This 1979 Ford Bronco is a mixture of old and new, with some key period details still preserved in amazing condition and some liberties taken with desirable modifications. The Free Wheeling package amounted to a cosmetic dress-up kit, but the marquee feature was the side stripes that still adorn this Bronco – and incredibly, the seller hasn’t had them replaced or reproduced. The Bronco appears to sport upgraded suspension, though no mention is made of it in the listing and some gorgeous Mickey Thompson wheels on new tires. Bidding is active here on eBay where it’s currently pegged at $25K with no reserve.
The fact that those body graphics / decals have survived as well as they have is indicative of a vehicle that’s been loved, and likely stored indoors. I suppose there’s a chance a previous owner had the kit re-done, but who cares? They look great and are a key part of the Free Wheeling package that Bronco fans want if they’re going to pony up for an original example. The spare tire cover looks too fresh to be original and the rest of the paint appears quite fresh. The Free Wheeling package also included blacked-out bumpers, grills, mirrors, and headlight buckets.
The interior looks incredible as well, with nicely preserved bucket seats and handsome (but fake) wood trim in the dash and instrument cluster. The seller notes the seats are original, and are high-back buckets with dual armrests. The steering wheel still sports its original leather wrap, and there’s even a period CB radio still installed. The Bronco is an ideal combination of a four-speed manual paired to a healthy 351 V8 and coupled with an original three-speed transfer case, power steering, and power disc brakes. The four-wheel drive system features locking hubs.
Even the small details are well done, with the seller noting he sourced a modern radio headunit that looks like a retro unit. The engine bay is super clean, revealing that the high level of detail didn’t stop with the exterior and cabin. Broncos like this, in my opinion, fit into the restomod category, rather than being a truly sympathetic survivor. Some buyers will likely be turned off by the tweaks while others will love the idea of owning a truck that is 90% correct with some fun updates to give a vintage truck some modern flair. At the end of the day, however, the most important detail are those iconic Free Wheeling stripes.
I had a 78 automatic 351 and the 79 4 speed with Granny low..400M.. The graphics on this truck are spectacular but I wouldn’t call it the Most important detail I’d say the 4 speed is the most important. I’m not sure what a 3 speed transfer case is ..mine had 4 high and low.. And in 1st gear and 4 low that thing would really just crawl..i miss it..only got it stuck 1x..of course a dodge pulled me out..🤔
That’s a two speed transfer case (NP205), not a 3 speed.
The chromatic stripes, while often assumed to be a standard part of the Free Wheeling package, were in fact a separate option. You could also get them on a non-Free Wheeling truck.
The 4 speed is rare!
While this is a great looking rig, there’s some scuttlebutt on social media considering the seller of this rig. Caveat emptor.
I never realized that the Bronco and Granada dash layouts were so similar. Shooting for luxury with the tackiest fake wood-look ever.
I had this truck in red. ’79, 351M, 4 speed, lifted. She was a ball to drive and one of the few vehicles that I truly miss. I would buy this one in the blink of an eye if funds permitted. Damn I miss that Bronco.
I still think there were more than 19 of these made (referring to a previous add). I like everything about this except the lift kit. They had plenty of clearance bone stock. If this came my way the first thing that would happen would be the removal of said lift kit so that even my wife could get in and drive it (yes, she can drive a manual).
geomechs, that’s what I was thinking but didn’t want to say so, as otherwise this is a very cool rig which I really like. I know lift kits are popular, but I still think they make the vehicle look (and I’m sure drive) “tippy”. The stock configuration is better, to me.
The huge rise in first generation Bronco prices has had the effect of lifting the price of subsequent generation Broncos.
Only 19 made?!? I’m with you guys seriously doubting that number. I remember at least 3 of them running around my area in the late 70s through the 80s. 2 of them were owned by a husband and wife-the old “his n hers” thing I guess? Either way, if only 19 (or even 1900) were built, I highly doubt that at least 3 were delivered to a single dealer in rural Northwest Ohio.
People misinterpret their Marti reports all the time. My nephew purchased one for his ’73 Bronco recently and proudly proclaimed his Bronco was the only one made that year with a radio! Ummm….no….
What the report probably spells out is a particular combination of options/paint schemes that were indeed only produced on 19 trucks that year.
