Finding a restoration project that runs and drives well can never be a bad thing. However, this ramps up a notch or three when the vehicle in question is as desirable as a 1st Generation Ford Bronco. This 1966 Pickup is one such vehicle, and the impression is that it is the sort of project that should be pretty straightforward. With these off-roaders continuing to increase in popularity and value, the day is not far away when they could move out of the reach of the average enthusiast. If you want to get in on the ground floor, you will find the Bronco located in Silt, Colorado, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently sits at $8,255, but this is still short of the reserve.

This Rangoon Red Bronco seems to have some critical points in its favor. The first of these is that it appears to be original and unmolested. It is common to see these with the fenders cut to accommodate larger wheels and tires, but nobody has hacked into this classic to do that. The second is that it appears to be remarkably short of rust problems. That is another weakness with 1st Generation Broncos, but the exterior of this one is as clean as a whistle. Apart from a few dings and marks, the panels would seem to need little more than some stripping, basic preparation, and for someone to apply a fresh coat of paint. The owner makes much of the vehicle’s lack of rust, and while the underside carries a significant coating of surface corrosion, there is nothing significant in the way of rot. I’m not sure whether there might be some beginning to develop in the front inner fenders. If there is, it wouldn’t be unusual. However, with this issue being so common, repair sections are easy to find and relatively cheap. The glass appears to be in good order, so that means that things look pretty promising to this point.

The early 1st Generation Broncos offered potential buyers little in the way of drivetrain options. Actually, the earliest examples came in a single mechanical configuration. In this case, we find a 170ci six-cylinder engine, a 3-speed manual transmission, and a dual-range transfer case. This offered the driver 105hp and 158 ft/lbs with which to play, making the Bronco a competent but not startling off-roader. If potential buyers are seeking further positives, the drivetrain offers plenty for them to consider. Like the body, it remains original and unmolested. The presentation of the engine bay isn’t that great, but the vehicle is in sound mechanical health. The owner says that it runs and drives well. That means it could be enjoyed immediately as a survivor, and the restoration work could proceed as time and circumstances allow.

The Bronco’s interior is serviceable as it currently stands, but it would undoubtedly benefit from a complete restoration. For me, the biggest issue is that someone has cut the doors to install aftermarket speakers. If the buyer seeks spotless originality, reversing this will require some welding work that many people would be happy to do without. The upholstered surfaces are beyond repair, while the dash pad is warped and cracked. As is the case with rust repair components, interior trim is plentiful and affordable. A trim kit, including a dash pad and rubber floor mat, would cost the buyer around $1,000. With the painted surfaces refreshed and a trim kit installed, the interior would look pretty slick.

When we step back and look at the classic market over the past five years, there have been some standout performers. One of the most impressive has been the 1st Generation Bronco. Ford managed to sell 23,776 examples during the 1966 model year, but these numbers tapered significantly in the following years. These vehicles fell out of grace, and values sank through the floor. However, they have experienced a resurgence, and buyers will struggle to find a respectable 1st Generation Pickup for less than $45,000. From there, the sky is the limit. If you want to include one in your life, maybe considering a project build like this could be your most affordable option.