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Born in Quebec, Gilles Villeneuve was a Canadian Formula 1 driver who competed for Scuderia Ferrari from 1978 until his tragic death at the age of just 32 during qualifying at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. And while Villeneuve clearly possesses an obvious proclivity for closed-circuit road racing, he also has a lesser-known passion for off-roading – an interest that led the F1 pilot to build his own custom Ford Bronco off- roader. Now, 40 years after his death, Villeneuve’s go-anywhere Bronco is headed for auction.
Bought new by Villeneuve and built by the Scuderia Ferrari racer for off-roading, this 1976 Bronco features an upgraded, lifted suspension package, flared fenders on all four corners, and a period-correct WARN mechanical winch. The Bronco’s power comes from a specially prepared 5.0-liter engine mated to a Drag Racing Doug Nash 5-speed gearbox.
The exterior of the vintage 4×4 wears a vintage orange livery with yellow accents and a white roof and top. The car’s interior has also been revised, and now sports RECARO bucket seats, a three-spoke GT steering wheel, and a Hurst Competition shifter. The car’s orange exterior paint is also continued with color-matched interior doors and trim. Still wearing the original Villeneuve license plate, this Ford specimen has not been touched or modified since the F1 driver’s death.
Gilles Villeneuve’s 1976 Ford Bronco Off-Roader is currently being auctioned by Aguttes where it is expected to fetch between €80,000 (~ $84,150) and €120,000(~ $126,200). This ’76 Bronco specimen (Chassis No. U15GLB09627) is also being sold with its original Canadian title in the name of Gilles Villeneuve.
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