UPDATE – This 1979 Ford Bronco Free Wheelin’ Edition is listed for sale again after it was featured two months ago here on Barn Finds. It’s posted here on eBay and is still located in San Antonio, Texas. The story is a bit different this time, however. Last time, it was said to have spent most of its life on a ranch in Mexico, and this time, it’s said to be a New Mexico vehicle. Also, there is no VIN listed, which can be a red flag for potential buyers who like to research a vehicle’s history. They say they hate the DMV, so maybe they’ve had a bad experience or two… Back in June, it sold for $26,999, and the current bid price is $11,600.
FROM 06/11/2025 – One of my favorite cities on the globe is where this 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT with the Free Wheeling package is located: San Antonio, Texas. It’s a place you have to visit if you haven’t been there before, and even if you have been, you’ll want to go back again and again. It’s about 2.5 hours north of the Mexican border, where this truck spent most of its adult life. The seller has it listed here on eBay; the current bid is $8,300, but the reserve hasn’t been met.
Mexico is one of the few countries that I haven’t been to, which is weird since it’s so close. The seller says this Bronco made its way to a ranch in Durango, Mexico in the 1980s, was recently brought back to the U.S., and is in San Antonio, TX now. They can work with you on getting it titled if you need that service. Having spent so many decades in a dry climate, it appears well-preserved, even underneath. Hagerty is at $37,000 for a #3 good-condition Ranger, so this one has a way to go.
The second-generation Bronco was quite an upgrade from the small, somewhat antiquated first-gen Broncos, and we’ve seen a million of them over the years here on Barn Finds. They’re one of the hot vehicles, and it has to be for the sake of memories, or maybe quaintness, or who knows why a vehicle gets to be on “the list” these days. The big second-generation Bronco was made for only two years, 1978 and 1979, and this one is the top-trim Ranger XLT. It also has the Free Wheelin’ graphics package, and new wheels and tires, of course.
I’m assuming the padded dash top has seen better days, as there’s a pad on it. The hot southwest sun can be harsh on soft things, like fabrics and people. The rest of the interior looks nice from what we can see, with cool patterned fabric seats, a steering wheel that appears uncracked, and fancy faux wood trim. The seller says there’s no scary rust, just a bit of surface or minor rust, and everything is original.
The engine is Ford’s 351-cu.in. OHV V8, which had 158 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque when new. It’s sent through a transfer case and automatic transmission to all four wheels as needed. It’s said to run and drive as it should. Have any of you transferred a Mexican vehicle title to the U.S.?
Good job Scotty. This generation of Broncos has really taken off in recent years. This one looks solid and not abused, but does show its age in places (e.g. the eye-catching graphics). Highly optioned. If it was mine, I think I would upgrade it, but it’s probably fine as-is.
I like it a lot. I don’t have that kind of money for a play vehicle, but if I did, I’d certainly want a title instead of help getting one. It seems like the seller should already have the title in hand.
How do you wax graphics like these?
Nice looking Bronco.
These always grsbbed my attention when seeing them around bsck in the day.
I am glad its state side to avoid hassle of transferring back to the US.
Hopefully its past does not have it in a data base quota system for removal..😜
I never bought a vehicle from Mexico but I assume it is not a slam dunk to bring it across the border to title and register. I would think to make the sale easy the seller would have already obtained a Texas title. My state is difficult to title even if there is a title already so I will have to pass on this Bronco.
The seller is trying to avoid sales tax and title,reg. fees.At almost 10% of 35k, I can’t say I blame him.
No AC, no thanks. No wonder there is not a lot of miles on it. I had a 92 Bronco, one of the better tow vehicles as the turning radius was perfect for putting a boat in some very narrow spots.
From what I’ve read, the buyer needs the vehicle and all required documentation (the bill of sale, foreign registration, and other documents as required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)). Then have them inspected by CBP. Once that’s done, the buyer needs to get and complete the EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7. Then bring it to the DHSMV for inspection and registration plus payment of all taxes and fees.
Sounds like a headache, which is most likely why the current owner never did it.
There are body shop /repair facilities that go to Mexico and find old cars and trucks and bring them back and fix them up and sell them.They will help you register vehicle in states for a fee, and guarantee you will get a title (wink,wink)from Texas, got a very nice 944 turbo this way, was from Mexico City, and was legitimate, definitely pain in nether region to try to do on your own.
“400M, 4 or 5 speed (OD on automatic /or/ manny)
and
the slider side, rear windows”, I say.
(we got the ford’n cheb of it all today)
Auction update: this one sold for $26,999.