- Seller: Luther P
- Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Mileage: 109,600 Shown
- Chassis #: 1FMDU15F0BLA61225
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 302 V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Purchasing a classic that recently emerged from hibernation is sometimes a gamble, but that isn’t the case with this 1981 Ford Bronco 4×4 Free Wheeling. The current owner worked through a meticulous revival process that will allow the winning bidder to slip behind the wheel of a classic that could effortlessly take them from coast to coast. It carries the hallmarks of a vehicle that has been treated respectfully since Day One and is ready to find a new home. Therefore, the owner has listed this Bronco with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Ford released its Third Generation Bronco for the 1980 model year, and while it didn’t sell in the numbers experienced by its predecessor, it was still warmly embraced by the buying public. This Bronco emerged in 1981, and the first owner scored a home run with its paint and trim combination. Raven Black is a striking color, but combined with the multi-hued stripes and graphics that formed the foundation of the Free Wheeling package, it produced a result that will quickly turn heads. This classic presents exceptionally well for a 43-year-old survivor with tasteful restoration cues. The paint retains a healthy shine, and the vinyl looks crisp and sharp. The top seems to be in good shape for its age. For those who want a brand-new look, a simple coating of matte black spray would crisp things up. The Top is one of this Bronco’s highlights because it is easy to remove for those who crave wind-in-the-hair motoring. The panels are straight as an arrow, with minimal evidence of normal touch-ups over the years. The seals and weatherstripping are in good order, meaning water and mud won’t find their way inside this classic. The current owner states that this Bronco has always been garage-kept, and it shows. It is worth scrolling through the image gallery at the bottom of this article because you will be amazed by how clean this Ford’s underside is. There is no evidence of significant surface corrosion or penetrating rust, meaning it is as solid as the day the first owner took delivery. The trim looks exceptional for a survivor of this vintage, the windshield is new, and the remaining glass is crystal clear.
The first owner ticked the “right” boxes when ordering this Bronco. They equipped it with Ford’s iconic 302ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. The V8 produced 133hp and 222 ft/lbs of torque when it was new. Both figures were considered respectable in 1981, allowing this survivor to perform admirably in all circumstances. The current owner discovered this classic hibernating, pulling out all the stops during its revival. The engine received a full rebuild, with a new clutch installed during the reassembly. The winning bidder will also benefit from new brakes, an alternator, a starter, exhaust, shocks, fuel lines, and a fuel pump. The owner rebuilt the carburetor, performing other tasks to ensure this Bronco is in excellent mechanical health. The tires wrapped around the period-correct alloy wheels are almost new and should enhance the vehicle’s off-road abilities. The owner states that this Bronco runs and drives exceptionally well and that they wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere. Therefore, the winning bidder could fly in and build a relationship with their new purchase as they drive it home.
There is no doubt that teaming Raven Black paint with a Red interior is a winning combination. That is what the new owner receives when they take delivery of this classic. The Bronco’s interior is in excellent condition for a vehicle of this type and age, with no significant wear or other problems. The seatcovers are spotless, and I agree with the owner’s assessment that the back seat may have never seen occupants. The vinyl mat set is a practical feature, providing easy clean-up after a day of venturing through mud and slime that might otherwise stain and spoil the carpet. The dash and pad are excellent, and the console adds a touch of practical luxury. The upgraded digital audio system features Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary inputs, and a remote control for entertainment on the move. The first owner ordered this classic with air conditioning, but the compressor was removed during the vehicle’s revival. However, reinstating the system shouldn’t pose many challenges. The remaining features, gauges, and lights work as they should, and the Bronco comes with two sets of original keys.
Ford discontinued the Bronco badge in 1996, and many people lamented its passing. However, buyer demand saw the company revive the Bronco in 2021, and you can still walk into a Ford dealership and drive away in a new one today. However, you will pay dearly for the privilege, and you will then need to factor depreciation into the ownership experience. This 1981 Bronco, tastefully outfitted with the Free Wheeling edition stripe option, will cost you a fraction of the new model and, in many opinions, represents a styling cue lost in today’s world. It will also attract more attention; recent sales results confirm that values are climbing. Hmm, pay a small fortune for a depreciating asset or considerably less for what should be an excellent long-term investment. It seems a no-brainer, so this Bronco is worth serious consideration.
