The 1966 K Bar S “Dust Devil” Bronco
Among early Ford Bronco enthusiasts, a handful of builds rise above the typical restoration or resto-mod. The 1966 “Dust Devil” Bronco built by K Bar S Bronco Specialties of Las Vegas, Nevada, is one of those rare trucks. It isn’t just a modified U15 wagon — it represents a formative period in Bronco aftermarket history, when small specialty shops were inventing the performance blueprint that today’s builders still follow.
From its origins as a magazine promotional vehicle to its more recent appearances at auction and specialty dealers, the Dust Devil remains one of the most recognizable early Broncos ever built.
The Origins of K Bar S Bronco Specialties
Long before the Bronco restoration market exploded into today’s six-figure builds, there were pioneering shops like K Bar S in Las Vegas.
Founded by John Karp and Hal Sealund, K Bar S became one of the earliest specialty shops focused specifically on modifying and enhancing the early Ford Bronco platform. At a time when the Bronco was still considered a used utility vehicle, K Bar S treated it as a serious off-road performance machine.
Their builds were known for:
- Desert-ready suspension systems
- Dual shock setups
- Lift kits and reinforced frames
- Steering and brake upgrades
- Engine performance enhancements
- Pre-runner style roll bars
Reportedly, only about 12 complete Broncos were built by K Bar S, making any surviving example historically significant. The shop ceased operations around 2001–2002 following family changes that made continuing the business difficult. Though the physical shop is long gone, its influence still circulates within the Bronco community.
The Dust Devil: A Promotional Build
The 1966 Dust Devil Bronco was originally created as a promotional vehicle for “Dust Devil Offroad” magazine, making it both a performance showcase and a rolling advertisement. Some sources indicate it may have been one of only two Broncos built specifically for the publication.
It is typically identified as a U15 wagon model, though like many long-lived early Broncos, its configuration has evolved through periodic refreshes over the decades.
What makes the Dust Devil especially distinctive is that it did not follow the now-common V8 swap formula.
The High-Performance Inline-Six
Instead of installing a small-block V8, K Bar S leaned into the potential of Ford’s inline-six platform.
Engine
- 200 cubic inch inline-6 (upgraded from the stock 170ci)
- Built with Clifford Research performance components
Performance Components
- Clifford header
- Clifford intake
- Clifford valve cover
- Performance camshaft
Clifford Research was known for extracting serious power from Ford inline six engines, and this build was designed to rival or exceed many small-block V8 setups of the era while maintaining balanced weight distribution and period authenticity.
Drivetrain & K Bar S Signature Equipment
- 3-speed manual transmission
- Floor-mounted Hurst shifter
- 4.11 gearing
- Dual front shocks
- Suspension lift
- Power steering
- Front disc brakes
- Pre-runner style roll bar
- 23-gallon fuel tank
- Powder-coated frame
- Updated wiring harness
This was not a cosmetic build. It was engineered for real off-road performance.
Distinctive Appearance
- Pearl White paint
- Blue accent striping
- Gold leaf hand-lettered “Dust Devil” graphics
The traditional hand lettering reinforces its promotional roots and period craftsmanship. In recent years, the Bronco has been maintained and freshened by specialists including Beach City Broncos in California.
A recent listing noted minor damage to the left front fender from contact with a garage opening. The fender would require repair and the graphics repaint to restore full presentation quality.
Auction & Market History
- Sold at Mecum Indy 2015 (Lot F214 – Friday, May 15)
- Listed for sale in 2022 in San Diego at $77,500
- Listed December 3, 2025 by Beach City Broncos
- Offered on eBay at $50,000 (auction ended without sale)
The 2025 listing described it as one of the twelve Broncos built by K Bar S and noted its power steering, front disc brakes, headers, upgraded wiring harness, 23-gallon tank, powder-coated frame, and classic K Bar S options.
The fluctuation in asking price highlights an important reality in the collector Bronco market: provenance and historical importance do not always align perfectly with current market demand. Condition, documentation, and timing all play critical roles.
Why the Dust Devil Matters
The Dust Devil represents:
- One of the earliest dedicated Bronco specialty builders
- A period-correct performance philosophy
- Inline-six performance heritage
- Limited production custom build history
- A promotional vehicle tied to off-road media culture
Today’s thriving Bronco aftermarket industry — filled with custom chassis, crate engines, and six-figure builds — owes part of its foundation to early pioneers like K Bar S. The 1966 Dust Devil stands as a surviving example of that formative era.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it is more than just a modified early Bronco — it is a tangible piece of Ford Bronco aftermarket history.
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About The Author
Growing up, my father always believed that every family needed a truck—there’s just something about having a vehicle capable of hauling anything at a moment’s notice. That philosophy stuck with me, and it’s been the foundation of my lifelong passion for Ford trucks.
While I’m best known for my work with Ford Rangers, I’ve owned a wide variety of Ford trucks over the years—including F-150s, F-250s, F-350s, and even larger rigs like the Ford Excursion, Ford Expedition, and a 1982 Ford Econoline Sportsmobile camper van. I’ve used these vehicles for everything from family transportation to towing car trailers and campers, and each one has fueled my love for Ford’s versatility and durability.
I especially enjoy the styling of 1970s and 1980s Ford trucks—the bold designs, rugged presence, and classic charm are timeless. Sharing my passion for Ford trucks, vans, and SUVs with other enthusiasts online brings me a great deal of joy, and it’s why I created Blue Oval Trucks.
This website is dedicated to helping Ford truck enthusiasts explore, learn about, and celebrate these incredible vehicles. While I share my expertise and experiences here, Blue Oval Trucks is an independent enthusiast site and is not affiliated with Ford Motor Company.
