The classic market has been volatile during the past year, with some models suffering more than others. The First Generation Bronco has been a consistent performer for years, but even it hasn’t been immune. However, solid and original examples can still command respectable prices, and there are indications that the downward spiral may be ending. Now could be the ideal time to park this one-owner 1975 Bronco in your garage. It is completely original and unmolested. The seller indicates it has been protected from the elements, and it seems to be a rock-solid vehicle that offers its new owner the choice between preservation or light restoration. The Bronco is listed here on eBay in Skowhegan, Maine. The seller set their auction to open at $42,000, but there have been no bids at the time of writing.

The seller holds a significant collection of documentation for this Bronco, with the Dealer Invoice confirming they ordered it in Parrot Orange. The vehicle retains that paint shade, and the indications are that it has never undergone any repairs or restoration. The paint isn’t perfect, but its condition is consistent with its status as a genuine survivor. There is paint peeling away on one rocker, and addressing this before rust develops would be wise. The seller doesn’t mention any issues with the dreaded tin worm, and the fact it has been garage-kept throughout its life means it has probably been protected from the worst that Mother Nature can throw at it. It seems the top has never been removed from this classic, and there are no signs of the corrosion problems that often develop between it and the main body structure. The Bronco retains its original wheels and hubcaps, and it is refreshing to find that nobody has cut the fenders, fitted flares, or performed any other exterior modifications. The trim and glass condition is consistent with the car’s age, and while the exterior would “pop” with a light cosmetic refresh, preserving this Ford largely untouched is a viable option.

The Bronco’s interior continues the vehicle’s theme of originality, with the FM converter the only aftermarket addition. The shifter is in its rightful place, and nobody has swapped the factory AM radio for something more modern. The White vinyl upholstery is marked and slightly discolored, but there are no rips or gaping holes that would prompt replacement. The optional back seat is intact and in good order, and the painted surfaces look excellent. I class the interior as acceptable if preservation is the plan, but deep cleaning the vinyl with an appropriate industrial product may bring it back to a state resembling its original appearance.

I’m disappointed the seller supplies no engine shots, but the Invoice tells us much about its mechanical specifications. Its engine bay houses a 302ci V8, with the remaining major driveline components including a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power steering. The owner added an auxiliary fuel tank with a skid plate and the 4,500 GVW package to improve its towing ability. While emission regulations had taken a healthy bite out of vehicle performance by 1975, the power and torque produced by this V8 would allow it to tackle most tasks relatively effortlessly. We receive no information on how this Bronco runs or drives, but the overall impression appears positive. The seller includes a set of four workshop manuals for a new owner wishing to be hands-on with the maintenance of this classic.

The First Generation Bronco never sold in the volume Ford envisaged, with only 13,125 buyers purchasing one in 1975. That was the worst result during its twelve-year production run, and the situation would only marginally improve subsequently. This one looks like a gem, and I’m surprised no bids have been submitted. However, the seller has set their auction to start from a reasonably high mark, which can be a psychological barrier for some potential buyers. There has been no action, but do you think the situation will change before the hammer falls? It could be worth watching this listing to see how the situation develops.