Choosing an appropriate project candidate can be challenging because the market is overflowing with possibilities. This 1979 Ford Bronco is a worthy contender. It is a dry climate survivor with no rust issues. It is in excellent mechanical health, meaning a new owner can enjoy it immediately while planning their strategies to return it to its former glory. It is ideal for someone considering a first restoration and is listed here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,100, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim on this classic.

It is fair to say that the First Generation Bronco failed to live up to Ford’s expectations. It envisaged sales of around 40,000 vehicles per year, but the 1974 total of 25,824 was as good as it got. The company would have been justified in retiring the badge at the end of 1977 but rolled the dice with a Second Generation model in 1978. Its faith was rewarded with a tripling of the previous sales record that year, and an incredible 104,038 Broncos rolled off the line in 1979. This is one of those vehicles which the original owner ordered in Code 1C Black. It has spent its life in its current location, helping to explain its rust-free state. The exterior is clean, and the underside shows nothing beyond the dry surface corrosion typical of classics from this area. The seller doesn’t state it, but the indications are the Bronco has received a repaint. The collection of chips and minor imperfections suggests a repeat performance is justified, although the healthy shine makes preservation a viable alternative. That might be the best approach if the winning bidder plans off-road adventures because additional scratches and marks won’t cause major stress. The trim and glass are in good order, and the Ford rolls on larger wheels and tires.

The Bronco’s interior is a mixed bag, featuring new seatcovers and fresh carpet. The covers look good, but the carpet needs adjusting to improve its presentation. The painted surfaces feature a selection of chips and marks, and the pad has succumbed to the Nevada sun. Someone has done an ordinary job installing the CD player, but dress trims are readily available to improve that situation. The sports wheel is missing its center, and some trim pieces require replacement. It is serviceable in its current form, but enhancing its presentation is achievable in a home workshop. Thankfully, it features air conditioning because the dark paint and blazing sun would make life quite unpleasant if that weren’t the case.

Buyers could choose from two V8s to power their 1979 Bronco, with this classic’s original owner selecting the 351M powerplant. Renowned more for its torque delivery than outright power, it churns out 156hp and 277 ft/lbs. Neither figure sounds startling, but with the torque peaking below 2,000rpm, these vehicles could climb into some pretty inaccessible locations with the powerplant barely ticking over. I noticed this engine appears to wear a reasonably new Holley carburetor, so it may have more to give the new owner. Any off-road adventures should be effortless, with the remaining major mechanical components including a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition, with the V8 strong and a transmission that shifts smoothly. If you live in a cold location, flying in for a Vegas vacation and driving home behind the wheel of this Bronco seems realistic and sounds awfully tempting!

The automotive world can be strange, and the Ford Bronco proves this. First Generation examples were unloved when new, but generate significant interest and frantic bidding when they hit the classic market. The 1979 Bronco sold like hotcakes in its heyday but doesn’t attract the same attention today. This one has received eight bids, which is modest by any measure. There is time for the situation to change, and it probably will. I would be surprised if it pushed far beyond $15,000 before the hammer falls, but with most of its needs able to be met by a competent person in a home workshop, I won’t rule out a higher figure. Would the straightforward nature of this restoration tempt you to pursue it further?