The Ford Bronco has been many things to many people, and with an all-new version set to debut in 2019, it seems that people are more interested than ever in a go-anywhere, do-anything machine. Practical, durable, and surprisingly fun to drive, these vintage 4x4s practically invented the idea that off-roading could be fun. Every "cute ute" on the market today owes a big tip-of-the-hat to the original Bronco for setting the standard. With its exceptionally long life (1966-1977), the first-generation Broncos are nevertheless fairly rare as production figures remained low due to the perception they were tools for work rather than toys for fun. That's all changed now, as first-generation Broncos are red-hot collectables that still deliver big fun for not a lot of cash.

This great-looking 1974 Ford Bronco is ideally designed to go out and play in the dirt. It's had a lot of recent work to upgrade the mechancials for reliability, and a handsome paint job that's certainly nice enough to go out on the town, but really doesn't mind going into the rough. The burgundy metallic finish is from the late-model Mustang color charts, a color called Electric Red, and it works quite well on the boxy Bronco bodywork. Sporty but elegant. The sheetmetal is in great shape with little evidence that it was abused or rusty, although the rear quarters were replaced during the repaint. The finish shines up nicely but isn't for show, and with the blacked out-hood (steel, not fiberglass!) and matching fender flares and stripes, it definitely has a purposeful look. The doors fit well and everything was neatly aligned and sanded before the paint was sprayed, so it fits together as well as it should. This one was originally code T Candyapple Red, so the current color isn't too far off and you can see the thoroughness of the paint job because there's no sign of the original paint anywhere. Upgrades include a push bar with fog lights up front, upgraded high-intensity headlights, and a functional jerrycan mounted on the swing-away carrier out back, all of which bolster the truck's off-road credentials. This rig looks ready to get dirty.

By 1974, the Bronco was more than just a street-legal tractor, and Ford moved the interior upscale to match. This is an original U15 wagon, so it includes full carpets that really help control noise and heat, a padded dash, and comfortable bucket seats. There are expensive new neoprene seat covers on the seats that look great and can be removed and hosed off, so you don't have to worry about dirt inside, either. The dash is stock and the controls should look familiar to Bronco fans, but the instruments have been upgraded with a trick Dakota Digital setup that fits in the original speedometer's round opening and covers everything from speed to oil pressure to fuel level. There's a handsome Grant GT wood-rimmed steering wheel that looks right in this somewhat luxurious interior as well as a matching James Duff wooden knob for the Hurst shifter. A Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo actually sounds pretty good with speakers in the stock locations and there's a useful console between the seats with cup holders for front and rear passengers. Overhead there's a brand new BestTop convertible top that seals up surprisingly well and was designed for use with the stock doors, making this an all-weather vehicle that needs no special attention. There's also a reasonable amount of cargo space behind the back seat, which is easy to remove if you really have a lot of gear to move. The Bronco remains eminently practical if you have to get into remote places.

There's plenty of juice on tap, too, thanks to a robust 302 cubic inch V8, better known as the 5.0. It isn't highly modified, but then again, with so little weight to haul around, more power isn't really necessary. It starts easily, idles well, and sounds awesome, and if you row the gears in the 3-speed manual gearbox just right, it's quite quick. The engine bay is tidy and functional, with Ford Motorsports dress-up parts on the engine, a recent tune up, a new distributor, a fresh Holley carburetor, a big radiator, and new wiring to make it reliable. You'll also spot a new Hydro-Boost power brake system and dual reservoir master cylinder that gives this Bronco impressive stopping power—a good idea with those giant wheels and tires.

Underneath, it's a bit grungy but not rusty or damaged, so you don't have to fret about clean-up after having some fun. Just get in and go—it's incredibly liberating. The 3-speed manual transmission feeds the original 2-speed transfer case, giving you the ability to climb over rocks at little more than idle speed. The axles are bulletproof: a Ford 9-inch out back and a Dana 44 in front, packing 4.10s and 4.11s respectively, which is the right way to do it. There are fresh hubs, bearings, and seals on both ends of both axles, new disc brake hardware up front, new steering components, and a 3-inch suspension lift with new springs, Pro-Comp ES1000 shocks, and a Wild Horses steering stabilizer. A fresh dual exhaust system uses long-tube headers and a set of glasspack-style mufflers to give it an awesome V8 soundtrack that just burbles along on the highway. You'll note this is a two-tank truck, and the massive fuel capacity (plus that jerrycan out back) means it'll be hard to go too far, and the system still works properly with the switch on the dash. Blacked-out aluminum wheels carry new 33x12.50-15 Yokohama radials that fill the fenders perfectly and ride remarkably well.

We love this Bronco more than any of the others we've featured recently because it blends great looks, lots of power, and reasonable functionality. You could drive it every day and not feel like it was a hardship and it's still one of the most capable off-roaders you can own. It's got lots of power, a very capable suspension, and lots of recent parts to ensure reliability. If you're looking for a do-anything Bronco that's priced right, this is it. Get in and get dirty!