There is something almost painful about finding any classic that has been left to go to wrack and ruin. Such has been the fate of this 1976 Ford Bronco Ranger. The seller’s Marti Report confirms the first owner spent plenty of cash to add some of the most desirable factory options, and with a V8 under the hood, it would have performed admirably. What it now needs is a new home with someone who can recapture its former glory, and the price makes it one of the most affordable complete First Generation Bronco projects available in the current market. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting a classic that is begging for a second chance at life.

The 1976 model year wasn’t the worst for Ford’s First Generation Bronco in the showroom, with the badge rallying to 15,256 sales following the previous year’s low of 13,125. It still offered competent performance in most circumstances, especially with Ford’s sweet 302ci V8 under the hood. Our feature Bronco would have been a sweet ride in its prime, with the Midnight Blue Metallic paint adding a touch of class. Sadly, those days are far behind this classic, with many dings and dents visible in the supplied photos. Some panels are beyond salvation, and when we add the visible rust to that equation, the new owner will quickly become on a first-name basis with the guy supplying the replacement steel. Rust has impacted the usual areas, including the floors, lower extremities, and the front inner fender wells. The saving grace is the ready availability and affordability of parts. Therefore, if someone is handy with a grinder and welder, returning the body to a rust-free state won’t cost a fortune. Many trim pieces are AWOL, and a new windshield will find its way onto the shopping list.

The seller supplies no engine photos, although this engine bay shot reveals some of the rust issues. The first owner equipped this Bronco with the 302ci V8 and a three-speed automatic transmission, throwing in power assistance for the steering and brakes to improve the driving experience. The V8 produced 125hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, allowing the vehicle to perform well in most circumstances. The seller confirms that although this Bronco is mechanically complete, it doesn’t run. It is unclear when it last moved under its own power, but factoring a mechanical refresh into the restoration budget would probably be wise.

The interior would have been one of this Bronco’s highlights when it was new. The seller selected Dark Blue cloth and vinyl Ranger trim, an optional rear seat, a remote left-hand mirror, and an AM radio. It has since fallen on hard times, with some components missing, and the dash cut to accommodate an aftermarket stereo. However, critical components like the seats, gauges, and bright trim items are intact. As with the steel, kits are available to achieve a factory-fresh state, and high-quality ones are typically hard to pick from NOS components.

The seller listed this 1976 Ford Bronco Ranger here on Craigslist in Broomfield, Colorado. Their price of $11,000 is surprisingly low for a complete vehicle, even if it is beset with significant rust issues. However, it isn’t a lost cause, because we have seen sadder examples brought back from the brink. With the First Generation Bronco continuing to perform exceptionally well in the classic market, is this a project you might consider tackling?