher front bumper, roll bar, double shocks, CB lights, and trailer hitch. Stroppe only converted 30 Baja Broncos that year. So, if you find one of these, be prepared to shell out big bucks.
source: Wikimedia
Sports Bronco Package
You might also spot a 1975 Ford Baja Bronco with the Sports Bronco Package. This made the interior of the truck Parchment Rosette in addition to the rear bench seats and front bucket seats. It also gave the auto a unique nonslip rubberized steering wheel to help with control on the road or on the trail. It also threw in a deluxe padded roll bar to enhance the auto’s safety.
