Introduced in August 1965 as a 1966 model, the first-generation Ford Bronco has since evolved into one of America’s most beloved collectible trucks, and it is generally regarded as a forerunner to the SUV segment that dominates automotive manufacture today. By virtue of its chassis number, we can conclude that the featured 1966 example was built in the company’s Michigan Truck plant and equipped with the standard 170-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine.

Although the car’s early history is currently unknown, by February 1995 the Bronco had come into the possession of Walter Norman, then of Santa Fe, New Mexico. As clarified by registration copies on file, Mr. Norman re-located with the Bronco to the Los Angeles area, taking up residences in Santa Monica and Sun Valley variously through August 2008.

In 2012 Mr. Boeckmann and the minds at Galpin Auto Sports decided to create a Gulf Oil-liveried tribute to the GT40, to be built on a first-generation Ford Bronco. Upon discovering Mr. Norman’s well-preserved, longtime Southwest example, chassis number 820513, they knew they had found the perfect candidate, and a purchase was arranged in July 2012.

Primarily, the running gear was completely overhauled with inspiration from the heavy-duty off-road cars used in Baja racing. The ride height was raised and the axles were replaced with Ox Offroad axles, with suspension provided by King gas-charged off-road racing shock absorbers. In the midst of this reinforced set-up, Galpin dropped a jewel of an engine, a 377-cubic-inch Ford Motorsport V-8 with an Edelbrock intake manifold and Ford Motorsport valve covers. Accessible via a modified racing hood attached with racing-style klik pins, the custom engine is capable of developing an impressive 540 horsepower.

The exterior received a beautiful finish in powder blue and marigold orange paint with white racing roundels, commemorating the celebrated Gulf Oil liveries featured on the Le Mans-winning GT40s of 1968 and 1969. The interior was reimagined with a color-matched safety roll cage, Cobra sport seats, black leather panel trim, Pro Comp gauges, and a custom sound system. The Bronco’s stunning appearance was completed with Hella foglamps and BF Goodrich Mud Terrain T/A tires.

Completed in 2013, the “Gulf Oil” Bronco debuted at the SEMA exhibition that November, and it was later presented at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. A perfect acquisition for the consummate Ford collector or Gulf Oil-racing enthusiast, this customized heritage-inspired Bronco would make a sensational complement to any sporting collection.