Drive it Home: 1979 Ford Bronco

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Fly in and drive it home. That line can make almost any classic look tempting, particularly if the buyer is seeking a turnkey proposition that will provide immediate motoring pleasure. That is the option available with this 1979 Ford Bronco. It presents nicely and is ready to deliver a life of adventure without the buyer spending a dime beyond the purchase price. I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Bronco listed here on Craigslist in Hudson, Massachusetts. Simply hand the seller $42,500 and you could head into the sunset behind the wheel of this fabulous Ford.

Ford Launched its Second Generation Bronco for the 1978 model year and, with the development of its successor well advanced, it only graced showroom floors for two years. However, its success cemented the badge in the company’s product range, and although it spent over two decades in the wilderness from 1996, it returned with a flourish in 2021. The first owner ordered this 1979 example in Black, and when combined with the larger wheels and tires, it has a genuinely menacing presence. The vehicle’s presentation is extremely nice for a vehicle of this type and age, with no mention of a history of repairs or restoration. If the Bronco is original, that makes its preservation extremely impressive. The sparkling chrome perfectly contrasts the mirror-like paint, and the glass looks excellent. There is no evidence or mention of rust, while the seller’s willingness to provide videos of this classic seems to indicate they have nothing to hide.

This Bronco’s interior is almost as impressive as the exterior, with only carpet fading revealing the vehicle’s age. The Black and Gray upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear, and the dash and pad are excellent. The back seat appears to have seen little use, and the lack of paint scratches suggests this Bronco has been treated respectfully. It appears that the buyer will score cruise control and an aftermarket stereo, but I don’t think they receive air conditioning.

Bronco buyers in 1979 could select from two engines to power their new purchase. The entry-level 351M V8 generates 156hp and 278 ft/lbs of torque. The optional 400 boosts power only slightly, which may motivate some readers to question why you would bother to spend the extra cash. However, the torque figure climbs to 314 ft/lbs, providing a more effortless towing or off-roading experience. This Bronco features the 351 that is hooked to a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case to provide excellent traction when the going becomes slippery. Power assistance for the steering and brakes will also be welcome, especially when twirling the wheel that directs those enormous tires. The seller claims that this classic has a genuine 90,000 miles on the clock without mentioning verifying evidence. However, they state that it runs and drives perfectly, the 4×4 system works as it should, and the new owner could drive this baby home.

The lack of success the First Generation Bronco achieved off the showroom floor could have seen Ford retire the badge in 1977. However, its successor realized the promise the company had expected previously, with 104,038 buyers taking one home in 1979. To place that figure in perspective, it almost equates to the combined total sales of the First Generation Bronco during its five most successful years. Buyers liked what they saw, and were willing to vote with their wallets. This one looks like a gem that can be enjoyed immediately. The seller’s price is well above the market average, which probably explains why it is still available a month after hitting the market. Do you think they will taste success, or will compromise be required for this Bronco to find a new home?

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Comments

  1. Harvey HarveyMember

    This deserves a better exhaust system.

    Like 0
  2. David Zornig

    Posting Expired.

    Like 1
  3. RICK W

    As most know, I’ve never been interested in vehicles like this. But Thanks for another trip down memory lane. On my first trip to San Francisco (1984) my host had a red Bronco. Before he moved from the Midwest he always drove sports or full size upscale coupes. When I saw that Bronco, I thought WTF? I also realized he had adapted Western Wear for casual use. Guess The Cowboy was happy ridin his Bronco. Among other things, I learned to line dance to *The Boot 🥾 Scoot Boogie *. I’m sure he didn’t pay nearly as much for his NEW Bronco as this one. Funny how some vehicles become desirable and valuable, while us old timers are often thought to be WORTH LESS 🤔. Well, *Save A Horse, Drive A Bronco * could be a good idea! Even at this price, it looks to be far below buying a new SUV at well over $80,000. And it even has CHROME bumpers! Yee Haaa!

    Like 2
  4. RICK W

    I should have mentioned before, when I post a comment, for some reason it frequently posts twice. Finally found out that by going back out and coming back, I can delete the duplicate. Always trying to help. Unfortunately, often trying other people’s patience 😪.

    Like 1
    • Jon Rukavina

      Rick W, you do a good job of trying my patience with a single post! LMAO! Had to throw you a jab!
      I think we’ve all run into that issue on here. No problem, buddy.

      Like 0
    • Jon Rukavina

      Well, Rick W, you can try my patience with a single post! LMAO! Just had to throw you a jab, buddy.
      Really, all of us have had this issue. I don’t think any of us mind.

      Like 1
    • QPbmCRVM Jesse MortensenStaff

      Are you clicking the submit button twice?

      Like 0
      • Jon Rukavina

        Jesse, guess I did this time. Didn’t look like it went. What can I say.

        Like 0
  5. George

    My wife just bought a new 4 door bronco with the bigger engine and fully loaded for the same price. Not comparable but just strange to me how it seems many classics are going for the same price as the new cars now. Another.example are my mustangs: I own a new one and a 68. When the new one was new I paid the same for it.as my.68 is worth.

    Like 0
  6. Big C

    Funny how things go. The big Bronco’s were always under the radar, but when the originals became six figure ego strokers? You see ads like this.

    Like 1
  7. Steve

    I saw a very nice original paint 79 one year ago for 12,000. Forty whatever thousand is a joke.

    Like 2
  8. Jon Rukavina

    As someone said in the ’57 Olds ad, this Bronco isn’t worth anything close to the Olds for the same price. WHAT? This doesn’t even have a/c let along power windows, (if they were available) Well, ad is expired so did any of you early lookers notice if this even has a power tailgate window?
    Either someone with money to burn has forked over the outrageous money or seller changed his mind, who knows?

    Like 0

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