UPDATE 9/9/23 – This Bronco has popped back up here on eBay but this time it is on the other side of the country in Torrance, California.
FROM 5/1/23 – This 1972 Ford Bronco Explorer may look a bit rough around the edges, but the seller has spent a considerable sum on it so a new owner can slip behind the wheel and drive it home. It isn’t 100% original, but it seems to be structurally sound. It means the buyer could choose between restoration and preservation. If you have a clear vision for this classic and wish to make it a reality, you will find the Bronco listed here on Craigslist in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The seller’s price is $42,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting it.
The supplied photos of this Prairie Yellow Bronco are inconclusive because there are no shots of the more rust-prone areas like the floors or front inner wheel wells. This Bronco spent its life in Montana, with the seller claiming it is solid. The exterior has its share of visible corrosion, and some looks like it might be bordering on penetrating rust. Considering how prone these classics are to those issues, treating it to prevent further deterioration would be wise if the new owner chooses preservation over restoration. The panels look relatively straight and free from dings and dents. However, the piece of timber bolted to the passenger-side rear quarter panel is a mystery. The seller has sunk a considerable sum into the Bronco, tackling areas not visible in the exterior shots. They have fully restored the frame, meaning that aspect of the vehicle is structurally sound. There is no missing trim, and the glass looks okay.
We receive no photos providing a clear overview of the Bronco’s interior, but there is plenty that can be determined by what is supplied. The seat upholstery is in good order, and the painted surfaces carry surface corrosion. There are new factory-style gauges and a retro-style Bluetooth stereo. It is serviceable but requires restoration to return to its best. There are no engine photos, but no shortage of supplied information on the vehicle’s specifications and mechanical health. Its engine bay houses a 170ci six that sends 82hp to the road via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. It appears the Bronco may retain its original engine, but the list of changes and upgrades is extensive. The factory carburetor has made way for a Holley Sniper fuel injection system. The front end is now a ’77 unit featuring Wilwood disc brakes. Its steering has been upgraded to Borgeson 4-turn power, while the Bronco received a new wiring harness, a new exhaust, and new tires. It is in excellent mechanical health, with the seller stating the new owner could hand over their money and drive it home. There is one point worth contemplating. The seller believes that the mechanical combination, combined with the original owner’s decision to order this classic with both the Explorer and Sports options, makes it a 1-of-1 vehicle. That claim requires further investigation. If it is accurate, potential buyers must assess whether it remains valid in light of the mechanical modifications and upgrades.
Whether the new owner chooses preservation or restoration, this 1972 Ford Bronco Explorer represents a significant investment. However, that is the harsh reality with these classics, as First Generation models remain highly sought after. The seller’s 1-of-1 claim is undermined by the mechanical upgrades performed, but reversing them is possible if the buyer prefers originality. That would be the best approach if they consider it a long-term financial investment. Otherwise, the upgrades should make it more civilized as a potential daily driver. Would you leave it as-is, or is the thought of a faithful restoration more to your liking?
Frame fully restored ,fuel injection but no pics and a 2×4 bolted to the side, give me a break.
Already discussed here a few months ago.
It’s got wood on the hood..very rare!
Those were really cool back in the day. I liked them in that light blue color. Guy we used to get into the Pennsylvania woods to hunt deer in one of these. I like them but I would NEVER pay what people are asking for these today.
These are piles of junk. I have owned three of them and hated each one. Dumb girls from California really likef them though…
William they’re not all piles of junk and if you hated the first, why would you buy a second (or third)?
And I happen to like girls from California.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRAeAsgawtw
I wouldn’t necessarily call them piles of junk because one of these got my Dad to work everyday (92 mile round trip) and believe me when it was paid off it was just worn out. He traded it at payoff. It got us deep into the Pennsylvania woods to hunt deer every year too. I like them but I would NEVER pay what people are asking for these nowadays.
You restore the frame, the mechanicals, and the interior. Then slap the rust(and wood) covered body back on? C’mon, man…
$42K for a rust bucket with a board bolted to the rear quarter? The tin worm who resides here has severe insomnia, it will never sleep!
Restored quarter with wood. I can just visualize the frame……hmmmm… yup, steel wall studs with 2x4s for strength and some recycled patio furniture. These are like the VW bus crowd, very overrated. There are no doubt lots of these being bought with buyers remorse, others are gambling on a big payout. Time will tell.
I’ve actually seen the patio furniture frame modification and a garage can lid cover welded in for a spare tire wheel well. Avoid the buyers remorse. It’s usually worse than it looks .
So you dont have to just worry about the tin worm but also termites? Also you do all this work but not one picture? Sad
Seriously what’s wrong with people?? $42,500 for this pile of rusty junk. Give me a break.
Too rusty for that price.i know they hold their value ,but C’ mon be serious
The wood makes it 1 ,of 1😁
I emailed him to please email me pics of all the new parts put in this truck!!! Let’s see what happens.
Plus it has ’67 Galaxie wheel covers.
1/4th that price & full restore is whats for most to consider…
Of the 3, 4 I ‘restored’ robbed prts to make my (in ’80s)
one – this is in better shape than most of them. BUT…
@ that time they were 2 – 4K$.
Still trying to figure out what you said.
May I suggest that you buy a dictionary,& use it?
Those panels look laser straight to me.
I have a theory on the boards. The one on the Fender is where the spare would fold back to, the hood , where the windshield folds down. Why it needs that ? Beats me
170 CI had one in the same year bronco, 3 on the tree most anemic Bronco ever but I only paid 1200 for it in 1991 traded it for a nice suzuki samurai that was so fun! Good ole days!