It is easy to judge a book by its cover. A cursory glance at this 1972 Ford Bronco suggests it is a classic suffering the typical rust issues that plague these vehicles, and returning it to its former glory will require hundreds of hours of grinding, steel replacement, and welding. However, a more detailed inspection reveals it might not be as bad as we think. The task of tackling the work will fall to a new owner, with the Bronco listed here on eBay in Orange, California. Bidding has soared past the reserve to $7,100 from some strong interest.
First Generation Broncos are renowned for the rust issues that will consume acres of steel, and the problems visible in this vehicle’s rockers and front inner fender wells seem to sound an ominous warning. However, a close inspection reveals the situation may be better than it looks. A tiny spot is visible in one lower rear quarter panel, but the remaining exterior surfaces show nothing beyond surface corrosion. The underside shots tell a similar story because while there is plenty of heavy corrosion, there looks to be little steel penetration. The rear quarters have been cut for fender flares to accommodate larger wheels and tires, the bumpers are bent, and the remaining exterior surfaces have an accumulation of minor bumps and bruises. A frame-off approach would seem the best option with this build, but the indications are the restoration could be relatively straightforward.
When assessing this Bronco’s interior needs, the short list of parts should read, “everything.” The seats are intact, but the shopping list will include gauges, a complete glove compartment, an ashtray, seatcovers, foam, door trims, and a carpet set or a rubber mat. The parts are readily available, but whipping this aspect of the vehicle into shape will consume around $2,000. The potential value, once complete, would make that investment worthwhile.
Ordering a 1972 Bronco with the optional 302ci V8 brought a three-speed manual transmission that fed the 140hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque to the dual-range transfer case. The original owner selected power steering, but this gem misses out on similar assistance for the brakes. The low-end power and torque delivery of the V8 made the Bronco an accomplished off-roader, while it should also cruise effortlessly at highway speed or make effective use of its tow hitch once returned to active service. The seller supplies no information on this Ford’s mechanical health or when it last saw active service. Budgeting for a complete mechanical rebuild would be wise, although it might prove unnecessary if fortune smiles upon the new owner.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1972 Ford Bronco and whether you think its condition might be better than first impressions suggest. Returning it to active service will entail significantly more than a weekend’s tinkering in a home workshop. Still, history demonstrates that some pretty awful examples have been dragged back from the brink. It has already received an impressive thirty bids, suggesting people see potential locked away in this rough diamond. Is it a project you might consider tackling?
Pretty much blew a gasket on the red one, forgiveness, please. I’m pretty sure most of us are in the same gear as me on these, alleged value wise.( except the sellers, of course). What I would like to say, is half cab 1st gen Broncos are extremely rare. Fact is, non-existent would be more accurate. When the Bronco came out in 1966, it was intended to be direct competition to the Scout/CJ crowd, that dominated the smaller 4×4 market. Half cabs were the choice of most service stations, that also plowed snow on the side. The half cab was better for road calls too. Few survived.
Naturally, I can’t contain myself at this hour, but like on the red one, this too will burn itself out, as only folks familiar with these still want one, but for future generations to spend this kind of money on a rattly door, unstable gas hog with air blowing through the holes and only ONE power port, if that,,well, frankly, I just don’t see it.
I love it I just saw it this morning I’m in Texas and I’ve always fancied getting a Bronco it’s not the year I’d like but this one seems to be acceptable I’ll think about it
This was originally a wagon – based on the VIN and the holes for the rear seat visible in the bed.
For some reason, this truck has a Dana 30 front axle – which was used on early ‘71 trucks and older. This should have a Dana 44 under it.
The original owner didn’t select the power steering as an option because power steering wasn’t an option in ‘72. This truck has a conversion using the 2wd F-Series box – commonly done in the 90s.
A further check on the VIN reveals it was built in January 71 so it’s actually a 71 Bronco.
Do we know if the glove box VIN matches the frame VIN? Probably not.
Maybe I’m blind, but all I see is a huge money pit.