The 1971 Ford Bronco suffered in the classic market during 2023, with values dropping significantly. However, with the trend reversing, now could be the time to park a project candidate in your workshop. This 1971 Bronco Sport could be a strong contender, retaining its original V8 and having 52,000 miles on the clock. It needs work to return to a factory-fresh state, but the potential is there for someone with dedication and an eye for detail. The Ford is listed here on Craigslist in Gig Harbor, Washington. The seller set their price at $24,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising project.
Much has been written about the First Generation Bronco and its failure to meet Ford’s original sales expectations. Pulling the pin on the badge would have been easy and understandable, especially with the failed Edsel experiment fresh in the minds of management. However, the company persisted and was rewarded with a badge that would eventually sell in impressive numbers across six generations. This Boxwood Green Bronco rolled off the line in 1971, and its condition is all you might expect from an unrestored vehicle that has been used as its creators intended. The paint is tired, with surface corrosion emerging in several locations. The panels are straight, the wheel arches haven’t been cut to accommodate larger wheels and tires, and there is surprisingly little exterior rust. That doesn’t mean the car is without problems because tin worm has sunk its teeth into the floors and other typical prone areas. The floors require total replacement, but any remaining issues may be less troublesome, courtesy of the ready supply of affordable patch panels. One fender badge is missing, but the remaining trim looks restorable. The glass is clear, and while the Bronco is begging for restoration, its generally solid nature may allow the new owner to indulge in some summer off-roading.
The optional 302ci V8 that Ford offered potential buyers in 1971 proved a popular choice, with most owners selecting a motor that delivers 205hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. There was no automatic option until 1973, with the V8’s power feeding to the road via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The drivetrain combination allowed the Bronco to function as a practical off-roader but only told part of the story. The relatively short front and rear overhangs permitted this Ford to tackle steep approach and descent angle, which were desirable attributes when the going got tough. It is unclear whether this numbers-matching classic is genuinely roadworthy, although the seller states that it runs, drives, and stops. It has 52,000 original miles on the clock, but there is no mention of verifying evidence.
Finding a Bronco of this vintage with a largely unmolested interior is refreshing. The shifter remains in its rightful position on the column, and the dash features the factory AM radio. I believe the Blue door trims are a later addition, but the Parchment upholstery and matching floor mat are correct. It requires restoration to present at its best, including refreshing the painted surfaces. The process would be straightforward, and the abundance of affordable trim kits from various manufacturers ensures the process won’t be expensive.
While First Generation Bronco values have plunged by around 10% over the past year, recent results suggest the trend has begun to reverse. That could make now the ideal time to splash the cash on one because a new owner could potentially park an appreciating asset in their garage. A high-end restoration should transform this 1971 Bronco into a vehicle worth around $50,000, but perfection could push that figure to $70,000. The seller’s price leaves room to move before the financial viability becomes questionable. This promising project has only been on the market for a few days, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?
I think the prices on Bronco’s have “plunged” 10%, due to the fact that the “car guys” sitting at home pushing their mouse around the computer, and getting those high 6 figure salaries, have figured out that Blazers, Cherokee’s and old Scout’s are also in vogue, in the car flipper world.
A few days on the market? Nope. This has been on the market for awhile.
Precisely. It’s was written up here on BF originally on Jan. 30th.
Thought I’ve seen this one before.
The people paying for these recently have obviously never driven one. They will beat your ass like a rented mule. Yeah lets put in a Coyote and a lift kit on it. Wonder if the classic car insurance companies have data how many end up in a ditch.
So, give us an example of a “smooth” riding 4×4 from 50 or 60 years ago
Adam already wrote this up before on January 30th.
https://barnfinds.com/52k-original-miles-1971-ford-bronco/
It cracks me up when folks claim super low miles on a vehicle to rip someone off. Money is the root of all evil. There is NO WAY this is accurate mileage. It’s to easy now days to play games with odometers. It’s sad for the honest person trying to sell a true low mileage vehicle
These old rides only have 5 digits and sometimes tenths. Nobody knows how many times that odometer has “started over”
Lovely looking Bronco. It’s nice to see a local (Gig Harbor, Wa.) owned model. The price they’re asking for the vehicle is a tad high. Assuming everything is solid and there’s no rust holes to worry about, I’d be willing to pay between $10k and $15k. There’d be enough money for insurance, inspection, upgrades, restomod, etc.
This is the 3rd time I’ve posted this comment and it apparently keeps getting deleted for some reason.
This is the second time this truck has been posted here. Adam posted it originally on January 30th. So it’s been on the market for awhile.
Its really getting old seeing vehicles needing a total rotisserie restoration and $50,000 dollars of investment being for sale with asinine asking prices. If some fool wants to spend $24,500 for this project, go ahead. Good luck. As far as I’m concerned, the current owner can get out a knife and fork and eat this rig.
Gig harbor is still ocean salt air even if it’s on the inner side of Puget sound and it may even be worse when you consider what happens to the boats that have sunk in the sound.
I don’t believe for one second that this vehicle has 52k original miles.
So I see an AT shifter on the floor? I also see the column shifter which would support the 3spd claim in the description. What gives?? 😂
The shifter on the floor is the transfer case shifter.
Ahhh….. of course! It’s been a minute since I’ve been in the cab of an old 4wd. And, with my lousy eyesight, i couldn’t zoom it clear enough to see it any better! Thanks Todd!
“…was written up here on BF originally on …”
this ‘channel’ is pretty absent person power (is basically a computer) so probably shuffled this one forward to today. This happens occasionally. Some one not make their deadline? My bet the puter.
I’m gunna quibble 8^ 0
“…descent angle…”
Approach “Departure” and Break Over Angles are better lingo as follows this tradition.
“…suffered in the classic market during 2023…”
they all did, no? Bronks held number one spot till winter ’20 (may B the proceeding month of so too) but @that time fell to 23rd in spring of the yr. Got replaces by jeep or cherokee (yea I think it was the 2nd) as number one then. I have not followed since as covid was coming in.
This specific rig (thanks for not callin it a truck, it’s a jeep, or car as you wrote altho made at the MI truck plant) looks like the upscale (fancy… extra chrome, tank, tire carrier)) so it may have come w/the vinyl U report. As to the Blue, Todd could probably answer that as a bronk researcher. I’ve already mentioned the ’numbers matchin’ several times, enuff~
Thanks for bein our bronco writer (Montana a time or 2, Michelle 1). I’m still askin how many made it Down Under? If you cant say due to your age, OK. But how bout now? Many there @ this time?
Huh?
If I wanted a Bronco I would buy the new Bronco that are listed just about everywhere.