A Ford Bronco belonging to racing driver Jenson Button is listed for auction on the Collecting Cars website.
It seems not even the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion has been able to escape the lure of ‘Bronco Fever’.
However, Button’s restored and upgraded 1970 Bronco is now ready and waiting for a new owner.
Winning ways
Button’s Formula 1 career saw him enter more than 300 races between 2000 and 2017. His crowning glory came in 2009, driving for the hastily established Brawn GP team. Button took six wins that season, securing himself the F1 Drivers’ World Championship.
Eight more years with McLaren would follow until his retirement in 2017. Since then, Button has appeared as a TV pundit for Sky Sports F1, and also won the 2018 Super GT championship in Japan.
More recently, he has relaunched the Radford coachbuilding company, and worked with Lotus on the development of the new Emira sports car.
Classic looks, extra performance
After a successful career driving Formula 1 cars, a classic SUV might feel a little on the slow side. Having owned this first-generation Bronco for four years, though, it has benefited from a number of important upgrades.
Previously restored, the Dark Blue paintwork hides a Ford 302-cubic inch (4.9-l) V8 engine. Fitech fuel injection, an Edelbrock air filter and an MSD ignition kit with push-button start are all fitted.
A three-speed automatic transmission controls the power, sending it to all four wheels. The Bronco’s suspension has been lifted, with uprated Bilstein shock absorbers.
A set of improved Wilwood brakes are installed on the front axle. These hide behind a set of 17-inch Method alloy wheels, wrapped in 35-inch BFGoodrich rubber.
California Dreamin’
On the inside, the Bronco has seats upholstered in luxurious cream leather. A new wood-rimmed steering wheel is fitted, with the classic SUV using a Borgeson power steering rack.
The side windows of the Bronco are deleted, with a bimini soft-top installed over a half roll cage. This makes it perfect for life in Los Angeles, CA, where Button currently resides.
A Kenwood stereo, complete with a USB connection, is on the dashboard. Upgraded headlights and set of KC driving lamps are also present and correct.
Auction-ready again
With extra performance and a host of notable upgrades, this classic 1970 Bronco is likely to appeal to collectors. Add the fact that it is owned by a championship-winning Formula 1 driver, and interest should be keen.
Last year saw Button sell his Porsche Carrera GT and 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo. He previously sold a McLaren P1 in 2018.
The auction for Jenson Button’s Bronco is live on Collecting Cars now, with bidding open until Thursday 20 January.
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