Once a gag gift from fellow late-night TV host Craig Ferguson, LGE-CTS Motorsport, with help from Ford Performance, Kincer Chassis, Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts and SEMA Garage, restored Jay Leno’s 1968 Bronco, which was unveiled this week at the SEMA Show.

The 1968 Ford Bronco wagon was left for Leno as a joke, arranged by Ferguson to be parked in Leno’s spot on the eve of his last taping. Ferguson was unaware of the iconic status of the Bronco – and had no idea how highly sought after these models are. But long-time car collector Leno knew. He happily accepted the gift which ended up sitting in his garage unrestored until recently.

The effort to restore the vehicle finally materialized early this year with Ford Performance and SEMA Garage leading a collaborative team to give it new life.

The upfitted and newly restored 1968 Bronco is on display at the 2019 SEMA show.

The Bronco has been outfitted with the heart of the all-new Mustang Shelby GT500, the most-powerful street legal Ford ever.

Ford Performance engaged Bronco licensee Kincer Chassis to help restore the vehicle – Kincer built the chassis and installed the powertrain, including the Ford Performance 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.

Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts provided body panels, while SEMA Garage contributed its technical expertise in computer-aided design, 3D printing and calibration work. LGE-CTS Motorsports revived the body with new sheet metal, custom body mods, paint and final assembly.

“Bronco was an iconic vehicle that was many things to many people,” said Leno. “The Bronco was bought to use on the farm or to take your date to the prom and was comfortable in any of these environments. The idea of having a classic Bronco upgraded with modern handling, performance and braking really makes it the best of both worlds.”

The 1968 Bronco wagon will be seen on an upcoming episode of Jay Leno’s Garage on CNBC and will be showcased in detail on Jay Leno’s Garage on YouTube.

Powertrain

Ford Performance 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine
TR-4050 5-speed Silver Sport transmission by TREMEC, with Quickdraw bellhousing and STX shifter assembly
Heavy-duty 4WD drivetrain
Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case
Specialty components by Krawlers Edge, including custom airbox, exhaust fabrication, stainless-steel gas tank and coolant package
Radiator and supercharger cooler by Brice Thomas
Borla mufflers
Vibrant Performance exhaust components, hoses and fittings
Aeromotive fuel filter
II Much fuel vent
Engine oil cooler by Derale Performance
Stage 8 locking header bolts
Lifeline Batteries
Full Throttle Kustomz Performance tuning and diagnostics

Chassis

Kincer Chassis Adventure Series coil-over chassis
Wilwood disc brakes and master cylinders
Fox 2.0 factory race series coil-over shocks and steering stabilizer
John’s Industries third members with Eaton Detroit Truetrac differentials and gearing
Carolina Driveline driveshafts
Dutchman Motorsports axle shafts
Flaming River steering column
Tuff Stuff power steering pump
Warn locking hubs
Gaskets by Lube Locker
BrakeQuip brake lines
Axle seals by Seals-It
Painless Performance Products wiring harness

Wheels and tires

18 x 9-inch John R steel wheels by Detroit Steel Wheels
Rugged Trail T/A 275/65-18 tires by BFGoodrich

Exterior

Installation of new sheet metal, custom body modification and final assembly by LGE-CTS Motorsports
Custom “Tonight Blue” Envirobase paint supplied by PPG Industries, applied by LGE-CTS Motorsports
Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts body panels, trim and accessories
AMP Research side step
STRATASYS 3-D printed grille insert molded into Dennis Carpenter sheet metal grille by LGE-CTS Motorsports
Kaseser Air Compressors

Interior

Sony audio with Scosche enhancements
Eagle Ottawa genuine leather with custom perforation installed by Rogelio’s Upholstery
Dakota Digital gauges