And now for something from the “I don’t get it department.” As I’m sure most know, Ford revived its iconic Bronco in 2021 – it’s another example of a modern take on a classic. They seem to sell well despite their outsized price (everything today, in my jaundiced view, carries an outsized price) but obviously, only possess a hint of what the original Bronco was all about. And that leads me to the original, such as today’s 1970 example. The market seems to go ga-ga over these extremely primitive vehicles. I suppose that’s understandable if you want to relive that time before the modern SUV craze became what seems to be a permanently cemented component of our modern car culture. I guess it’s reliving that agrarian vehicle nature that I don’t get. Regardless, these are a hot property and today’s Dolores, Colorado resident features a V8 engine – always a plus. Interested parties will find it listed here on craigslist where it’s available for $32,000. We have Zappenduster to thank for this tip!
Ford’s original Bronco (’66-’77) was mostly a one-trick pony in that they were offered predominantly as a single two-door utility vehicle body style though a pickup truck version was available too. Total production for ’70 was fair with about 18K copies finding new owners. The seller of this Bronco claims, ”95% rust free” which is a good start as rust is the nemesis of this vintage Bronco. That 5% bug-a-boo is supposedly contained to the driver’s side floor pan and the seller says he has an included replacement. Of course, that rust statement does not extend to the waves of surface rust streaming down either side of this Ford giving it a slight resemblance to a Liberian tanker. To ameliorate the situation, both front fenders and the hood have been replaced – good move.
In place of the more commonly found six-cylinder engine, this Bronco was treated to a 205 gross HP 302 CI V8 engine which drives a three-speed manual transmission. No word is made regarding this Bronco’s running and driving characteristics so an inquiry will need to be made. The odometer reads 34K miles but there’s no claim to that mileage being authentic. Two observations, the carburetor looks recent and the front brakes have been converted to disc – always a good move!
The interior’s soft parts, the upholstery and dash pad, are trashed but the rest of the environment (minus that hinky floor pan) looks OK. The interior of this generation Bronco is about as austere as you’ll find, which is OK if you like that kind of thing, and it does make refurbishment a straightforward and limited task. Also, the seller mentions new seats are available, though photographing an interior that is weighed down with lots of detritus is never a good presentation idea!
Verdict? The seller suggests, “A LOT of new parts. Great restoration project…” I can agree with that especially comparing this example to some that I have encountered/reviewed. How about that $32,000 price? Honestly, that doesn’t surprise me, how about you?
There’s an “I don’t get it department” now? Oh, this is going to be sweet,,,I always feel a bit of shame when these overpriced flash-in-the-pans hail from where I live. Keeping in mind, I didn’t move here because I had money. We’ve been over this everytime one of these shows up, and I don’t think anyone knows why these are allegedly so popular. Just shows to go ya’, how strong hype can be. There has to be some remorse when people actually drive these. It’s like, who buys a used Volvo road tractor with 420,000 miles on it, expecting a like new truck. TIf people are actually getting 5 figures for this stuff, then there really is one born every minute, even more so today, and this too shall pass.
Alve Moore might be interested.
Ha! Did you know, after Green Acres, that’s all he ever did? Well, not all he did, well, in case some may not know, Green Acres was a sitcom in the 60s, a spinoff of Petticoat Junction, where a fancy NY lawyer( Eddie Albert),and his wife( Eva Gabor) move to Hooterville ( MO.) and begin farming. Mr. Haney(Pat Buttram) sold them all the junk stuff and Ford was the sponsor. Alvy Moore was the bumbling county farm agent, and initially drove a Jeep CJ, but in the 2nd season, drove a 1966 Bronco roadster. It was the 1st time we saw the vehicle. He died in 1997.
Why are these pieces of crap bringing so much money? I drove several back when they were almost new and they were junk then. This one is 10X more than it worth.
Tim I second your comments.
The catch pan is OEM on all fords.
@timothy Hanson Surprised you follow this website as you clearly don’t get it. Classic cars are about how they make you feel and little more.
Classic Jeep CJs cost way less and are way better. I am the third owner of an 85 CJ7 Laredo, unmolested, Laredo. It is very nice and exactly original with every amenity of the Laredo package. Originally Texas sold about 100 miles from my home and has always lived here.
The most I would get for it is at about $19,000.00. No rust, never wrecked, original paint.
I do like that year model Bronco.
Insane in the Main Brain.
I’ll share my MegaMillions winnings with this seller – as soon as I win.
One just auctioned at Barrett Jackson ,Scottsdale, for 147,000.
I saw that too, it was a highly modified 4 door, that I thought looked hideous. The prices on all that stuff looked highly suspicious to me, remember, it’s Hollywood, this time from poverty stricken Scottsdale. It’s okay, I know,it’s their money, but the thing is, it’s going to be money that will be lost, as the bottom will fall out, and nobody will get that money back. Cost of memories? Perhaps, but a college fund for the grandkids would be a better bet, I feel.
Actually it was a uncut, unmolested bronco with a coyote.
Oh proper name is Snotsdale.