It has been a bit like a Bronco extravaganza lately here on Barn Finds as many of the popular first-generation (‘66 through ’77) models have surfaced recently and they are very popular indeed. Continuing with that thread, here is a ’75 example optioned with the “Ranger” trim in what is considered to be a rare green finish. It is located in Littleton, Colorado and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $27,800; 52 bids tendered so far.
The seller has an extensive collection of images via IMGUR and they can be accessed via the listing so it’s worth taking the time to cruise through them. The seller tells us that this Bronco has the “perfect” amount of patina (not sure what the “perfect” amount is) over a rare green external finish. All-in-all it doesn’t look too worn; there are a lot of “freckles” across the nose piece and the passenger-side rocker panel is dented but 45 years of originality is going to reveal some bumps and contusions. The “Baytree Green” finish screams the ’70s, as it was a preferred color in those days for cars and kitchen appliances. The seller claims that there is virtually no rust to speak of.
While the stance may look a little off, it’s because this Bronco has a 3” lift kit and 33” tires. It makes for an unbalanced look with its short wheelbase, sort of like a Bronco on stilts, but that may be a preferred look and set-up for this era Bronco.
As well as the exterior has fared, the interior has fared better. The floor-mounted gear shift selector, sans center console, is a refreshing departure from what is commonplace today. The checked pattern cloth upholstery continues the ’70s vibe through and through. The seller claims that the front seats have been recovered with NOS material and new carpet has been installed. Honesty is always the best policy and the seller has to be applauded for stating that the 46K miles showing on the odometer is probably 146K miles based on the noted foot pedal wear. If that’s the case, this Bronco looks better than expected considering all of its use.
Bronco motivational power is courtesy of a 302 CI V8 engine. The seller states, “Mechanically we’ve had the stock 302 engine refreshed with a new Holly Carb and full tune up”. He also adds that this Bronco runs “great”. Gear changing is handled by a C-4, three-speed automatic transmission integrated with four-wheel drive. Other noteworthy mechanical attributes include a recent, complete brake refurbishment. The seller is forthcoming regarding what’s not quite right with this Bronco like a disconnected front, or auxiliary, fuel tank and a wobbly speedometer.
These first-generation Broncos are really hot right now. Perhaps the draw has been fueled by the CUV/SUV phenomenon that has sent new car sedan sales into a tailspin with some manufacturers, like Ford, pretty much abandoning traditional passenger cars in general. And then the ’70s inspired simplicity built around a very utilitarian platform of a vehicle like this Bronco is enticing too. This year, 2020, you’ll be able to buy a new 2021 Bronco as Ford is reintroducing it after a 25-year absence. I’m sure it will be nice but I think I’d like to go old-school and stick with the original, how about you?
The hubcaps don’t work real well on these wider wheels because now you have to try and squeeze your hand in that hole to try and lock/unlock the hubs. Otherwise it looks like a decent rig. The power brake booster has been added.
Possibly automatic locking hubs? I had a Scout II with those. When you put it in 4wd they locked automatically. To unlock them, take it out of 4wd and back up about 10 or 15 feet. No need to turn the hub knob unless you wanted to lock them up solid. Unless you got up close to read the outside of them they look like any other.
Really clean and a nice driver!!! It’s good to see one that’s not all rusted out and ready to scrap!!!
Well, I guess, we, ( me) will have to accept, if you want one of these, it will cost you $30 grand until that burns itself out. And I’m tired of hearing, “oh, it’s from Colorado, must be rust free”, that simply isn’t true. The underside, which conveniently, there’s no pictures of, will tell a different story. Not sure if “lifting” increases the rough ride, sorry, I just don’t see the $30 grand attraction with these. Colorado trucks like this are driven hard. It’s lots of fun, bouncing down the trails, with rocks that will puncture an axle housing but you gonna piss away that kind of money to do that, with this? If you’re just going to run down the asphalt on the way to work, $30g’s buys a much nicer ride.
I too wanted to acquire one of these first gens but not for the prices being asked for nice ones. This one is nice but it’s cut so obviously it had a rust issue. No thanks as I’d rather buy a nice muscle car for that money.30k+ for a tin box? No thank you.
No such thing as the “perfect amount of patina.”
patina, like beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
no over-restored shiny cars for me, please……JMHO
I guess I’ll have to go to BJ’s to meet the people actually willing to pay these prices for these Broncos. I kick myself over and over for selling my nice 73 for $5,500 in 1995.
pwr breaks (’76&up), seat covers’n steer wheel R not the only swap ins…
Not to nit pick or anything but that “floor mounted gear shift selector” is for the transfer case, not the transmission. The transmission selector is clearly visible on the column, as it always was in early “3 on the tree” and automatic trans equipped Broncos like this. If you weren’t trying to say that the floor shifter was for the transmission, I apologize for misunderstanding the write up. Honestly though, I just don’t get the outrageous amounts that this type of vehicle is selling for today (Bronco, Jeep CJ, Scout whatever). Sure, they can be fun. However, if someone is going to spend 5 figures or more, how much fun are they really going to have with it unless it’s a purpose built off roader? Even the “square body” GM trucks that I love so much are bringing crazy money these days. I like to use my trucks for their intended purposes. Even my body off restored Gentleman Jim and Beau James pickups still get driven and aren’t afraid of the local lumber yards. GM only built about 1500 of each but they are, after all, TRUCKS and, they enjoy doing TRUCK STUFF! Just ask them, they’ll tell you lol!