Back in the 1970s, Ford made the Bronco from the full-size F-100. Of course, the new Bronco is based on the smaller Ranger platform. But if you yearn for those full-size Broncos check out this mashup of a 1978 Bronco crossed with current F-250 Super Duty pieces. 

Would Ford do a full-size Bronco?

Seeing how good it looks, we wonder if Ford might ultimately do something similar. After all, it needs to squeeze out every possible variation of its pickup and SUV platforms. With the popularity of the current Bronco, might Ford decide to combine the F-150’s enthusiasts and those of the Bronco to offer a more truck-like bigger Bronco?

But getting back to our subject, this one-off, it was created by Vintage Iron and Restoration out of Scottsdale, Arizona. Those folks do mostly vintage restos, so this is slightly an outlier. Regardless, Vintage kept the mods believable. When you see it, does it look old or contemporary?

The details of this full-size Bronco make it look like the factory did it

With builds like this, the details are everything. So whether you look inside, under the hood, or overall, it looks like a factory Super Duty Bronco. Ford King Ranch trim and bits just add to the confusion. 

Under the hood, the small block engine has been pitched, replaced with a 5.0-liter Ford Motorsports Coyote V8. That means at least 460 hp. It is finished with all of the factory colors and intake covers. The custom exhaust is stainless steel.

Backing that is a six-speed automatic. The transfer case is an F-150 Raptor unit. All new wiring and ECUs were used, with no components coming from donor vehicles. 

The Bronco’s complete interior is from a King Ranch-edition truck

Those seats are out of a King Ranch edition late model truck. The dash, console, and details are all high-end King Ranch as well. Things like the shifter, steering wheel, and door panels are all stock Ford, not aftermarket. 

Underneath, the suspension is all fabricated. Details are slim, but it uses eight-lug axles with lockers. We see four-wheel power disc brakes peeking through the stock 2017 chrome alloy Super-Duty wheels. 

The grille and taillights are from a new F-250

The grille is a late-model F-250 blended into the stock 1978 Bronco hood and fenders. At the rear, the taillights are late-model blended into the earlier sheet metal. According to Mecum, which is auctioning the Bronco off, it took two years to complete. That’s the thing, some of the simplest projects like this can sometimes be deceiving, and that’s sort of the point. 

The auction will take place in Kissimmee, Florida, in January 2022. You could drive this low-mile Bronco as a daily and get it serviced at your neighborhood Ford dealer too. And you won’t have to be on a waiting list for a 2022 or 2023 Bronco, either.