Ford had high hopes for the model when it introduced the First Generation Bronco in 1966. The initial reception was positive, but sales subsequently floundered. However, a largely unloved vehicle has found new legs in the classic community. This Bronco is from the first production year, and the winning bidder must tow it home. That means locating a trailer, but the seller could have them covered on that front. The Bronco is listed here on eBay in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Bidding has raced past the reserve to sit at $8,900.

Potential buyers should consider this Bronco an unknown quantity. The existing Green paint isn’t original, and it is peeling in places to expose the factory Code H Sahara Beige. The buyer will undoubtedly strip the panels to bare metal as part of a high-end restoration, which may expose any existing rust issues or prior repairs. There are few visible externally, but the seller admits there are holes in the floors. It would be worth checking the front inner wheel wells and the pillars because all can succumb to problems. The vehicle rolls on larger wheels and tires, but the previous owner didn’t cut the fenders to accommodate them. One area they did cut was the roof, filling the hole with an aftermarket glass sunroof. Reversing that change is possible, an option I would consider as part of a faithful restoration. The glass looks excellent for its age, as do most trim pieces. One practical feature is the front PTO-driven factory winch. It are not seen every day and adds to the potential value of this classic.

Powering this Bronco is a 289ci V8, although it isn’t numbers-matching. It is of 1966 vintage, sending its power to the road via the typical three-speed manual transmission and dual-range transfer case. The original motor produced 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. We can only speculate on the replacement’s power because its specifications are unknown. It doesn’t run, although it turns freely. The previous owner of thirty-nine years began working to return it to a running state, fitting a new fuel tank, carburetor, and starter. The vehicle rolls freely, making loading it onto a trailer pretty easy. If you don’t own one, the seller can come to your rescue. They have an ex-Penske hire trailer in excellent condition they are willing to sell. It features disc brakes and upgraded lights, and accepting the offer adds $5,000 to the Bronco’s sale price.

I’m sure you won’t be shocked to learn that this Bronco’s interior requires total restoration. The most critical components, like the seats, are intact. A vintage Ford air conditioning unit is mounted under the dash, while an aftermarket radio/cassette player occupies the spot normally reserved for the factory AM radio. Other changes include a sports wheel and the shifter moved from the column to the floor. The upgrades are reversible, and doing so would be wise if the seller wants to maximize the return on their investment.

Ford sold 23,776 Broncos during its first year, leading the company to believe it had created a winner. However, sales slumped significantly in the following years, not surpassing the first-year total until 1974. This one is largely unmolested but requires a total restoration. It must be towed home, but would you buy the excellent trailer the seller offers, or would your approach be BYO?