Teal Vintage Broncos: Classic, Rare, Pricey, and Worth It

Man, nothing turns heads on the road quite like teal vintage Broncos rolling down the street. That beautiful blue-green paint against the white top? Perfect.

I watched a first-gen Bronco in Reef Aqua sell for nearly double its estimate at Barrett-Jackson last month. Only about 5% of original Broncos came in these striking turquoise shades, making them some of the most coveted classics on the road today.

If you’re thinking about hunting down one of these rare gems yourself, here’s what you need to know.

The Magic of Ford’s Turquoise Era

Ford’s design team in the mid-60s had an incredible eye for color. They introduced “Caribbean Turquoise” for the ’66-’67 models and later “Reef Aqua” around ’69-’70.

These weren’t just random color choices—they reflected the optimistic, adventure-seeking spirit of America at that time.

Beach culture was booming, and a classic Bronco in Caribbean Turquoise captured that perfect blend of utility and style.

These days, spotting a first-gen Bronco in Reef Aqua is increasingly rare. The color just works on these vintage trucks—not too flashy, not boring either.

While blue and red Broncos were more common, there’s something special about a vintage Ford in that perfect teal.

If teal isn’t your thing, check out this guide on top picks for a black Ford Bronco or this restored classic pink Bronco.

Most SUVs these days look like they were designed by people who hate cars. But that classic teal Ford Bronco? These vintage 4x4s have genuine personality.

It’s the difference between wearing a plain gray hoodie or showing up in something that makes people say, “Dang, where’d you get that?”

What You’ll Pay (And Why They’re Not Getting Cheaper)

Let me be straight with you – these aren’t cheap anymore:

• Something that needs work: $20-35K
• Decent driver you can enjoy right away: $45-75K
• Something really nice: $80-150K
• The crazy perfect ones: $200K+

Yeah, I know. Ten years ago they were half that. But here’s the thing – they’re not making more ’66-’77 Broncos, especially not in that perfect Caribbean Turquoise or Reef Aqua color.

And every year, some of these classic teal vintage Broncos 4x4s by Ford rust away or get wrecked.

Where to Hunt Down a First-Gen Bronco in Reef Aqua

If you’re serious about finding one of these increasingly rare machines:

• Specialty auctions – Mecum and Barrett-Jackson regularly feature early Broncos, but expect to pay premium prices
• Enthusiast forums – The Vintage Broncos forum and Early Bronco Registry sometimes have listings before they hit the wider market
• Classic car specialists – Shops that focus on Ford restorations often know about cars before they’re publicly for sale
• Regional Bronco meetups – The Midwest Early Bronco Roundup and Tennessee Bronc Bash are gold mines for networking

Pro tip: The best deals rarely appear in public listings. I know a guy who found his ’69 in the perfect teal shade because he left his phone number with three restoration shops.

Eight months later, one called about an elderly owner looking to sell his garage-kept classic that hadn’t seen rain in 20 years. Patience and connections will find you a better truck than urgent online searching.

The Truth About Owning One

Look, I won’t sugarcoat it. These things are 50+ years old:

• They’re not comfortable like a new SUV
• Gas mileage is a joke (12 mpg on a good day)
• They’ll leak a little oil. It’s just marking its territory

But none of that matters when you’re cruising in a Caribbean Turquoise Bronco with the top off on a perfect Saturday, and some kid gives you a thumbs up at a stoplight. These classic teal Ford 4x4s have soul.

What to Watch Out For When Buying a Classic Bronco in Caribbean Turquoise

Before you hand over your cash for one of those teal vintage Broncos, check these potential deal-breakers:

🔍 Rust Hotspots:

• Floor pans (especially under the removable top)
• Rocker panels and door bottoms
• Rear wheel wells and tailgate
• Frame rails, especially near suspension mounts

📋 Paperwork Red Flags:

• VIN mismatches between frame and title
• Missing title or sketchy ownership history
• Evidence of flood damage or salvage history

⚠️ Mechanical Warning Signs:

• Blue exhaust smoke (oil burning)
• Grinding sounds from the transfer case
• Excessive play in the steering wheel

🛠️ Hidden Restoration Nightmares:

• Bondo-filled body panels hiding serious rust (bring a magnet!)
• Non-factory paint that’s covering poor metalwork
• Frame repairs that weren’t properly reinforced
• Mismatched drivetrains from multiple donor vehicles

I’ve seen first-gen Broncos in Reef Aqua that looked perfect from six feet away but had five layers of paint hiding a patchwork of metal repairs.

One honest check underneath a classic Ford can save you thousands in unexpected repairs. Bring a flashlight and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty—or better yet, bring a trusted mechanic!

Restomod vs. Original: Is It Worth the Extra Cash?

If you’re ready to spend some money, companies like Gateway Bronco and Palmetto Broncos will build you a “new” vintage-looking Bronco with modern features.

✅ Pros:

• A/C that actually works
• A modern engine that starts every time
• Disc brakes that don’t make you fear for your life

❌ Cons:

• That price tag isn’t for the faint of heart

Popular Engine Swaps for Your Reef Aqua Bronco

If you’re considering a restomod for your classic teal Ford 4×4, these engine options are worth looking into:

🔥 Coyote 5.0 Swap – Ford’s modern V8 with 460+ hp that fits with the right mods
🦖 Godzilla 7.3 Swap – Massive torque (475 ft-lbs) from Ford’s newer big block
🚀 EcoBoost V6 – For those who want modern turbo power in an early Bronco

Many shops also offer chassis upgrades with coil conversions, modern steering, and upgraded axles that make these teal vintage Broncos drive like modern SUVs without losing their soul.

Have you seen an LS Bronco before?

There’s nothing wrong with a restomod, but for some of us, the charm is in the quirks of an original ’66-’77 Bronco. It’s like the difference between seeing a legendary band in their prime versus watching a reunion tour.

Both are great—but one just hits different.

Bottom Line: Life’s Too Short for Boring Cars

I’m not saying everyone needs an early Bronco in teal. But if you’ve read this far, you’re probably the type who gets it.

There’s a reason these vintage Ford 4x4s keep climbing in value—they represent something we’ve lost in modern vehicles.

Twenty years from now, nobody’s going to be waxing nostalgic about a 2022 crossover.

But a classic Bronco in Caribbean Turquoise? That’s automotive history, and just like the muscle cars of the 60s, their value only seems to be heading in one direction.

And if you do find a first-gen Bronco in Reef Aqua for a fair price?

Don’t “think about it overnight.” The good ones sell fast. Trust me on that one.

What’s your dream Bronco build? Email Get Vintage Vehicles a photo of your favorite teal Bronco or tell us about the one that got away. Whether you’re team all-original or planning the ultimate restomod, we want to hear about it.