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Best in the World? 2,000 Mile 1992 Ford Bronco

It’s a bold claim to call your vehicle the best in the world, but this 1992 Ford Bronco with just 2,000 original miles may in fact be one of the best in existence. It’s hard not to be with mileage just over what some vehicles would rack up in a months’ time. The Bronco is equipped with the desirable combination of the overbuilt 4.9L inline-six paired to a manual transmission, and has been kept in a climate-controlled collection since new. Between the low miles and the six cylinder, it’s hard to deny the want factor is strong. Find it here on eBay with bidding approaching $27K and the reserve unmet.

The Bronco wears Dark Shadow Blue Metallic paint, which the seller says “…looks like glass,” which it should given the low miles. Of course, we’ve seen plenty of vehicles bought as investments and then get stuck in a poor storage arrangement, so low miles is no guarantee of outstanding condition. This Bronco was clearly purchased with the intent to preserve it knowing there would be a demand for such a honest off-roader in the future, and given the drivetrain’s reputation for extreme durability, the original owner certainly spec’d it in such a way that almost any enthusiast would know it’s the one to get.

The interior is what does it for me, as far as assuaging any doubts that this Bronco has been cared for like any vehicle bought as an investment. It’s just too nice to be anything other than how it’s described here. The floor liner is perfect, the seats look brand new, and the black rubber pieces show virtually zero signs of age or sun exposure. The same goes for door panels, dash, and, well – everything else. It’s a new 1992 Ford Bronco. How often does that happen? The seller doesn’t go into explicit detail in the listing, but the description does note the truck is equipped with a limited-slip differential.

Mechanically-speaking, there’s not much to say about a truck that hasn’t been used, other than to determine whether it’s still been maintained despite its extended period of little to no use. The seller mentions there are receipts for regular oil changes, so hopefully this means the Bronco was also treated to the occasional coolant flush and fluid swaps in the differential and transmission – sure, it’s probably fine if it wasn’t, but that’s the mark of a true investment piece: over-maintained even if it never drives anywhere. Speaking of driving, would you continue to store this Bronco or actually put some miles on the clock?

Comments

  1. Avatar Nitehawk770

    Interesting. Why save a bare-bones base model with pretty much no options aside from the 4WD? Only once in my life have I seen this engine/trans combo before, and that was a VERY rotten 81 base model Bronco.

    It’ll probably go for decent money, and those motors will gladly run 300k.

    GLWTA!

    Like 12
  2. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    The back story is what I would like to hear. It does not seem plausible that it was purposely bought to be stored as an investment; no one at the time would have viewed a Bronco in that light, especially a base model. Maybe it is the more-common story of the owner passing away shortly after buying it, but then how did the vehicle end up in high-quality long-term storage? Not that it matters, but it sure would be interesting to be able to relate the story while at Cars & Coffee, as you will be repeatedly asked.

    Like 10
    • Avatar Miguel

      By the color it looks like maybe the Navy owned it or maybe a company that never used it.

      It is hard to believe a private person wold order such a stripper then let it sit.

      Like 2
    • Avatar Bhowe Member

      The us air force has a base near my town and they used to have many of these on the base. Low end spec but obviously 4wd for our ND winters. My guess is this was an unused military truck that didnt get driven because its a manual.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Morley Member

    I have saved this BASIC model since new. Why, just like it. It is now 40 years old, Some summers I drive it a little bit, but it might sit for a couple of years or more. I just like it, and it will be for sale at my “estate” sale. Just think how prices will drop with everything with this virus. There are going to be a lot of cheap classic—especially if you have extra cash and are still alive!!!!!!

    Like 2
    • Avatar Nitehawk770

      My first truck was the twin to yours! I assume yours is 300CI 6, 3 on the tree, no AC, 2WD and even an 81?

      Like 1
  4. Avatar RNR

    It’s a steal – the current owner of the OJ Simpson/Al Cowlings ’93 Bronco wants more than a million….

    Like 2
  5. Avatar geomechs Member

    Pretty sparsely equipped but there’s nothing wrong with that. I’d take that truck as is and drive the hell out of it. Having owned an ’85 model I’m pretty well swayed to the Bronco. I worked for GM for a few years and that meant working on a lot of Blazers and Jimmies which were great trucks, however, they were awfully rough compared to the Bronco which was primarily the reason I bought a Bronco. Maybe if it would’ve been entirely up to me I’d have taken the GM product but my (then) better half thought the Bronco was the superior choice. This one is way too rich for my blood but I’m sure that whoever gets it is going to be happy.

    Like 4
  6. Avatar Johnny

    Nice and alot cheaper the buying a new one. I like the comfortable ride in the bronco,s from 1978 on up. Do,nt care much for the front end. Would rather have the straight axle. I like the plain Joe,s better. Less to give you troule on down the road . Plus window cranks give you exercise to keep you in shape..Its a nice looking ride. I like it.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar J_Paul Member

    I’ve never seen such a bare-bones Bronco before, and the low miles are kind of wild.

    This is pure speculation, but maybe it was ordered as part of a fleet order (forestry service, utility work, etc) and never put into service for some reason?

    Like 7
  8. Avatar Fred

    I wish I had the money, I would drive it everyday.

