HIGH DEMAND: The 2023 Scottsdale Docket is Big on Broncos and Blazers

January 6, 2023
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Lot #4000 – 1968 FORD BRONCO CUSTOM 4-DOOR SUV – NO RESERVE

For generations, SUVs, especially 4x4s, have been at the top of the wish list for many. Families, ranchers, off-roaders and adventurers look to these vehicles for their benefits of style, form and function. With the demand for custom and original SUVs at an all-time high, Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Scottsdale docket features an unprecedented number of Ford Broncos and a spectacular selection of Chevrolet Blazers, all selling with No Reserve. The consignment team continues to work diligently with consignors to be sure that the demand is met.

Lot #1141.1 – 1976 FORD BRONCO – NO RESERVE

The first generation of Ford’s Bronco, which spans from 1966 through 1977, came in three different body styles: a Roadster, Sport Utility and the Wagon. When this “all-purpose vehicle” hit the streets in August 1965, the Bronco was powered by an inline-6 derived from the Ford Falcon, rated with 105hp. By March 1966, it was offered with an optional 200-horsepower 289ci V8. In 1969 the V8 was enlarged to 302ci, and in 1973 the inline-6 was increased to a 200ci engine, which was standard through 1977.

To help lower production costs, Ford equipped the Bronco with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission, which was later known to be a true test of manual-shifting skills, mated to a floor-mounted transfer case shifter. Later in 1973, a 3-speed automatic transmission was offered due to buyer demand.

This comprehensive docket of SUVs for the 2023 Scottsdale Auction includes a curated selection that features an all-original, low-mile, first-generation example of the Ford Bronco, Lot #1141.1. The 1976 Bronco survivor is finished in its factory original Cayan Red paint with a white hardtop. Power comes from the original 302ci V8 engine mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission.

Lot #1302.1 – 2022 FORD BRONCO RAPTOR CUSTOM SUV – NO RESERVE

Nearly 70 years later, enthusiasts of the model will see an incredible variety of Broncos cross the Barrett-Jackson block across all days of the auction. For those who want more power when the rubber hits the road, the offerings include examples that have received a Coyote engine swap, while others include lift kits, new upholstery and everything in between. Each of the Bronco’s generations will be represented, including the latest 2022 model year.

One of the notable modern-day Bronco models offered during the Scottsdale Auction is the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor. Barrett-Jackson was proud to have worked closely with Ford to sell VIN 001 of the Raptor edition for charity at the 2022 Palm Beach Auction, with 100-percent of the hammer price benefiting the National Forest Foundation and Outward Bound.

What makes the Raptor Bronco the ultimate off-road machine is that it was designed for desert running and boulder crawling, so it comes equipped from the factory with an Ultra4 Racing-inspired high-strength steel frame, Ford Performance-developed axles and an advanced 4×4 system with high-performance off-road stability suspension (HOSS 4.0) system with Fox Live Valve 3.1 internal bypass semi-active dampers and 37-inch tires. The Raptor Bronco is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine with specific Raptor-level tuning and paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission to seamlessly tackle on- and off-road adventures.

Lot #1422.1 – 1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV – NO RESERVE

Chevrolet Blazers will also be well-represented at the Scottsdale Auction, with a variety that includes early ‘70s models with the legendary K5 trim. The original 1969 Blazer was based on Chevrolet’s existing short-bed K10 pickup. Base-model Blazers were offered without a roof or any passenger accommodations – most only came with a driver’s seat. Options included a completely removable hardtop or a soft-top.

Other options for the first-gen Blazer included the choice between two straight-6 engines and two small-block V8 engines, a 3-speed automatic transmission with an NP-205 part-time 4-wheel-drive transfer case, or a 4-speed manual transmission offered a Dana 20 rear-end design. A couple of years later, rear-wheel-drive models were added to the lineup and offered an independent front suspension.

Some of the top Blazer offerings include vehicles that have been completely redone and feature new engines, lift kits, powder-coated chassis and more. One of many noteworthy examples is Lot #1422.1, a custom 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer refinished in a PPG “Mint my Mind” and Mercedes Cirrus White two-toned paint job. Power comes from a GM crate 6.2-liter 500hp LS engine backed by a Hughes 4L80E transmission and equipped with an advanced adapter to support the Atlas transfer case.

Whether you are looking for your next ­­­weekend SUV, hauler, off-road machine or a foundation for your collection, Barrett-Jackson has an unprecedented selection of vehicles crossing the block to fit that demand. Witness this legendary docket with Bronco and Blazer offerings January 21-29, 2023, at WestWorld. To register to bid, click HERE.