Bid On This Auction
CK bid $5,710.00 2024-09-13 12:58:02
EricH bid $4,000.00 2024-09-12 06:05:13
GolfGod36 bid $500.00 2024-09-07 08:26:54
Whoa’ Pardner! Love it ;-) What a beautiful representation of these classic bull-nose Broncos. Best color combination with a 4speed and a 302 is fantastic. Good find for sure.
Ford and Dodge had the most colorful stripe packages for trucks in this era, and none were finer than the Freewheeling design.
I suppose it dates me severely when I ask if anyone knows the origin of “Free Wheelin” came from.In the 70s, an artist named Gilbert Shelton created an underground comic strip called the Fabulous Freak Brothers. One of the characters was “Free Wheelin’ Franklin”, whose moto was “Dope will get you through times of no money, better than money in times of no dope”. I’m not sure the Ford management followed that, but it was the 70s, and anything flew. The Free-Wheelin option added $800 bucks to a regular Bronco, and was available across the board in trucks. I believe even the Courier had it. Despite its atrocious appetite for fuel, I really liked my 1980 Bronco. It was one of the few my ex-wife couldn’t kill. Nice trucks, great heaters, plenty of room, and not much can stop it, except out of gas, and believe me, plan carefully, as it drops pretty fast. Driving gas sippers today, it’s easy to forget what 8mpg is like.
This truck is tuned in great, getting 15 in town with its 4speed transmission is pretty good considering the power it has, which is really good especially if you have something to tow. My newer SUV Escalade doesnt do that well zipping around town and certainly gets the yawns compared to this throw back time capsule. Its really a beautiful rig, better looking than the pics and runs and drives excellent. Good luck to the bidders ;-)
15.pg is very respectable in town with this generation of 4×4.. my 96 Chevy short bed figures 17 highway w/5 speed stick but if you figure the speedo correction it is closer to 16 than 17.. this did is a sweet ride and is be curious to know what it goes for..
The colors on the sides and back don’t look right compared to all the others I’ve seen threw the years!
This stripe configuration is correct for the year of this Bronco. The 1981 Bronco recieved a reflective chromatic stripe treatment that was unlike the ealier Bronco stripe packages. So you are correct for noticing a difference in the stripe scheme. Good eye
Other than refinishing the roof it looks ready to show. Always liked the free wheeling trucks.
Heres a note about the pop top roof, its in great shape as it is, we will be happy to have it sprayed in correct black finish if the auction hits the reserve successfully.
This is such an amazing condition example. I wonder if this will go for less than $25k? Seems these always bring above that in this condition. The 1981 was pretty cool with this stripe package, strange i have never seen a 1980 with a free wheeling stripe, or after 1981 for that matter- You’ve also got a built in anti-theft deterrant with it being a 4spd ;-), great for old farts like me but not so good for the new kids looking for cool rides. I love it!
1981 Bronco equipped in this condition and Free Wheeling features is the nicest one of these ive seen in a long time. The market is nuts on these right now, someone is going to get a super rig from all ive seen. Probably going to be a huge push at the end for rights to own this thing !
Date codes on tires? All dials and gauges are working, yes? Shifting into 2H, 4H, 4L? Wiring? Room to add AC compressor? Any rust issues addressed? Thanks.
All shifting and 4wd functions excellent ;-) The A/C compressor just needs to be installed, everything else is in place for it. Wiring is all proper and functioning as well as gauges. The cabin light needs a new bulb. We had no rust issues to deal with and the body is fantastic top to bottom. Tires have no weather checking or tread wear and are about 3 years old.
I built a plastic model of this truck as a kid, in my model building phase. I remember putting on the chromatic decals.
It lasted until my blowing things up with firecrackers phase.
The wheels look wrong to me, other than that it’s a nice ride.