It is no secret that the First Generation Bronco is one of the strongest performers in today’s classic market. When it was new, it didn’t sell in anything like the volumes that Ford had hoped. Today, the Bronco has become an automotive must-have. Our feature car is a largely original survivor that is in a roadworthy state. It looks rough around the edges, but it has solid bones and its original V8 under the hood. It is begging to be restored, and the owner has recently listed it for sale here on eBay. The Ford is located in Medford, Oregon, and relatively subdued bidding has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $15,101.

How the buyer tackles this project will depend on their vision for the Bronco. Many owners focus on returning their vehicle to a factory-fresh state. However, if you check the current classic market, you will find just as many with bigger wheels and fender flares as part of the package. This Bronco meets us halfway because it rolls on wider wheels and flares on the rear wheel arches. Interestingly, such changes don’t seem to have a dramatic impact on potential value. It appears that as long as it’s a First Generation Bronco, it will command a good sale price. Purists will undoubtedly opt for an unmolested example, but many potential buyers seem happy to buy something less than 100% original. Apart from the wheels and flares, a previous owner has applied some Blue contrasts over the original Wimbledon White paint. I don’t mind this addition, but since the buyer will probably perform a repaint, that could stay or go as they see fit. First Generation Broncos are renowned for developing rust problems, and this one is no exception. However, its issues seem relatively minor compared to some that we’ve seen in recent times. It has impacted the floors, inner front fenders, and the leading edge of the hood. For potential buyers, it is a bonus that rust repair panels are readily available, and their price is surprisingly affordable. A perfect example is the inner fenders, with replacement sections selling for a mere $120 per side. Complete front floors retail for $670, and if the buyer wishes to return the rear wheel arches to their original form, lower quarter panels are $80 each. That can make whipping this body into shape an affordable exercise.

Ford offered 1970 Bronco buyers the choice of two engines, and the original owner of this one opted for the 302ci V8. With 205hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, it provided sparkling performance for a vehicle of this type. It may not have been a muscle car, but the ¼-mile ET of 17 seconds was not to be taken lightly. The previous owner ditched the original transmission, and the Bronco now features a three-speed manual of unknown origin. The engine bay is clean enough, but this beast’s strength lies in its mechanical health. The owner mainly uses this old Ford during weekends, but he says that it runs and drives well. He has recently installed a new clutch, and he says that the V8 fires with every turn of the key. He identifies a slight oil leak as the only fault, which means that this old girl could be ready to hit the road as soon as the successful bidder hands over the cash.

The Bronco’s interior is serviceable, and the addition of a CD player indicates that the seller likes a spot of entertainment on the move. He has installed slipcovers over the seats, so the state of the upholstery is unclear. There is also an aftermarket roll-bar, and whether that stays or goes will be another decision for the buyer to make. The painted surfaces look tired, and the interior would benefit from a cosmetic refresh if it is to present at its best. I’ve discussed the benefits of trim kits in previous articles, and they provide a total solution for an interior refit. At $1,600, they include everything a discerning owner could want without the need to go hunting for minor clips or hardware that can cause frustration. That would be the path I would follow, and I suspect that the buyer will do likewise.

We’ve seen quite a few First Generation Broncos in recent times here at Barn Finds, and their condition has varied wildly. They have ranged from vehicles that look like they’ve just rolled off the showroom floor through to ones with more rust than healthy steel. Their desirability can be measured by their climbing values within the classic market. These increases show no signs of slowing, and it seems possible where the day will come when they have slipped beyond the financial reach of the average enthusiast. Fully restored, this Bronco should sell for more than $50,000 any day of the week. Getting it to that point doesn’t look like it would be difficult or particularly expensive. That’s why I won’t be surprised if the bidding rises significantly before the hammer falls on this auction.