I also agree with removing the lift kit. It’s one thing to jack up a pickup with an 8′ bed. On short wheelbase vehicles like this, they become very unstable at highway speed. Even back in the days of the “double nickle standard” lifted ones were a chore to keep on the road at speed. Not to mention the choppy ride.
geomechs,
Did you see the post I made on the thread where the seller said the Marti report said 1 of 19? That number is very specific with how it determines what makes it 1 of 19. It refers to a very specific vehicle. In the case of the other Bronco it was 1 of 19 1978 (or was it 1979?) painted black with a specific interior code plus add in the model level, Custom, Ranger, XLT. I forget how that other Bronco was equipped. Change any one of those options and the 1 of XXX changes. That other Bronco had a bench seat, change it to bucket seats and the 1 of 19 no longer applies. Change it from a Ranger XLT to a Custom and the 1 of 19 no longer applies. Change the interior color and the 1 of 19 no longer applies. There are a lot of variables involved with how Marti does a report. Plus he often seems to try to get each vehicle down to a 1 of as low a number as he can.
Yes, I can see how they can single a model out. When I first saw the post I thought they were referring to the color scheme. After seeing that it had a bench seat which is about as common as an honest politician. So I understand that there are a number of factors that can make a vehicle unique…
The maintenance mechanic where I worked and who I bought my 73 Bronco from bought a brand new one of these but a automatic. I thought it was one of the sharpest sport utilities out at the time.
I have a red and white two tone ’79 Bronco with 351M, 4 speed and working factory A/C. Great truck, and fun to drive. I agree with geomechs, the (compensating for a small wee wee) lift kit on this one needs to give way to stock suspension and 31×10.50 15 tires, as they were designed for. Odd that they left many A/C components off of this one at some point, really limiting it’s appeal for many potential buyers. Factory CB radio is a nice option.
My brother in law had a 79, 30 years ago. He beat the#%$&@! out of it but surprisingly kept it clean. The extra accessories, lights, trailer hitch, stereo and wiring he added worked great for a short time. He got a good deal on 24 gage wiring and used it for all those accessories. Caused a big electrical headache and asked me to trace the problems. Then he added a 8 or 10 inch lift without lengthening the transfer case and drive shaft. Blew U-joints on a regular basis. Then he drove it for 2 years iwithout the power steering from breaking a hose and water in the pump getting it stuck when high tide came in at the beach. However, it always started up and got him to work and back. However, nobody wanted to ride in it feeling like your life was in his hands fighting to keep it going in a straight line with all that play on the steering.
They need to put this paint on the reissue. It makes the truck.
This is a deal compared to the Barrett-Jackson prices I’ve been seeing lately,especially with the rare paint and condition of this cool Bronc!
Theirs something about these 78-79 broncos . That have me hooked. I have two of them and I never get tired of working on them and putting money it them. I made mine safer by replacing the electronis box and distributor .With a point distributor, A real-lay on the switch to prevent a electrical fire under the dash .Yes–I found out the hard way .When one of mine caught on fire and I had to redo the wires under the dash . The 2 barrel Motorcraft carb will be changed this spring for a Holley/ Because Motorcraft makes theirs out of aluminium . The modl part right above where the gas line screws in .Will come apart and cause a fire. I almost lost one this fall because of it and my life. Now I am waiting for my hands to heal. To go back at it HOPEFULLY in the spring.They go real good–comfortably and hard on gas,but I am planning on going to higher gears this year. I read some where that the 78-79 ,s only came out with 2–gear ratios and they both are low.
That big air breather. If you ever get a engine fire and have to fight it. The big air breather WILL PREVENT you from getting to the fire below it. I,d throw it aside and get a smaller one Keep the big one for car shows only. The LONGER you have a vehicle and work on it. You,ll learn more and make it better .
Every car that has limited on the fender is just that!!! Limited to how many they can sell!!! There were tons of these around!! It’s not rare!!
Where are you seeing anything that says Limited any where on this Bronco? I do not see any kind of sticker, decal or emblem that says Limited any where on it.
I wasn’t referring to this vehicle in particular!! It was just a statement made on vehicles with the limited emblem in general!! After all if you had a car that was limited would you think that there weren’t many made!! Well that’s not the case!!