Some classic vehicles can pose a nightmare to own or restore because various parts are made from that rare material called “unobtainium.” However, there are others where the parts supply is so comprehensive that you could perform a full restoration starting with little more than a set of tags and, oh, I don’t know, a single lug nut! That is the story with the 1st Generation Ford Bronco because virtually every part you could ever imagine, and a few that you can’t is readily available. Many of those pieces are quite affordable. That means that this 1966 model could be returned from the brink by a dedicated owner, and while it would take a lot of work, they would be starting with a Bronco that is about as cheap as you are likely to find in the market today. The Bronco is located in Franklin, Minnesota, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. You can load ’em up and move ’em out for a mere $3,950.

The Bronco started its life back in 1966 wearing Caribbean Turquoise paint. A coating of blue covered this at some point, but you can see the original shade peeking through in a few spots. Starting with the most positive piece of news, which is that the vehicle appears to be virtually complete. A few items like the front bumper are absent, but these are easy to find. The glass seems to be in good condition below the coating of dirt and gunk, but from there, things head downhill in a hurry. So, let’s talk about the subject of rust. There’s plenty of it, with the front fenders, the floors, and the prone front inner fenders all falling foul of the dreaded tin worm. There is also a spot in the tailgate and some in the hood, the front fenders, and the rockers. However, it isn’t all gloom and doom. The rear quarter panels look quite respectable, as do the doors and the roof. It isn’t clear what state the frame is in, but there is a chance that this Bronco is not as bad as first appearances might suggest.

Delving inside the Bronco reveals an interior that is complete, but it is another area that will require a lot of work if the vehicle is to be returned to a roadworthy state. The upholstery and seat foam are toast, but the dash pad looks remarkably good. There have been no aftermarket additions or modifications, and all of the painted surfaces could easily be restored. What this photo also reveals is just how much rust there is in the floors. It looks pretty severe and is well beyond the scope of simple patches.

This Bronco packs the entry-level 170ci 6-cylinder engine under the hood, although a 289ci V8 did become an option from March of 1966. In its prime, this would have produced 105hp and 158 ft/lbs of torque. Bolted to the back of the six is a 3-speed manual transmission, which sends the power to the 9″ rear end in 2-wheel-drive mode. Engage 4-wheel-drive in the Dana 20 transfer case, and power also finds its way to a Dana 30 front axle. It might not have been fast in a straight line, but its off-road performance would have been a match for its competition. Once again, this aspect of the Bronco looks complete, but we are entirely in the dark about the vehicle’s mechanical state. However, these Ford sixes are as tough as old boot leather, so if it still turns freely, it might be possible to revive it.

If this were any other off-roader of this vintage, I would place a huge question mark over its financial viability as a project in its current state. However, this is a 1st Generation Bronco, and they are hot property at present. If you go out into the market today, you will struggle to find an original and unmolested example in reasonable condition for under $50,000. From there, the sky is quite literally the limit because there have been a few exceptional examples in recent times that have broken into six-figure territory. Of course, if a faithful restoration is not your cup of tea, you could always hand the Bronco to a company like Icon 4×4 to create the bespoke Bronco of your dreams. There are plenty of options available for potential buyers. So, would you tackle it, or would it be biting off more than you could chew?