BF Auction: 1975 Ford Bronco

• Seller: Michael T urley
• Location: Athol, Idaho
• Mileage: 149,554 Shown
• Chassis #: J15GLV20093
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 302 V8
• Transmission: C4 Automatic

First-Generation Broncos remain highly sought after in the classic world, whether in project form or fully restored. The challenge with project candidates is locating one that isn’t beset by major rust issues. That is where this 1975 example rides to the rescue. It has avoided the worst of the problems that typically afflict these vehicles, making it a prime candidate for a faithful restoration or a custom build. It comes with a selection of additional parts, with the owner listing the Ford with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

This Bronco shows plenty of promise as a project candidate because it is rock-solid. That means the winning bidder won’t face hours of grinding and welding to ensure it is structurally sound. Prone areas like the floors and front inner fender wells look extremely good, which is a positive start. Rust appears to be confined to an area in the lower tailgate, but since this area is essentially flat, well-crafted patches would eliminate the problem. The existing Black paint hides the original Brown that the Bronco wore when it left the line, although stripping the panels to bare steel would be a straightforward and worthwhile exercise as part of a high-end refurbishment. The rear fenders sport flares to accommodate the larger aluminum wheels, but this change could be easily reversed if the new owner decides to follow the faithful path. The A-Pillar requires new hinges and window components, and the windshield is cracked. Once again, there appears to be nothing insurmountable. A welcome bonus is the spare fender that is rust-free.

Powering this Bronco is a 302ci V8 that produced 125hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque when the Ford was shiny and new. The remaining major drivetrain components include a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range Dana 20 transfer case, and a bulletproof 9″ rear end. The owner confirms that the engine runs extremely well, although it does have a lifter tick. That isn’t a major problem, and shouldn’t cost much to address. The V8 sports some cosmetic enhancements, but the owner includes the factory valve covers and air cleaner should the winning bidder elect to pursue the faithful path. Below the surface, the Bronco features a pair of new fuel tanks and sender units, and a new Magnaflow muffler and tailpipe. The buyer will need to perform some suspension work, and with the tires still having around 50% of their tread, returning this beauty to a roadworthy state is a realistic short-term goal.

The Brono’s interior is a mixed bag, but it is serviceable in its current form. The seats are original, although new covers will benefit the front buckets. The owner recently replaced the door trims, and the floors and interior body walls are protected by Rhino Lining. A set of aftermarket gauges occupy the spot usually reserved for the radio and are a wise addition to monitor the health of this classic’s V8. One welcome inclusion is the six-point rollbar. The buyer doesn’t necessarily need to install it, but it would provide an extra layer of security when delving into harsh terrain. This interior won’t win any show trophies in its current form. Still, the ready availability of interior trim items should allow the winning bidder to address its shortcomings in a home workshop relatively cheaply and easily.

We see a few first-generation Ford Bronco project candidates at Barn Finds, and they typically require a lot of metalwork to return to a structurally sound state. Owners are prepared to commit the time and money because these vehicles remain star performers in the classic market. This 1975 model doesn’t require that level of attention, making it ideal for a novice or an enthusiast with a DIY approach. You could buy a cheap one requiring thousands of hours and dollars worth of work, but this one eliminates those needs. That is why it is worth a closer look.

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