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Bullnose Survivor: 1983 Ford Bronco XLT

The “Bullnose” For Bronco has been quietly making in-roads as the latest member of the collector class of square-body SUVs. For years seen as a throwaway vehicle that got beaten up and left for dead on the trails (though it was rarely killable), nice ones have been appreciating at a decent pace, as enthusiasts prize them both for their utility and the nostalgia factor considering how many of us knew someone with one or remember one from an iconic big screen role. This 1983 model is a loaded-up example wearing original paint with some mild modifications under the hood, and is listed here on eBay with bids to $15,350 and a Buy-It-Now of $22,500. As of this writing, the reserve remains unmet.

The Bronco is located in Atlanta, and comes with the XLT package, front bench seat, and 302 V8. The seller notes some mild modifications both to address age-related wear-and-tear and to make the driving experience more enjoyable; fortunately, it’s all pretty tame. The body retains original Copper / Wimbledon White paint with a matching, removable hard top. Factory wheels remain attached as well, with no evidence of a lift kit or significantly upsized tires. The body looks laser straight going down the sides and across the tailgate, and the seller notes it has been part of a private collection for the last four years. Mileage is indicated as being 59,164.

The 302 V8 is said to start easily and idle smoothly, and there’s obvious evidence of some aftermarket tweaks under the hood; fortunately, the modifications seem well-executed, and include an Edelbrock 600 CFM four-barrel carburetor; Edelbrock Performer Manifold; aluminum heads with roller rocker arms; push rods; mild RV cam; Spectre Dual Snorkle Air Cleaner; and a full length dual exhaust with the headers deleted. The seller claims the sound is mellow and not obnoxious. Other improvements of the mechanical variety include new fan belts, fuel filter, and water pump. Four new shocks and locking hubs have also been added, and the windshield has been replaced.

The interior photos leave a lot to be desired, but from what we can see the upholstery looks respectable on the front and rear bench seats, and the seller notes only modest wear. The fact that the Bronco will accommodate six passengers with ease is a neat feature in a 4×4 like this, and could make it the ideal trail rig if you’ve got a few friends who want to come along for the ride. The seller further notes the original carpeting has been left in place, for while it is clearly original to the truck, it has no unsightly blemishes or stains. Privacy glass, the original radio, and functioning A/C are all features of the nicely preserved interior. The later Bronco may not be the most desirable generation out there, but there’s no denying this one is a nicely optioned survivor with some sensible mods under the hood.

Comments

  1. Avatar BRAKTRCR

    Reminds me of the “Longmire Bronco” although the paint scheme is reversed. That color is Copper? Seems really red to me, but it sure looks nice. I’m a Chevy guy, but this Bronco is a nice 4 wheeler, all around. Would love to have it, and I think the price is certainly in the ball park

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    Nice Bronco. Well-maintained, and the mods are not excessive or outrageous. I always liked the multi-hued striped upholstery of the day. Will bring a solid price.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Miguel

    Are there buyers for these Broncos now?

    Like 0
    • Avatar 1-MAC

      Sure are. A real 4WD, with a full frame and a v-8. Few are made that way. And all wheel drive is not the same.

      Like 2
    • Avatar chrlsful

      just comin in, switch yer buys/restore business to these/fox stangs (actually its a lill past that to start now, but get on board).
      ! Look at the age demographics !
      Buy local, complete, ship North, Miguel (NYC, NY, Chicago, Baltim, Philly, Boston)…

      Like 0
  4. Avatar 8thNote

    I had an ’84 Bronco back in the mid 90s. Two tone tan and brown. Mine was not near as nice of condition as this one though. I had a 351W with a Holley 600 and C4 auto trans. 3″ lift with 35″ BFGs. It would only run on premuim gas and got about 7 mpg. Gas was still under $1 per gallon back then though.

    I think the BIN price on this one is very fair, especially for the condition.

    Like 0

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