    The price is great compared to a new Tahoe or Expedition.

    It will last 150,000 + miles, and parts are available to keep it running longer.

    Like 3
  9. Avatar Skorzeny

    I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t like power windows or locks, so this is pretty appealing to me. And it has my favorite Ford combo of the 4.9 and a manual. Just because something has more options doesn’t make it better. I hate how everything now comes with an automatic and power locks and windows…

    Like 6
  10. Avatar Bob Mck

    will be interesting to see how high it bids to.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Mark P

    I’m kind of the same concerning the like of bare bones or just a bit above. I’ve been driving a pickup since 1980, three things it must have, power windows, power mirrors and AC. You can’t open and close crank windows in a truck without stopping (at least I can’t). How about backing through a tight spot, a quick adjust of the mirrors always helps me and AC, for all the driving and traffic I’m in couldn’t imagine not having it in summer.

    Like 5
  12. Avatar Eamon Bishop

    As others mentioned, it is nice to see a true “truck” once in a while. The only 4.9/manual transmission combos I have seen were on special orders, not from a dealer’s lot. There aren’t many persons completely in love with their older trucks that shopped around hoping to find a 1959 model loaded with factory options.

    What is hard for me to accept is the fact that when I was 19 I had a 25-year old antique” $200 1959 GMC 1-ton; comparatively speaking this 1992 model would be three years older than that.

    I am 37-something years old at present.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Guggie 13

    My work Bronco was 92 just like this one only I had 302 automatic ,air Loved that truck , never let me down . Hated when my time with it was done and they put me into a S10 Blazer 4 door , that’s another story . Hope this one finds a good home !

    Like 0
  14. Avatar GMoparman

    I.love.this!

    Like 1
  15. Avatar Stevieg

    The only other feature I would want on this is cruise control, otherwise perfect! I wish I had the funds.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Miguel

      When I was doing a lot of highway driving, I stopped using cruise. I haven’t really used cruise control in about 25 years. I don’t like the car doing the work.

      If I get a speeding ticket, I want to be the one that was pressing the pedal.

      Like 2
      • Avatar Stevieg

        I would have agreed with you in the past, but after having fractured bones in both feet at different times, along with sprained ankles at different times (the 1990’s were a fun time for me, usually involving beer, karaoke & slam dancing lol) I can no longer drive real long without cruise control without paying dearly. Last time I drove to Arizona, I made it most of the way through Oklahoma & the Texas panhandle without stopping & I forgot to set the cruise control. Once I did stop for fuel, I could barely walk.

        Like 0
      • Avatar Miguel

        Well having medical condition is different.

        It is just my person opinion. Most of my newer cars have had the option, I just don’t use it.

        Have you worked out your other issue?

        Like 1
      • Avatar Stevieg

        Kinda. Not going well. I might have to go on vacation for a while.

        Like 0
  16. Avatar Comet

    Am I alone in wishing you could still order a Blazer, Bronco, or SUV equipped this way but with a more gas friendly modern power-plant? Those 300 six’s ran forever but you took a beating at the pump.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Stevieg

      I don’t think you are alone, necessarily. I LOVE gas mileage for a daily driver. I would want cruise control on this, not because I would drive this as a daily driver, but for when I would take it on cross country journeys. It is too nice to use in the winter, not efficient enough for a fair weather cruiser, but it would hold plenty luggage, be stabil if one should happen to come across inclement weather, yet still give a small bit of efficiency, being a 6 cylinder & a stick shift, along with being fuel injected. It is also a known reliable and bullet proof drivetrain. To me, this is a great road trip vehicle.
      My daily driver Hyundai gets better gas mileage, but it sucks over the road lol, and it is not something I drive around with pride.

      Like 0
  17. Avatar Dan

    I’ve owned my share of Broncos and I always had those fiberglass roofs fading over time. This truck’s roof really does look new. And i can tell there isn’t any armoral or any treatment making it look like that. It was definitely stored properly.

    Like 1
  18. Avatar David Ulrey

    I must say, the original buyer ordered this EXACTLY the way I would have. Love the total package. If I were in the market for a new SUV it would be this one. It certainly isn’t new as in a 2020 but for basically all other purposes it’s like buying a new one that was a dealer demo. Not too many features to go wrong and all things considered the electronics on it are fairly old school and simple.

    Like 0
  19. Avatar Chris Lawrence

    This thing is bullet proof. But it is also base af. Not a collectible and not worth a big price.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Dan

      yes, base af. But I know of a 1996 Eddie Bauer with 800 miles with a 5.0 liter that sold for $60,000 over the winter. So of course this isn’t an Eddie Bauer. But i had no clue someone would pay that much.

      Like 0
  20. Avatar Little_Cars

    Looks like a barely-used fleet vehicle to me. When Ford came out with the two-door Explorer sometime around 1994 I went to a dealer in a small town as they had listed “many in stock.” What they had were about a half dozen stripped Sport Explorers with manual transmission, rubber floor coverings, no power anything but four wheel drive. I figured that was what the locals wanted. Now I wished I’d purchased one back then…virtually impossible to do that these days at a new car “volume sales” dealer.

    Like 0

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