Although it isn’t stated specifically, it appears that this stunning 1974 Ford Bronco has a genuine 35,000 miles showing on its odometer. The vehicle’s overall condition makes that figure seem plausible, while its rust-free status makes the Bronco worth more than a passing glance. Its V8/automatic transmission should make it capable of tackling whatever nature throws at it, although some potential buyers might hesitate to subject it to mud and harsh terrain. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Scott for spotting this beauty listed here on Craigslist in Lincoln City, Oregon. The seller set their price at $45,000, indicating that they are firm on that figure.
Ford was riding on a high following the release of the all-conquering Mustang, and Lee Iacocca was keen to tap into the SUV market that was dominated by the International Scout and Toyota’s legendary Land Cruiser. He gave the green light to the Bronco concept in 1964, with the first examples hitting showroom floors for the 1966 model year. The First Generation remained in production until 1977, with our feature Bronco leaving the factory in 1974. It makes a bold visual statement in Candy Apple Red with a White removable top. Faulting its appearance is almost impossible, although the walkaround in this YouTube video reveals a couple of small paint flaws. The video also shows that the floors and frame are as clean as you could hope to find, raising the question of whether this classic may have received a recent restoration. The paint holds a rich shine, the trim sparkles like a new penny, and the glass is crystal clear.
The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this Bronco, with the seats trimmed in Red and multi-hue cloth and vinyl typically found in the Ranger variant. There are no signs of wear, and the paint looks exceptional. It isn’t equipped with luxury items like air conditioning or a radio, but I also can’t spot any aftermarket additions. This Bronco has even managed to avoid the common practice where owners swap the shifter from the column to the floor.
If off-road adventures are your goal, this Bronco should deliver. Its 302ci V8 should send 137hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. To avoid stress and strain in tight locations, the first owner equipped the vehicle with power-assisted steering and the brakes were recently upgraded to four-wheel discs. The engine figures may sound modest by modern standards, but it is the low-end torque delivery that helps this classic to cope with some pretty harsh or slippery terrain. The seller states that this Bronco has been well maintained, which may mean that they hold verifying evidence for the mileage claim via Service Records. We get to hear the V8 start and run in the YouTube video, and it sounds pretty tough, exhaling through the dual exhaust. It is a turnkey proposition that is ready to provide the buyer with many years of motoring pleasure.
The 1974 model year proved to be a high point for the First Generation Bronco, with 25,824 buyers handing over the cash to park one in their driveway. The badge wouldn’t hit its stride until the release of the Second Generation, although spotless examples like this 1974 Bronco can still command impressive prices in the classic market. The seller’s figure looks realistic for a vehicle with no rust that presents well. It has only been on the market for a short period, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly. Will you?
Nice one. The automatic shifter is more sensible on the column. Thanks Clarkey 🐎
While I mean no disrespect to our writers or commenters on this site, here’s a small lesson in economics people on the west coast don’t have, CLEARLY,,,they live in a different world. Not a bad world, just so misaligned with the rest of the world. I all but guarantee the great folks from Bugtussle, Miss.( population 708,,SALUTE!) aren’t going to spend $50gs on a mere 4×4, their only hope is someone FROM the west coast, who are used to $8 bundles of firewood( IT’S DRY). I hate to break it to the seller, recent TV auctions show, while all sales are generally down, the 1st gen Bronco prices have taken the biggest hit, along with 1st gen Landcruisers. I suppose buyers found out they aren’t what they appear to be. I’m done.
What took so long? What is the big deal about this thing?they were always junk!
The part you said about them being junk I completely disagree. Used for their original purpose they were actually great vehicles. The high dollar hype around them is absolutely nonsense and has been for several years. Yes I know that anything is only worth what someone will pay but in my opinion the prices these have brought for years is absolutely absurd. If you want a smaller, very capable off road, with not much frills or true comfort they are fantastic. The sick joke is that people that pay waaaay too much money never use them for the originally intended purpose.
I agree.. prices in general have been insane on some cars and trucks, but thankfully they’re coming down on some. Maybe the new crypto millionaires have bought their fill of cool old cars? At any rate it’s good news for me because I’ve been wanting to get another Landcruiser FJ40 (I had a ’67 back in the day) and it’s starting to look a lot more feasable of late.
It’s a restoration. 4-wheel disc brakes and aluminum radiator. Why is owner hiding this info?
$45k, why is this Bronco still available on Craigslist?
I’m not sure he’s hiding it. Clearly states in the ad 4 wheel disks(sic). Nowhere does the seller represent this as a restored to original Bronc. He calls it as he sees it. A fun, drivable example. Perfect.
You can have your choice between this vintage Bronco for $45k or a new one at $45k, much different driving experiences.
See, that’s the thing, the seller is banking on a new buyer won’t know the difference. How different could it possibly be? Buyers remorse will be high on this one, we could have had a used Prevost motorhome, with a big Kitty Cat motor, but no. I enjoy the TV show Pawn Stars, and while heavily scripted, it does show the interest difference from the father to the son. The kid just can’t understand the fathers thinking on some purchases.
They ride like buck boards and have the most spartan of interiors. Never understood the stupid money for them.
I would rather have a 1978-1979, then Any New one, or these old little ones.
Mark I’d take a 93 or so w the 302, 5sp.
‘owners’ (seller) dont know what they have. Buyers dont know whats in frnt of them. It’s the way w/many sales (esp older cars). This advert implies orig AND also rehab. I see enuff (probably due to ownership) to posit the latter.
I’d like a 2nd gen to tow my 1st. I’d convert it (the ’70/69/77) to pure off rd. BII is interesting in & of itself (a “Ranger“). Seems gen 3 hits the sweet spot even w/twin traction. I like the glass (light weight) top. I like its 3.9, AOD and 104 inch WB. A few mods 4 a very nice dual purpose daily!