The first-generation Bronco has been on fire (not literally) for quite a few years now. They’re one of the darlings of the collector vehicle world in either original spec or modified and “cut”, as in the wheel wells in order to add giant tires. Most of them don’t make it off-road, but they look cool. The second-generation Bronco, as with this 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT model, is a much bigger and more luxurious vehicle, yet it is still a capable off-road vehicle.
The faded paint on this Ranger XLT Bronco is a little deceiving; other than a few dings and dents, this 4×4 looks solid. The second-generation Bronco was made from 1977 for the 1978 model year, until the end of 1979 – just two model years. That’s almost unheard of in modern times. The first-gen Broncos were made for a dozen model years and the third-gen Broncos were made for seven model years.
Here’s about the worst area that I can see on this rig – nothing that a gallon of bondo can’t fix. Just kidding, of course, that can probably be massaged out. I wonder how this Bronco would look with a good round of polishing compound? Probably pretty nice and maybe good enough for most folks, including me. The Ranger XLT trim added the swing-away spare tire on the back, as well as having optional graphics if a person wanted that look. A fun fact is that the 1978 Bronco was available with round headlights on the Custom trim, but the other trim levels had rectangular headlights, and in 1979, they all had rectangular headlights.
The interior needs a bit of work, as is often the case. The seller says that this Bronco was stored for the last 14 years in his sister-in-law’s garage and that could be why it’s only showing 60,641 miles after so many decades. The back seat looks like new and we don’t see the rear cargo area, but I’m guessing it looks just as nice. They also show a few partial underside photos and it appears solid and clean, other than the usual surface rust.
The engine could use a solid weekend or two of detailing and I bet it could look like new again. This is the bigger of the engine options for this year, a 402-cu.in. OHV V8, which was factory-rated at 156 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and it sends power through an automatic transmission to all four wheels. This one has had a full tune-up, a new power steering pump and related hose/s, a new exhaust, and more. Hagerty is at $13,400 for a “Custom” trim level and a Ranger XLT is certainly more valuable, monetarily. It’s listed here on eBay in Ronkonkoma, New York, it’s at $7,900 with seven days left, and the reserve isn’t met. How much is this Bronco going to sell for?
“402”? More like 400. It’s blue, not orange.
It was a “400”, Boatman, but was actually a bigger displacement than that from what I found. Maybe Bob or another Ford expert could chime in.
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1979/883880/ford_bronco_6_6l_v-8_cruise-o-matic.html#gsc.tab=0
“The 400 had “square” proportions, with a 4.0 in (102 mm) bore and stroke. Ford called the engine a “400” but in actuality, it displaced 402.1 cu in (6.6 L; 6,590 cc).”
Kind of how the Ford 302, isn’t exactly 5.0L either 🤔
What in ‘tarnation is the attraction with rusty Broncos? Despite the authors optimism, which I’m sure is a requirement for an author and Why I could never be one, but the author knows full well this truck has a ton of miles. Someone drove the excrement out of this truck, and around and around the meter spun. I had a similar Bronco, only a 6, which was a poor choice, despite it getting the worse gas mileage of any vehicle I owned, including my semis, it was a breath of fresh air from that dismal S-10 Blazer, and had the honor of the only vehicle my ex-wife couldn’t kill.
The only reason I can figure why people are so insistent on paying such large amounts is A), the current hype on new Broncos, B), the lack of plausible and affordable choices today, or C), people are just plain unaware. I suppose folks figure any 4×4 today under $10gs has got to be a deal, even ones as challenging as these, no? A rude awakening awaits the next, um, buyer.
When Ford killed off the Bronco in the 90’s? The prices of these things stabalized. Then started creeping up. I remember in the early 2000’s, going to look at a late 80’s Bronco XLT. Ex plow truck, with terminal body rot, and lots of miles. The seller wanted $2000 for a truck that was worth $500. He wouldn’t budge on the ask, I left, and it was gone a couple days later. After the money men started buying up all the small ones, and selling them for 6 figures? All bets were off.
Looks complete but tired.
Seller had one sale a year or so ago with good feedback – it’s the only feedback he has….just have concerns over the title.