Sleeper of the Year?!?!

[Invective]

Jay Leno's 1968 Ford Bronco at SEMA.

https://i.imgur.com/jxGd6dXl.jpg

"Where else would Jay Leno (https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/jay-leno/credits/156055/) and Ford (https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/make/ford/) debut a totally restored 1968 Bronco (https://www.cnet.com/news/ford-bronco-2020-details-rumors/) than the SEMA (https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/collections/sema-2013/) show? It's a wonderful exercise showing off how numerous partners worked together to bring this icon back to life with new sheetmetal, a new chassis and a sparkling paint job.
Oh, and there's a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 from the Shelby GT500 (https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2020-ford-mustang-shelby-gt500-fastback-preview/) under the hood. I almost forgot to mention that because this might be the sleeper of the year, thanks to its nonchalant looks.

Leno has owned this Bronco for years after fellow late night comic, Craig Ferguson (https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/craig-ferguson/145535/), gifted him the SUV. However, it sat unrestored and in need of a lot of love in the comedian's garage until earlier this year when Ford and SEMA Garage approached Leno with a plan. That plan included plopping Ford's most powerful factory engine into the SUV and marrying the whole thing with a five-speed manual transmission."


https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/ford-bronco-gt500-jay-leno-sema/?ftag=CAD13782fc&bhid=2872784536063994039951570 2406065

[Mr. Man]

Waste of a monster V-8. These things were a hand full to drive safely with the stock weaser straight 6.

[hotford]

If your jay leno **** just falls into your lap.....Just sayin...…...

[Invective]

http://fordauthority.com/2019/11/get-closer-to-jay-lenos-predator-v8-packing-1968-ford-bronco-video/

[Joe Walsh]

Saw it in person at SEMA last Thursday....the dark blue paint is awesome! Looks fairly 'stock' until you notice the larger wheels and other small details.
Short wheelbase, high center of gravity, low curb weight, 5 speed manual and 760 HP.....what could go wrong!?!?

They also had THE Bullitt Mustang on display outside the Convention Center.
(soon to be auctioned at estimates of 5 - 8 Million $$$$)






.

[Joe Walsh]

In reality, I don't like this type of 'restoration'
Once you replace the frame, body panels, engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, wheels, and interior...it is NOT a restoration, its a replacement.
Why even bother with the trouble of disassembling the old Bronco?
You could just start by ordering a Bronco (or Mustang) right out of a new parts catalog!
It's like the guys who literally dig up a burned to the ground, rusted to $h*t Shelby carcass, replace EVERYTHING on the car, then claim how rare and valuable it is.

"Oh!!! It's got part of the original floor pan!!"

[Invective]

In reality, I don't like this type of 'restoration'
Once you replace the frame, body panels, engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, wheels, and interior...it is NOT a restoration, its a replacement.


Thinking 'restomod' would be the correct term here. Surprised Leno and Staff let this slip.

[Blakshukvw]

In reality, I don't like this type of 'restoration'
Once you replace the frame, body panels, engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, wheels, and interior...it is NOT a restoration, its a replacement.
Why even bother with the trouble of disassembling the old Bronco?
You could just start by ordering a Bronco (or Mustang) right out of a new parts catalog!
It's like the guys who literally dig up a burned to the ground, rusted to $h*t Shelby carcass, replace EVERYTHING on the car, then claim how rare and valuable it is.

"Oh!!! It's got part of the original floor pan!!"It still has the original VIN making it THE original car. When it comes to cars like a vintage Shelby, that’s very important regardless of what’s been replaced. I’ve personally see many and built some vintage race cars that have very important race winning heritage. Most vintage racing associations will recognize a completely different tub as THE original car so long as the original VIN plate is on it and the original log book is owned by the owner of the car. Basically if you have the log book, you have the history. Right or wrong, it’s no different than rebuilding a vintage street car in my opinion.