Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Freewheeling: 1979 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco Freewheeling edition is one of the most recognizable packages available on Broncos of this era. In fact, I’m sure many of us have had a die cast version of this Bronco at some point! The Freewheeling package came with black bumpers, as well as the large orange and yellow reflective decals. This was a factory package, and not a dealer add-on, though some were installed at the dealer. One big selling point was how reflective the decals were, and salesmen were instructed on how to use a flashlight to demonstrate this to customers. Find this Bronco here on Craigslist in New Mexico with an asking price of $6,500. Thanks to Rick for sending this one in! 

The engine is a 400 cubic inch Ford V8, which was reportedly “freshened” by the previous owner. According to the ad, upgrades include Weiand aluminum intake manifold, a Holley 4bbl carb, a K&N filter, and an electric radiator fan. The seller states that this Bronco “Runs great and is super fun offroad,” and based on the pictures I’m sure it is! Other than a needing a good cleaning, this engine should be ready to go.

The seller removed the door panels to install new speakers, but did not put them back on. They are with the truck and included with the sale. The seats, though a very cool pattern, have definitely seen better days. If the proper material could be sourced, simply recovering the seats would go a long way in cleaning up the look of this Bronco! That, plus fixing the few odds and ends that are bound to be broken could easily make this a nice weekend toy. You’ll notice it has three pedals, and that is because it is a 4-speed!

The seller has modified this Bronco with a plethora of off-road oriented drivetrain upgrades, including a new shocks, a slight lift, and plenty more. This Bronco has a Ford 9″ rear axle, a Dana 44 front axle, custom exhaust, and of course a light bar. Its current configuration is functional and fun, but with such a neat decal package I think this truck would look really nice if it was original or had period-correct upgrades. What would you do?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Blindmarc

    One of my high school teachers had the same truck, it was in Albuquerque N.M.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar photo JW

    In 79 a maintenance coworker at the auto parts plant I worked for bought one of these brand new and it really stood out in the parking lot. I wish this wasn’t so far away as I would like to visually look it over. As far as the manual trans for off road purpose doing rock crawling yes but mudding or hill climbing or even pulling one of the weighted sleds at a truck pull I prefer the automatic.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar photo jdjonesdr

    Tires aren’t big enough.

    Like 1
    • Avatar photo slickb

      that was just my thought

      Like 1
  4. Avatar photo Jay M

    Great truck.
    Get one while you still can…

    Like 0
  5. Avatar photo Alex

    Man only of I had the money I would buy that or trade mine in for that one. I have a 1987 Ford Bronco and that is stock and getting work on only if I had the money I would get it.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar photo Jamie P

    I had a 78 custom through high school. 351 m. Loved it

    Like 1
  7. Avatar photo OIL SLICK

    cool truck but it looks beat to hell.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar photo PLMBRDON

    The picture of the one rock climbing is not the truck advertised. No winch bumper is different and no decals. Still a nice truck, owned one and miss it.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar photo chad

    “…is not the truck advertised…”
    may be earlier or later pic?
    400M is motor to have (largest “square” motor made I believe).

    Like 0
  10. Avatar photo half cab

    With the early broncos prices goin thorough the roof the 78-79 will follow soon so someone better grab this one.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar photo Graeme

    I’d love to have one of these in factory-fresh trim, and I still see the odd Freewheeling one around town in varying states of repair.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar photo James Turner

    Back in the 1990,s I bought a 1 owner Jade green metallic 1979 XLT Bronco. I met the original owner who took very good care of it. I decided to put a rebuilt 351 engine in and had it repainted same color and I pinstriped it in gold as well as gold wagon wheels with RWL tires and running boards. The interior was like new as was the 4 wheel drive, Transmission and rear axle. I also added a front air dam. Back then full bug shield were popular and mine was smoke color and I added PONY EXPRESS in gold lettering. It was one good looking machine that got smiles and thumbs up from a lot of people. The bad side of these broncos are no aerodynamics. ( brick in the wind.) Another is the gas mileage is terrible. ( around 8 to 12 MPG. ) I sold it after 3 years for $5,000 and barely broke even. This Bronco listed here is almost a garbage can inside and probably beat pretty bad off roading as well. Don’t let the showy decals sway your judgment. $6,500 is way to much money for this Bronco.

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Jay M Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.