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While Jay enjoys the Baja racer’s Ford Bronco, he doesn’t get the chance to take the car to the desert where it truly shines.
While old and new Ford The Broncos are all the rage in an SUV-loving world, only a few examples are real standouts. In a new YouTube video, Jay Leno’s Garage offers an up-close look at an iconic Bronco, the 1968 version that legendary off-road racer Rod Hall once drove to victory in the iconic Baja 1000 race in 1969. Remarkably, this car is the only production car to win the tough competition.
Jay Leno spending time here classic car SUV with racer and film director Amy Lerner. Lerner, who has raced in the Dakar Rally and other off-road challenges, created Another Wina film about Hall, who died in 2019.
A Walk Through The History Of This Ford Bronco
Leno and Lerner walk the audience around this unique off-roader, starting with a look under the hood. At some point, the original, small 302 cubic-inch V8 was swapped out for a Ford Performance 347 crate engine, delivering 350 hp. Other changes include a reinforced engine bay and a durable air filter designed to handle dust and sand intrusions.
Viewers will also notice that this Bronco has no windshield beyond a pair of small fold-down flaps. Lerner said windshields are prone to damage from flying debris as well as from the flexing of the vehicle’s body.
Understanding the Off-Road Experience
While comedian and car enthusiast Leno draws praise for his extensive knowledge of most things automotive, he freely admits to having limited familiarity with off-road encounters. He whimsically remarks, “My off-road experience mostly involves me being on the road and then sliding off the road.”
Lerner said off-road racing, in particular, is about endurance for the driver as well as the vehicle. He added that exhaustion is a constant threat due to the many “hits” and dealing with constant dust and noise.
On The Road With This Off-Roader
As is tradition with his vehicle reviews, Leno was eager to get behind this legendary off-road machine. Careful observers will note that there is no footage of Leno riding. Seeing the 72-year-old Leno climb over the sealed door is best left to the imagination.
A recurring theme throughout the test drive was the throaty roar of the Bronco’s V8, thanks to Leno’s penchant for slamming the accelerator. He called the car “fun to drive” and noted how responsive it is, especially since the power steering makes things easy. Leno’s only regret is not having the opportunity to take the 1968 Bronco off-road.
Source: YouTube/Jay Leno’s Garage
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