After accumulating almost 100,000 miles with its original owner, this 1978 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT in Clackamas, Oregon seeks a new owner to write the next chapter of its story. The claimed “all original” 4×4 shows well for its age inside and out, with wear appropriate for a not-quite-100k vehicle. No mention of the vehicle’s operational or driving status made the listing, but it appears to be roadworthy, and dozens of pictures here on eBay show a tidy and well-kept specimen in the high-end Ranger XLT trim. At least seven bidders have the rig’s market value above $25,000.
Upgraded upholstery and wood trim rendered the Ranger XLT interior as handsome for a snowy trip to church as the chassis was ready to absorb nasty bumps through the woods on the way to Grandmother’s house.
New tires put more meat on the road or trail than the original 15 x 6 inch wheels and LR78 tires. Technically you could remove the roof section, but most users left it in place as the removal and installation requires more work than Jeep hard tops of the day.
Praise the seller for not blasting the weathered metal with rattle can paint. Showing the truck’s honest wear helps buyers gauge how nearly this Bronco approaches the “all original” claim. Air conditioning sweetens the pot, though no mention of its operation made the listing. Engine size escaped the item description as well, where you’ll find 54 words about the truck and 139 words about how to pay not rip off the seller. If original, the “S” code VIN denotes the optional 400 cid engine, the only mill above the base 351. In both cases, I believe we’re talking about the “M” or “Modified” engines.
Some owners discard from consideration any SUV that can’t comfortably hold a large dog in the back, and we can picture a Great Dane or two drooling on the barely worn carpeting in this Ford’s cargo compartment. Load up your smelly rabbit-hunting Beagle pack and the only discomfort will come from their trumpeting barks. More likely this 4×4 served less muddy duty, carrying groceries, farm stand produce, and the occasional end table. Now that first-generation Broncos are priced out of daily driver duty, how do you rate this F Series-based ’78?
Todd – the “M” designation only applied to the 351s – as there were 3 different ones through the years. The 400 was just that – a 400 :).
Looks like a nice rig.
Thank you, Todd Z. I just fully read the page I linked above and learned a few things. I appreciate your sharing this distinction. Happy motoring!
it’s a nice truck and looks to be original I see that some of the body panels have been repainted hopefully there was no rust underneath still nice just to dam expensive I’m sure that on one is gonna take this out hunting but ya never know!!
What I really like is…. the upholstery.
I bought it and it’s an amazing survivor! There’s no repaint, never any rust!!! The Cinnamon Glow Metallic was clear coated, but not repainted! I got the Marti Report and it had all but a few options. I’m going to detail it in the spring and show it.