Sometimes it can be difficult to determine the desirability of a particular classic vehicle, but we face no such challenges with the 1977 Ford Bronco. When new, the company struggled to sell the Bronco in respectable numbers. It was especially true for the 1977 model year, as potential buyers bided their time awaiting the introduction of the Second Generation vehicle in 1978. Today, even rough examples can command some pretty eye-watering prices. Our feature Bronco is anything but rough, but it isn’t perfect. Getting it to that point would not be difficult or expensive and would help explain the spirited bidding. Located in Rocklin, California, you will find the Bronco listed for sale here on eBay. Twenty-six bids have seen the price rocket beyond the reserve to currently sit at $55,000.
It seems that most of the First Generation Broncos we see here at Barn Finds are in desperate need of some TLC. That doesn’t appear to be the case with this Wimbledon White example because it presents well for its age. The paint still shines nicely, with no significant flaws or marks. It covers laser straight panels with gaps that are tight and consistent. Since we are discussing a First Generation Bronco, we probably need to consider the subject of rust. These classics have known weak points, including the front floors, inner rockers, and inner front fenders. The owner supplies no underside or engine bay photos but also doesn’t mention any problems in his listing. If this Bronco has spent its life in California, it may be a rust-free survivor. While repair panels are readily available, if a buyer can avoid the cost and effort of tackling these sorts of problems, it is never a bad thing. One of the exterior highlights of this classic is the condition of its trim and chrome. This looks remarkable for its age, and the damage-prone hubcaps look perfect. With flawless glass, this ’77 Bronco makes a positive first impression.
While the exterior may paint a positive picture, this Ford’s interior needs some attention. Its overall condition is at odds with the exterior and shows plenty of signs of wear and tear. It would be serviceable with aftermarket slipcovers on the seats, but given how well the rest of the vehicle presents, anything less than an interior retrim would be doing this classic a disservice. On a positive note, interior trim kits in the correct material and color are readily available and sell for around $1,500. Once installed, it would present in as-new condition. Somebody has installed an aftermarket radio/cassette player and cut the door trims for speakers, but reversing these changes would be easy as part of the retrim.
Powering this Bronco is a 302ci V8 that should be producing 133hp. Those horses find their way to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The original owner also ordered this classic with power steering and power brakes. While straight-line performance wasn’t the primary focus of these vehicles, this Bronco should be capable of covering the ¼ mile in a respectable 19 seconds. The owner supplies no engine shots but indicates that this classic has a genuine 90,000 miles on the clock. He doesn’t mention verifying evidence, but the overall condition suggests that this claim could be plausible. It is in sound mechanical health, with the owner saying that it runs and drives well. It seems that this is a turnkey proposition for the next owner seeking a life of adventure.
The 1977 Ford Bronco was not a popular choice amongst potential buyers seeking an off-roader when it was new. This is reflected in the sales total, with the company selling a mere 14,546 vehicles for that model year. History shows that a vehicle that was largely unloved when new has become an automotive must-have today. It is difficult to know where the bidding will finally land with this classic, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it hit $80,000. Have you ever wanted to park a First Generation Bronco in your garage? If so, are you tempted to pursue this one?
Am I the only one that doesn’t understand the appeal of these? I shake my head at the prices of many classic vehicles today, but this is one I wouldn’t understand at even a tenth of the price. Am I missing something?
I JUST said that to myself!
No need to understand the market. Just go with the flow. You’re not missing anything. There’s always an “it” vehicle that people pay big $$$ for. That’s all you need to know.
I’ve always thought that was the worst place to put a gas can.
If you ever got rear ended.
Someone changed the wheels – making it difficult to access the locking hubs back in those hubcap holes.
Look like factory wheels to me.
I almost bought a new one back then. My Uncle really liked them but didn’t buy new vehicles. He told me the 302 was reliable. And we really didn’t know the M series engine in the New trucks. I ordered a new F150 short bed. Did a lot of mud running with that ! The body style of these broncos was not favored for playing in the mud which becoming popular. Grandpa only thought he knew how to play in the mud.
Apparently these and Buick Grand Nationals are not as rare as one might be led to believe . Or Deloreans for that matter . Prices on them are out of hand .
Had a 77 ranger xlt 150 4wd shortbox. Loser i never should’ve sold it. Lo geared , manual transmission and np205 gear driven t-case. What a supreme vehicle off road. This one is too nice to see the woods, more like the beach parking lot… but surely very capable vehicles for hunting etc..
I’m thinking the ones paying big dollars for these Broncos are collectors who will never drive them, never owned one before and just want to say they have one. Note these collectors are worldwide not just in the USA.
Haters gonna hate. And I hate the saying. Truth is I don’t understand a lot of crazy asking/paying prices on some these vehicles but I never come on here talking trash about their beloved Mopar, vette, mustang or Camaro etc..
STOCK NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE OR DESIREABILITY
Love that this one has been left primarily stock in stance and appearance just like my own 1969 Bronco but I know in the era of “cut em up, jack em up, mod them out” I am in the minority as many feel these classics should be made to look like the ubiquitous Jeep Wranglers and late model pickup trucks that already roam our streets in multitudes.
Like so many others (as evidenced by previous comments), and as an owner of a 1st gen Bronco, I am always perplexed by the asking and selling prices of not only Broncos but (insert any classic vehicle here).
All classic vehicles are out there, they are not extinct, the owners do not keep them forever nor do they live forever, on so on and so on. So this seems in many ways to defy the laws of economics.
Lastly, I never feel as if mine is worth such stratospheric prices (although it probably is given the current “bubble”) nor feel that I should sell mine for top dollar to “cash out” to some sucker. Rather, and like others who own a classic car, I enjoy owning mine until the day comes that I no longer want it, or need to sell it to fund another purchase, or the day I have to “get my affairs in order” (or someone else sells off my possessions after my passing). And when that day comes, and for any of those scenarios it will inevitably, I just hope the next care taker can afford and enjoy a part of “automotive history” and part of our beloved classic vehicle hobby. And that is what used to make classic vehicles so enjoyable before this current “bubble”.
Not crazy over the color, no engine photos but i guess you can ask for them. For the money you can get so much more!!
not my 1/2 cab (w/wagon’n vert tops). It has come off the work roles (woods income) to go to my daughter. We both semi-retired.
Some above use the ‘classic’ term – to me those are the mid ’30s to very early 50s (if that far) and abt the same (altho into the mid’n late 60s) for the european. ‘Official’ for old (is it antique @ ‘Registry’ in ur state?) might B 25 yrs + (but not all 25 y/o vehicles are “Classics” in my mind).
This one is a bit rare in that light color. Not sure as that detail is of no interest. Pay marti for it. Wimbledon White has a lill tan in it to me. Has the top been swapped off? as 77 hasa solid (not tutone) paint scheme on some. Kinda looks like the oe floor/bed mat.
Adam has it more correct than last writer on these, ie ‘where the bidding will finally land’…
I like the 1st Gen Broncos, but not for $55K money!