Early Ford Broncos – and square body SUVs in general – continue to be in high demand among enthusiasts and collectors alike. Broncos like this one are typically coveted for having uncut fenders, but this example also sports the patina’d remnants of an original “Explorer” package which included the stripes down the sides of the body you see here. Burnt Orange is a special color and one you don’t often see, and the seller has made only very minor improvements to the Bronco while leaving the bulk of the truck in untouched, original condition. Find it here on eBay where bidding has reached $17,000 and there’s no reserve.
The original hubcaps remain attached and all glass is said to be crystal-clear and free from cracks. The seller operates a restoration shop in addition to selling vehicles, so they’ve already installed new tires and have listed several options for improving the Bronco if desired. This includes fixing one of the few spots of rust that has gone all the way through, located on the driver’s side rocker panel. Otherwise, there’s just surface-level patina to worry about or leave completely alone for that roughed-in look. The Bronco spent its time with one family in Colorado before being listed by the seller, which helps explain its impressive cosmetics.
The engine, amazingly, retains all of its original smog equipment, which means it can be registered legally in California (assuming it passes, which the seller is confident it will.) So many cars of this vintage have had smog components removed (for obvious and justifiable reasons) that it makes it difficult to register in places that have stringent regulations regarding emissions testing. How many otherwise desirable vehicles have you seen cross the auction block but be relatively useless to California buyers who don’t want the hassle of tracking down and re-installing all of the factory smog parts? The seller notes they have “refreshed” the engine but doesn’t elaborate about what that includes.
The interior has been lightly restored, which included the installation of new carpeting and vinyl seat covers. The cabin otherwise remains largely original, with the factory radio still in the dash and super clean door panels. The back seat isn’t currently installed but will be included with the sale. The seller is including NOS material for recovering the seats in the factory correct upholstery, and also offers sellers the options of doing this work before delivery. As noted in the listing, Explorer package Broncos are desirable, especially ones that haven’t been painted and had their original stripe kit deleted. Bidding is active – where do you think it will end up?
Cut those tiny wheel well openings and put some big meats on it. Throw in a JC Whitney sunroof also, then you got something.
Livin’ in the 80’s
Yeah, no.
Just give it a 3 inch lift and those wheelwells will be just fine. The I asking I do like a good clean have job
Ad mentions how nice the Bronco drives with power steering. This one clearly is not equipped with power steering.
Good eye! This is an oddly spec’d Explorer without power steering, but with power brakes and the 3 speed manual.
1976 they didn’t make anything without PS. Sorry that is not prepared historic times
Looks salvageable without tons of body work!! Motor compartment is surprisingly clean!! I always liked the standard broncos better!! Can’t believe it’s at 17K though!!!
Right? Welcome to the new reality I guess….
Fortunately, I bought a nice 76 10 years ago for under 10K. In fact, I think it is the only vehicle that I have ever (well could ever, cause I aint sellin it) make money on.
Today, power steering is the easiest thing to add. Go the electric assist route, where the electric assist components hide under the dash while the engine compartment pulleys and steering box remain stock. Only thing that you optionally need to source is an extra steering column main shaft, as one will have to be cut.
Standard equipment rebuild kit used on shifter socket. Hose clamp. Looks like a decent bronk-wonder what it will bring? Good luck, can’t believe these are bringing this kind of coin, try taking a corner fast with one of these and you will be on your roof.
Cheers
GPC
There’s a company in Florida that fully customizes then and is selling them for $175,000– $250,000 !
That brown stuff isn’t patina!!! It’s rust. Please stop misusing the word.
For it’s current bid of $18,100 I would like to see some under carriage photos as the drivers rocker is swiss cheese.
Makes me wish I invented Velcro or zip ties or something so I could mindlessly dole out the 17+k and another sizable amount to make it ultra sweet. Oh well, maybe next lifetime. Thanks for the drool anyway 😊
“…retains all of its original smog equipment…”
B nice 2 see that plastic frm snorkel, past battery, up 2 grill. Can’t have everything…
just a beater (but v e r y expensive now). I prefer them this way rather then the ones so gone over they just ‘remind me’ of the bronk.
Can’t believe the money they want for these. I think a lot of people are gonna get burned one day when the wrecks are rebuilt, everyone that wants one has one and prices drop. Same thing happened with Mustangs. Every wreck was suddenly 15k and nice ones were soaring past 50k. Now that same car is down by at least 30%.
I have a 74 bronco sport and I’m in California…its smog exempt
76 Broncos have a catalytic converter, so even in Colorado not emissions exempt.
How can you possibly compare to the mustang? Dumb comment, no research. Ford averaged 15,000 built per year from 1966 to 1977. Mustangs during that time topped 4 million in production. Your comment doesnt stand the test of demand and availability.