Battered and Bruised: 1973 Ford Bronco

It is common to see some pretty sad First Generation Ford Broncos cross our desks at Barn Finds, and some would appear to be a lost cause. If you gave this 1973 model a quick passing glance, it would be easy to draw that conclusion. However, closer investigation reveals that although it is battered and bruised, it may not be afflicted with the common malady of crippling rust. The Bronco is listed here on eBay in Lincolnton, Georgia, and although the seller set the No Reserve auction to open at $2,500, there have been no bids.

You must gaze long and hard at this Bronco to imagine how it must have looked in its prime. The original owner ordered it finished in Hot Ginger Metallic, but it is difficult to spot a trace of that shade anywhere. Most of the vehicle now wears a combination of Black and surface corrosion, with an impressive accumulation of dents and dings. Some are repairable, although the buyer faces a long shopping list of panels and trim items to recapture the Bronco’s former glory. However, the surprising aspect of this classic is the lack of visible rust. The usually prone areas, like the lower rear quarter panels, rockers, and doors, are surprisingly solid. The seller states the frame is sound, and if the floors and front inner fender wells are okay, there might be less cutting and welding than we’ve seen with some of these classics. Apart from replacing the missing trim and chrome, the new owner needs to source replacement pieces for some of the cracked and broken glass.

Ford’s most desirable drivetrain combination in the 1973 Bronco range was the 302ci V8, backed by a three-speed manual transmission. The V8 delivered 139hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque, making these classics accomplished performers in almost any condition. It is what we find lurking below the surface of this Bronco, although there are a couple of contradictions in the listing that muddy the water surrounding the mechanical health. The air cleaner assembly and radiator are missing, and in a couple of locations in the auction text, the seller describes this Bronco as driveable and currently not running. If I were to hazard a guess, I would believe that the second option is close to the truth, and the accumulated debris around the intake suggests the 302 hasn’t fired a shot in anger for years. However, with this drivetrain combination being fairly bulletproof, revival may not prove difficult or expensive.

Opening the Bronco’s doors reveals an interior with a similar tale of woes to the exterior. The original Ginger seat upholstery is shredded, with the doors cut to accommodate aftermarket speakers. It is unclear whether the back seat is intact or if there are any additions beyond the speakers. The beauty of these interiors is that they feature plenty of painted surfaces, making whipping them into shape fairly straightforward. Utilizing a trim kit in the correct materials, this Bronco’s interior could present faultlessly for around $2,000 plus the time it takes to complete the work. That sounds like a significant investment, but it should be worth it considering this classic’s potential value.

Although the First Generation Bronco has been one of the most consistent performers within the classic market for the last few years, values have softened slightly in recent months. This is especially true for vehicles in average to above-average condition, although Concours examples will occasionally climb into six-figure territory. This one is far from reaching that standard, but it has a few positive attributes worth considering. If it is as solid as the seller indicates, whipping the panels and paint into shape may be possible in a home workshop. Its mechanical combination is the most desirable offered in that year, and apart from the larger wheels and tires, it appears unmolested. Returning it to its former glory is unlikely to be cheap. Still, if it sells for around the current price, it could leave plenty of room to move on a high-end restoration before it becomes financially questionable. Does that tempt you to pursue it further?