We see our share of First Generation Broncos at Barn Finds, and they typically fall into three distinct categories. Some have been heavily modified, while others are riddled with significant rust problems. The third, and possibly worst, is those that have copped a little from Column A and a little from Column B. Sometimes, one appears on our desk that breaks the mold, which is the case with this 1970 model. It is not only original and unmolested but also rock-solid and amazingly clean. I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for spotting it because it is a breath of fresh air. The Bronco is listed here on Craigslist in Smyer, Texas. You could drive it home by handing the seller $65,000.
When I first saw this Caramel Bronze Metallic Bronco, my immediate reaction was to scour the supplied photos looking for the almost inevitable rust. I was going to say I was disappointed not to find any, but that’s not quite right. I meant that finding no rust was a revelation because many of the 18,450 examples produced that year have crumbled to dust. The close-up photos confirm the lower body extremities are sound, while the underside shots reveal among the cleanest original and unrestored floor pans and frame I have ever seen. There is some visible surface corrosion, but it is the dry type you expect on most classics from this location. If the buyer hails from a wetter region, treating the corrosion before it makes the leap to penetrating rust would be wise. Otherwise, the panels, paint, trim, and glass are all acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle.
The positive news continues when we lift the hood and examine this Bronco’s engine bay. It houses the numbers-matching 302ci V8 that sends 205hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Although the original owner didn’t specify power steering, there is assistance for the brakes. This year was probably the best for the First Generation Bronco because tightening emission and safety regulations hadn’t impacted performance. That means this classic would crawl comfortably across harsh terrain but wouldn’t feel out of place cruising at highway speed when the fun is over. The seller doesn’t provide much information on the vehicle’s mechanical state, although I’ve spotted a new master cylinder and an aftermarket air cleaner. With the engine bay presentation so clean and no evidence of fluid leaks, the indications are that this Bronco is mechanically sound.
Apart from a tendency to fit larger wheels and tires, it is common for First Generation Bronco owners to add aftermarket items to the interior. This vehicle hasn’t suffered that fate, with the dash housing the factory AM radio and the shifter remaining in its rightful place on the column. The single visible rip in the White vinyl seat upholstery is on the driver’s seat base. The remaining upholstered surfaces look clean, the same is true of the floormats, and the dash pad is excellent. Describing the interior as perfect would be misleading, but its overall condition is above average for a vehicle of this type with more than five decades under its belt.
After years of seeing some pretty sad and sorry examples, this 1970 model demonstrates there are still unmolested and rust-free First Generation Broncos begging for new homes. This one needs nothing and is sure to grab the attention of purists. The asking price is hardly pocket change, but it is in the ballpark for a vehicle that would have cost its original owner approximately $2,300. It is accepted that prices beyond $60,000 are typical, which places the Bronco beyond the reach of many average enthusiasts. However, I won’t be surprised if this one finds a new home fairly quickly. Will you?
Just like new, with no warranty.
And a decade ago? It was sitting in his garage. Because he couldn’t sell it and break even. Now? $65k. The fickle tastes of the rich.
Check out that YJ Howard.
First off anyone that buys a car on Craiglist is nuts. Broncos were supposed to compete with International Scouts and Jeeps of the day. Most turned into old rust buckets and sold for scrap. They were horrible little rattle traps but today we’re being brainwashed by these low brow auction houses driving up the prices for these heaps. Has anyone actually driven one of these. The steal dashboard is Fords idea of dying quickly. No frills junk.
Here in CT. , Scouts and Broncos were always in a competition to see which one would rust away the fastest . of course salted winter roads and the many made into snowplows really sped that process up.
They ALL rusted and rattled, and they ALL had steel dashes. Must be a chevy guy
I’ve been driving mine for 42 years now – I love it! Almost 378k on the ticker. No frills – absolutely. Junk? Absolutely not.
Puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel.
Hey Todd I just wish the haters on here would just keep it to themselves as I do when I see an over priced vehicle of another make or model.
Maybe we should all get on here everyday and attack the vehicles we don’t like or can’t afford to buy?
I’ve owned present bronco for 40 something yrs. Have owned a bronco since 1978. Several different years from ’66 to ’77 and to me they are the ultimate cool ride.
Um….I bought two collector cars off of Craigslist list in my lifetime. Both are in my collection. One always takes first place at Buick car shows, while the other car usually takes a second or third. These are national shows. Both bought on Craigslist. And I’m not nuts.
Wish I could give a down vote.
To John that is.
John, you must not hasn’t been raised in the day when American made meant quality steel produces ! All vehicles had steel dash or steel frame under that PLASTIC ! My 76 jeep still had a Steel dash with a little pad on it because it was a Levi edition.
Another thing that seems to be missed on this fine bronco is the over spray on the hood. Original or not it looks to be repainted. I’m sure there’s more to the eye of we could see it up close and live.
Collector vehicles are all over priced. You can get a custom one of these for 250k
1) Craigslist is no worse for buying a vehicle than are classified ads or used car lots. You exercise due diligence. 2) The auction houses aren’t to blame for inflated values. That falls on the people bidding on these things. Supply and demand, anyone? 3) It’s a steel dash, not a steal dash, unless you copped one illegally. 4) Ford, as with all manufacturers, built their cars to comply with federally mandated standards for the year of manufacture. Yes, you have a right to your opinions, but at least form them based on a little logic.
JUNK ??? I owned 2 a 68 that had rust and I drove it through creeks,mud,climbed hill on angles that would make some men scream. My other one was a 73 a friend restored but in the process did some modifications like a 351 replaced the 302, no hard top jus a full canvas top and a bikini top. It was nice paid $3,500 for it and drove it home from Florida to Illinois, my wife loved it and cried when I sold it in 1995 for $5,500 and now looking at what there selling for I’m the one crying.
is that the dum-dum overspray Borst looks for on the fire wall, or rust. Dont C it on the hood much, eh? W/the chrome roof rail I expected herringbone interior (same yr as mine). But – even w/40 yrs ownership I’m still learnin bout these~
Mine has the chrome roof rails and the same identical interior as this one. The interior on mine is 100 percent original like this one.