- Seller: Jeff F
- Location: Jonesborough, Tennessee
- Mileage: 21,523 Shown
- Chassis #: U15GL090943
- Title Status: Clean
UPDATE – The seller has pulled the reserve and we’ve extended the auction by an hour to give everyone time to bid!
When the Bronco debuted in 1966, it proved to be a relative success for Ford, although they didn’t even come close to the success seen by the Mustang. These early SUVs, much like the Jeep and Scout they competed with, were very much built to go off-road. While that’s appealing to those of us who like to venture out into the wilderness, it doesn’t often equate to mass appeal. As a result, many 1st generation Broncos found their way onto farms or were relegated to occasional use as a winter or hunting rig. This 1973 is one of those trucks that ended up being used as a hunting rig. Having spent much of its life in New Mexico means it has been spared from the worst of the rust that often plagues these trucks. The seller and their father used it to go on many hunting trips, but they’ve decided it’s time to part ways with it. It’s now located in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and is being offered as a BF Auction!
This truck has been with the seller’s family for much of its life, they are only its 2nd owner. They admit it’s going to need restoration work, as there is rust in the rockers and floors, plus it hasn’t run for quite some time. It’s a factory 302 V8 truck and parts are readily available to restore this truck to like new condition. Compared to many of the Broncos we’ve looked at, this one doesn’t look too bad. There’s surface rust on much of the underside, but the frame looks to be solid. Body rust is very common with these, as most lived rough lives, so replacement metal is available to fix any decay this one might have.
The Bronco was offered with either an inline six or a V8. This one received the 302 V8 with a two-barrel carburetor paired with a 3-speed column shift manual transmission. The 302 was rated at just 139 horsepower, but it produced its power down low and these trucks weren’t ever built to go fast. The engine appears to be complete and is believed to be the original unit, as is the rest of the drivetrain. It’s hard to say what it will need to be a runner again, but even if it needs a complete rebuild, it’s a common engine and is simple to work on.
As you can see, the interior is going to need lots of work. It appears to be complete and the seller states that it’s original, which is likely accurate. All the soft bits will need to be replaced, but again, they are readily available. Surprisingly, the column-mounted shifter is still present, many of these were modified to accept a floor-mounted shifter. While that might be the preferred arrangement for some, it’s easier to add a floor shifter than it is to return a modified truck to its original configuration, so we are glad to see it hasn’t been changed. The seller and their father installed a tow bar, it was typically towed to the mountains for hunting trips, and they installed a gun rack. Both are included with the truck, so the next owner can decide whether they want to keep or remove them.
The seller believes that this Bronco should be treated to a complete restoration, but that it could probably be put back on the road without one. If you are into patina or on a tighter budget, this might be a viable option, as it isn’t so far gone to make it impossible. Given how valuable and sought after these are now, we would be surprised if its next owner doesn’t treat it to a complete restoration. If you are going to restore a Bronco, this one looks is the kind of truck you want to find. It’s complete, original, and not so rusty to be an unfeasible task. What route would you take with this Bronco?
If you have any questions for the seller, please leave them in the comments below.
Bid On This Auction
- Scott Forbes bid $22,000.00 2024-02-29 10:59:54
- Rooferbob bid $21,500.00 2024-02-29 09:56:38
- Scott Forbes bid $20,500.00 2024-02-29 09:56:05
- Rooferbob bid $16,500.00 2024-02-29 07:20:19
- Scott Forbes bid $15,500.00 2024-02-29 07:17:27
- Rooferbob bid $14,250.00 2024-02-29 07:11:22
- Jeff bid $13,500.00 2024-02-28 15:02:11
- Daniel Voelker bid $13,000.00 2024-02-27 08:29:52
Louie bid $11,500.00 2024-02-27 08:16:30- Daniel Voelker bid $11,000.00 2024-02-27 06:38:07
- Jeff bid $10,500.00 2024-02-26 20:49:02
- Daniel Voelker bid $10,000.00 2024-02-25 17:58:29
- Jeff bid $8,500.00 2024-02-25 16:57:07
- Rooferbob bid $7,500.00 2024-02-25 16:35:25
- Daniel Voelker bid $6,500.00 2024-02-25 15:19:30
- Rooferbob bid $5,575.00 2024-02-23 12:56:54
- Matt L bid $5,000.00 2024-02-22 20:53:10
This one’s rough but definitely can be saved. So surprised to still see one like this sitting around.
I live about two hours from you. I’d like to see the truck in person if available before the auction ends.
This one has promise! Lots of aftermarket bits available especially from Rust Belt Broncos!!
a copy piece for reference during a remod of ur own, otherwise
lots ta do… fancy model…
Blk mats all the way back to dealer @ new? funny ol cup holder
Huh?
This one isn’t that bad, compared to many we see, I would totally restore it. Too bad somebody hacked the dash for an aftermarket radio, but at least the wheel openings haven’t been hacked. Will be interesting to see where the selling price ends up
The cup holder looks like a rifle mount.
Let’s see +/- 30 hours drive one way I would need my tow lights and a brake buddy because it’s over 2000lbs depending on if I can afford it or not when it hits the reserve. Not sure how much snow is still around between me and them.
Yes, Cup holder is a rifle mount. One of the few add on items along with the tow bar.
I thought I would have got a reply by now?
Lance forward me a contact and we can work something out
Lance send me a contact if you would like to talk. I will be happy to speak with you at any time. I trust you can access my email? Not sure how to hook up. New at this.
Nice Bronco, my brother had a 1969. Wish he still had it. Milage is likely 121,000, based on condition and the pedal wear. But still a good rig.
Now that’s a lot o shingles right there!
But they go down faster with a pneumatic ring nailer, huh Bob!
Looks like high hand takes all now!
Good luck guys. These are popping up all the time now, but guys like me just like driving them as they present, especially with power steering. This one would have been good to bomb around in for its intended purpose. Scott
Just appraised a ’68 very nearly identical except had its original 289 and a floor shift conversion. About 10K over present bid. I’ll bet this comes in near that.