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Free Wheelin’ Package: 1978 Ford Bronco

This 1978 Ford Bronco was already a rare bird for being equipped with the hard-to-find “Free Wheelin'” package, but it’s made even more unique by virtue of being an original Hallmark RV camper conversion. The Free Wheelin’ package was largely just a cosmetic upgrade consisting of the decals you see here, but original examples with the stripe kit still intact are hard to come by. Combine with the fact that in general square-body Broncos like this are generally always difficult to find in unmodified condition and/or without rusty fenders, and you have a bit of a unicorn with this one. Find the Bronco here on eBay with bids approaching $30,000 with no reserve.

The seller estimates that the Hallmark conversion makes this Bronco one of less than 200 made. He estimates that it’s even more limited in terms of production numbers when you factor in the Free Wheelin’ package, and he’s likely not wrong. There are not that many of these trucks floating around these days, so to combine it with a limited run of camper conversions likely does put it in the single-digit production range. You can’t help but wonder if Ford was trying to create some of its own open-road magic like GM was going with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer Chalet and GMC Jimmy Casa Grande.

And if they were, the Bronco variety didn’t seemingly take off with quite the same popularity as the Blazer. The interior of the camper shell is in spectacular condition and really does look good enough to live in right now. The seller reports that the “carpet and seat” were redone, and I’m assuming he is referring to the carpeting in the driver’s compartment as the camper shell itself appears to have nice-looking laminate flooring. The reference to a reupholstered seat could also be the front bench or it could be this couch-like seating arrangement in the camper shell. Either, way, both parts of the Bronco’s cabin present extremely well, and the seller notes that the camper attachment is equipped with a “pop-top” roof, propane-forced air furnace, two-burner stove top, sink, and a converter for house battery.

The 400 V8 and automatic transmission have 161K indicated miles and are both said to run and work well. The seller doesn’t mention any recent maintenance that the drivetrain benefits from, so I might plan to replace the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor, along with all fluids, as a matter of smart preventative maintenance. The truck certainly looks like it has been loved, but the listing notes the need for potential floor replacement on the driver’s side. That’s pretty minor in the grand scheme of things considering how rusty some of these Broncos are at this point, and combined with the rarity of the Free Wheelin’ and Hallmark conversion, it’s not surprising to see how active the bidding is at the moment.

Comments

  1. Avatar Howard A Member

    Well, I can speak for most over 60, “Free Wheelin”, one thing comes to mind, The Fabulous Freak Brothers, with “Freewheelin’ Franklin”, whose catch phrase was “Dope will get you though times of no money, better than money through times of no dope”. Whether Ford had that intent or not, we’ll never know, but car companies usually jumped in with catchy names they think will sell vehicles, in this case, a go anywhere camper, doesn’t get more “Free Wheelin”‘ than this. Looks like a nice unit and $30g’s is pure baloney.

    Like 12
    • Avatar timothy r herrod

      When i saw the freewheeling in the first paragraph Franklin was who i thought of, The fabulous furry freak brothers were hilarious IMHO. A few years ago i got a little nostalgic and bought a few issues off of E-BAY. Still funny 40 years later. Thanks for the memories

      Like 2
  2. Avatar Claudio

    Never seen or heard of this , this is very unique .being an rv’er this is quite the plaything but way overpriced for my comfort

    Like 3
    • Avatar anm

      It’s a no-reserve auction, so you can’t really say it’s overpriced. That’s what people are willing to pay for it.

      Like 6
    • Avatar Doug Ehrle

      This was originally put on international scouts. I’ve been looking for the camper for a few years.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Don Page Jr.

    High mileage, no A/C, and questionable body work. Pass.

    Like 3
  4. Avatar trav66

    This is the perfect deer hunting rig! Plus Broncos (and Blazers) have been going up in value.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Stan

      Agree Trav 👍 gun rack , and winch and your set.

      Like 1
  5. Avatar bull

    I have a similar Hallmark Built Bronco Specific Camper mounted on my 1990 Centurion C350 4 Door 4WD 1 Ton Bronco.

    Superb setup for off-road adventures!

    Like 5
  6. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Located in:
    Tacoma, Washington

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Russ Ashley

    Sometimes I’m surprised at prices I see on EBay, and this is one of those times. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t really care, it’s their money and assuming their wife let’s them spend it it’s fine with me. I would have guessed this one would top out at less than $10K and it’s now three times that much. I will give it this much, it is rare, as I have never seen one. Like any sale, if the seller is happy and the buyer is happy then it’s a good deal.

    Like 5
  8. Avatar T. Mann Member

    Winning bid: US $30,517.00 Yesterday.
    Overly shiny tires, no engine picture, no maintenance reported.
    Is it worth that much?
    HOPEFULLY the buyer has seen the vehicle IN ADVANCE.

    Like 2
  9. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Ended: Jan 10, 2022 , 5:33PM
    Winning bid:US $30,517.00
    [ 46 bids ]

    Like 0

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