The closer you scrutinize the photos, the more apparent it becomes that this 1975 Ford Bronco Ranger requires a mountain of work to return to its former glory. Its needs extend beyond the tired paint to the rust issues that often plague these classics. However, the seller’s price appears affordable relative to what pristine examples currently command in the market. They have listed the Bronco here on eBay in Saint Petersburg, Florida. It could be yours with a BIN of $9,000.

The 1975 model year wasn’t a banner one for Ford’s First Generation Bronco. The sales total of 13,125 vehicles was the lowest of the entire production run. Ford continued producing these classics because they cost the company little, and the Second Generation was nearing the end of its development. The first owner ordered this Ranger variant in Midnight Blue Metallic, as verified by the included Marti Report. The seller is sparing with their information, although they emphasize this Ford’s originality. That might be true, and this classic appears complete, but the images confirm that the buyer faces extensive cutting and welding to restore the body to a structurally sound state. The frame is solid and protected by an undercoat. However, with extensive rust in the floors, front inner fenders, and some lower extremities, dismantling the vehicle for a frame-off approach appears to be the best option. The exterior sheetmetal is uncut, with the Bronco rolling on its original steelies with factory wheel covers. The remaining trim is present and in generally good condition, and the glass is clear.

The first owner ordered this Bronco with its interior trimmed in Parchment vinyl. They ticked the box beside the factory AM radio on the Order Form, with that item intact in the dash. The originality extends to the shifter, which remains in its rightful place on the column. There is no back seat, but sourcing one to carry five people shouldn’t be a problem. Beyond that, this interior requires a complete retrim. Kits are readily available, and their typical retail prices may make this the most affordable part of the restoration.

Vehicles like the Bronco don’t require mountains of power to perform at their best; smooth low-end torque delivery is key to tackling harsh terrain. The 302ci V8 under this Bronco’s hood produced 125hp and 220 ft/lbs, and with the engine’s torque peaking at around 1,500 rpm, it should tackle obstacles and loose surfaces with the V8 barely ticking over. The first owner teamed the 302 with a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, a 3.50 limited-slip rear end, and power steering. The seller indicates that this Ranger is mechanically original and that the V8 turns freely. It is unclear when it last fired a shot in anger, but the bulletproof nature of Ford’s V8 range means that coaxing it into life may not be difficult.

Some readers will argue that the seller’s price for this 1975 Ford Bronco Ranger isn’t genuinely affordable, but that’s always relative. It is worth noting that the Bronco remains a strong performer in the classic market, with values climbing steadily. Clean, original examples consistently change hands for over $50,000, with higher figures common for pristine vehicles. That leaves a lot of room to move on this restoration before its financial viability becomes questionable, and the intense interest this Ranger has generated suggests it should find a new home pretty quickly. Are you tempted to make it yours?