My sister recently bought a new Bronco Sport Heritage, which is a retro-themed model that harkens back to the original ’66 (according to Ford). Being as I tend to insert my nose where it doesn’t belong when it comes to cars, I lobbied for her to consider the new Free Wheeling package, which was inspired by this ’79 Bronco and its “chromatic” stripe package. In my opinion, if you’re going retro anyway, you might as well make it as outlandish as possible (hey, my daily driver is a Sublime Challenger). Obviously, it would be better to cut out the middleman and simply buy an original Free Wheeling Bronco, such as this one on eBay. Its current high bid is already $10,500, so these big Broncos have clearly picked up some steam in the marketplace.
The seller doesn’t mince words; the Bronco needs to be restored, and it’s earned it. It will need new quarters and a passenger door at the very least.
But the frame and floors are surprisingly solid for a truck that was sold in Minnesota (according to the Marti Report) and is being sold in Pennsylvania. If you’re handy with a welder and can wield a paint gun with any competence, this could be a winter project. The stripes may be another issue, but several outlets online sell stripe kits (in the $800 price range, on average). I’d want to hire a professional for the stripes myself, because that’s a lot of money when one invariably pulls the backing at the wrong time.
According to the brochure, only two engines were available: the 351 and the 400. The seller says that this is the 351M (I agree based on the valve covers), which is similar to the 400. Both made about 150-160 horsepower; such was the way of the world in 1979. I have always heard that the “M” in 351M denoted “Modified,” as in the 400 was modified with a 351 crankshaft and unique pistons; however, there is apparently some disagreement about that. Others think it means “Michigan” or “Mexico.” Feel free to dive into that debate if you’re so inclined.
The engine is probably the least interesting part about this Bronco. With super ’70s graphics and a complementary red ’70s interior, complete with captain’s chairs, how could you not fall in love with it? It’s Ford truck tough and parts are readily available. It’s a four-by-four, so it has that off-road cachet that so many people fall for. Sure, some people don’t want a restoration project, but this one isn’t bad by most standards. At what price point does it become a mere labor of love and no longer financially sensible? We’ll have to see – this one is scheduled to sell on Saturday.
Aaron, you had the same line of thought as I had when first seeing this Bronco: what goes around, comes around…. because as you note Ford now is offering a Free Wheeling package on the Bronco Sport. It has a similar red/orange/yellow body stripe package, and matching “Sunset Weave” upholstery. To me, it looks pretty cool. Just like these Broncos looked cool in their day.
This generation of Broncos is quite popular. This example has had mechanical work and now needs body work (plus other fixes I suspect). I hope it will get additional love.
Bob the Bronco model has always been a home run. Even liked the little Bronco II.
The stripes on those Fords were stunning, but they sure do not wear well. How hard is it going to be to remove those, will a sand blaster do it?
I’ll wade into the “M” discussion as I long wondered myself as a longtime Ford nut and Bronco historian. I had heard “Modified”, “Michigan” and “Midland” (for some reason) over the years. I searched on the internet a lot when I was working on my book and couldn’t come up with anything conclusive.
A few years ago, I was sent some images from some official Ford parts books documentation that referred to it as “Modified”. So that settled it for me.
Actually, the “M” stood for “mundane”, as in performance. They were smog motors. I always looked at this generation of Bronco as a pig compared to the original Bronco, which I’d love to own. Oh well, to each their own and good luck to the buyer.
I had a 78 with the same paint scheme except all the side graphics were removed and all it had was 1 graphic down the door and across the front fender below the hood. Mine was actually beautiful lifted 6 and 3 in body pucks. I was always told the M meant modified meaning a 351 with 400 heads and other 400 components. Interior had 4 high back buckets, the back 2 swiveled. I sold it in 90 to move to Florida and regret it every second. I use to show it at the Petersons 4-wheel drive Nationals show every year at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. I’d love to find it actually. It was named WildThing lol
Wow!?! 10K for a rusted Bronco with questionable mechanics, who would of thought? I think you can build up a 400M to get some good torque and they will accept a C6 transmission so it could be a good off road vehicle…
A C6 transmission is what the factory equipped them with originally. A C6 was the only automatic available with the 351/400M engine.
I love these Broncos “78 & ’79. The XLT was the top of the line and when this one was new with this graphic on black was a real head turner. These were real fun vehicles. I would take a “78 or ’79 over the original style any day.
Man I really like these broncos. Several years ago a radio controlled car company made these with the same stripe package but in 1/10 scale. They came with either the red or sunset stripes.
https://www.rcsuperstore.com/traxxas-trx-4-1979-ford-bronco-4wd-rtr-crawler-trail-truck-with-clipless-body/
I recently saw a really nice one of these a couple weeks ago sold at a muscle car used dealer. They wanted $99, 995!
https://www.highoctaneclassics.com/vehicles/683/1979-ford-bronco
Sold on 11/23/2024 for a high bid of $14,000.
Steve R