To the casual observer, it may seem that we feature plenty of First Generation Broncos at Barn Finds. That could be a fair observation, but we do so for a sound set of reasons. When Ford released the vehicle in time for the 1966 model year, they had grand plans of reaching sales targets of 50,000 vehicles per year. The reality proved very different, and our feature Bronco is 1-of-18,450 sold during the 1970 model year. Therefore, their relative rarity ticks the first box for us. Because they were largely unloved and felt outdated fairly quickly, many were used, abused, and generally mistreated. If that didn’t claim a few scalps, the ever-present specter of rust was lurking in the wings. That significantly reduced the numbers, adding further justification for inclusion on our site. However, the Bronco’s change in fortune and desirability lures potential owners today and cements its place on the pages of Barn Finds. A vehicle that was unloved a few decades ago has become an automotive “must-have.” That means that even the roughest and rustiest examples can achieve some remarkable auction results. Our feature Ford is a blank canvas that needs plenty of TLC. Its next owner will have many choices to make, but when you look at some of the project Broncos that have crossed our desks recently, this one appears competitively priced. Located in Sugar Land, Texas, you will find the Bronco listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $13,950, and there are seventy-one people currently watching the listing.

For those who have dealt with First Generation Broncos in the past, you will know that there’s a bit to consider with any project build. It appears that this vehicle has led an adventurous life because not only does Dark Blue paint now conceal its original Candy Apple Red, but the fenders are cut to accommodate larger wheels and tires. Both of these modifications are pretty common, and with replacement steel readily available and affordable, reversing the changes should not be complicated or expensive. However, as we dig deeper, we discover that the next owner will have some tasks ahead of them. External rust seems primarily confined to the passenger side, with rust in the lower door and outer rocker. The rest of the exterior looks pretty clean, while the prone A & B pillars seem structurally sound. The frame wears a heavy coating of surface corrosion, but there’s no penetration. The floors are a different story, so replacement pans and the usual front inner fender sections will need to go on the shopping list. The buyer will need to take stock of the existing trim because many pieces are damaged or missing. Several pieces of glass are broken or cracked, adding further to the restoration cost.

Lifting the hood reveals why this Bronco could be best considered a blank canvas. Its original owner ordered the vehicle with a 302ci V8 that produced 205hp. With a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case feeding the power to the road, the Bronco would have stormed the ¼ mile in an impressive 17 seconds neat. However, with 90% of its 300 ft/lbs of torque available below 2,000rpm, this classic would have been capable of inching its way across hostile terrain with ease. As you can see, that original V8 is long gone. The rest of the drivetrain remains intact, so the buyer will need to choose what to slot into the engine bay. Locating a period-correct 302 should not pose a huge challenge, although they may consider something more modern that includes fuel injection. It is an option worth considering because the additional refinement of EFI could prove beneficial when tackling those rough tracks or river crossings.

The Bronco’s interior continues the blank canvas theme because what you see is what you get. There are no seat frames or mounting hardware, while some components are gone from the dash. Because there was little change in the design of these components during the Bronco’s twelve-year production run, sourcing these pieces should be possible. That still leaves a retrim on the horizon, and the cost will depend on the buyer’s vision for this classic. Trim kits in the correct colors and materials retail for around $2,000, although there are some custom options that the next owner may consider. Some companies offer updated foam to fit over standard seat frames to improve lateral support and comfort. Therefore, it might be a case of letting the imagination run wild.

Originality is usually crucial with classic cars, but exceptions will appear occasionally. If this 1970 Bronco were 100% original and restored, I would expect it to command a value of $70,000 if that owner achieves perfection. However, modified versions can grab potential buyers and motivate them to part with some impressive mountains of cash. I located a 302-equipped example that its owner had treated to some mild performance upgrades, with spotless presentation and laser straight panels, that vehicle sold for $90,000. Therefore, just because our feature Ford can never be numbers-matching, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s potentially a poor investment. If the buyer has a clear vision and doesn’t compromise on quality, it could achieve that sort of value. Are you tempted to accept that challenge?