Locating a classic with more than five decades under its belt and a known ownership history can be attractive. When the vehicle in question is as desirable as a First Generation Ford Bronco, that is even better. The icing on the cake with this Bronco is that it belonged to a family of American patriots who significantly contributed to the country’s success in the space race. It spent years in storage, but this solid 1968 Bronco is ready to find a new home. The current owner listed it exclusively here at Barn Finds Classifieds in Henderson, Nevada. They’ve set their price at $55,600, and with the continuing popularity of these vehicles, it could represent an excellent long-term investment.

The name Fred Gibson Snr may not be instantly recognizable to some people, but he was a genuine American patriot. A brilliant chemical engineer, the US Government requested that he leave his pregnant wife and young family to travel to England during World War II to unravel the mysteries of magnesium that the British had “acquired” from Germany. He proved successful and, upon returning home, was charged with producing as much of this wonder substance as possible to assist the United States and Britain in their war efforts. Following the end of hostilities, he founded Pacific Engineering & Production Co. of Nevada (PEPCON) in 1955. The company developed and produced oxidizers for solid rockets, including those used in the Space Shuttle program. His contributions, and those of his family, were recognized by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, when they were inducted into the Business Hall of Fame. He purchased his new Bronco in 1968, using it regularly until passing it to his grandson, James Gibson. James was a successful businessman, also serving as a three-term mayor of Henderson, Nevada. Once again, the Bronco saw regular use until being parked in a garage bay twenty-five years ago. The seller recently acquired the vehicle and was surprised by what they found. Its Sky View Blue and Wimbledon White paint shows some age, but it remains presentable if the buyer elects to pursue the preservation path. The panels sport a few minor bruises, but nothing demands attention or replacement steel. The biggest issue most First Generation Bronco buyers face is rust. However, the photos suggest Mr. Gibson Snr made the wise choice to undercoat this classic early. There is dry surface corrosion on the underside, which is common with vehicles from dry climates, but there is no evidence of penetrating rust. Treating the corrosion and adding a fresh undercoat would be wise, but it looks like the grinder and welder can stay in the cupboard for this project. The trim is intact, and the glass seems free from significant problems.

The Bronco’s interior needs some love, but it remains serviceable. The front seat upholstery and dash pad have succumbed to age and heat, but the carpet and back seat looks fine. There is an aftermarket wheel, but the seller includes the original. Refreshing the interior paint and upholstery would be straightforward, inexpensive, and help make a positive impression. If the buyer seeks a consistent appearance, a complete set of seat covers in the correct color and material retails for $450.00, while a dash pad adds $350.00. Otherwise, any remaining tasks would cost more time than money.

Ford offered Bronco buyers in 1968 two engines, with Mr. Gibson Snr selecting the sweet little 289ci V8. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed manual transmission, with a dual-range transfer case utilizing the V8’s 195hp and 288 ft/lbs of torque to give the Bronco excellent off-road capabilities. When the seller located this classic, it had hibernated for more than twenty-five years. They dreaded the prospect of revival, but it proved surprisingly simple. After replacing the fluids, performing a service, cleaning the fuel system, and fitting an electric fuel pump, that little 289 coughed into life and settled down to idle as if it had only run yesterday. The lack of rust problems means the new owner could return this Bronco to active service quickly to enjoy the classic driving experience.

The ownership history of this 1968 Bronco is fascinating, and it makes this classic worthy of preservation or restoration. That the buyer will start the process with a rock-solid candidate is refreshing when so many First Generation Broncos show significant rust problems. Addressing its surface corrosion would be a wise first move to protect it from the ravages of penetrating rust. From there, what would be your approach? Would you treat it to the restoration it seems to richly deserve or preserve it as a tribute to a genuine American patriot? It will be fascinating to read the feedback and to see if one of our readers intends to pursue it further.