With restored and modified first-generation Ford Broncos fetching $60,000 to $200,000 or more, gamblers might roll the dice on second-generation Broncos like this 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT in Las Vegas, Nevada. A Coyote-powered ’79 Bronco drawing bids above $80,000 supports this prediction. The seller offers our feature Bronco here on eBay as a lifelong desert truck with minimal rust. Described as running well but “not freeway worthy,” the V8, stick-shift Bronco benefits from rebuilt driveshafts and recent mechanical and cosmetic repairs. The Combination Tu-Tone paint combines with the high-line Ranger XLT trim for a classy look on this 4×4. Thanks to ProjectBronco for some details.
Ranger XLT trim added upgraded upholstery, wood grain, additional sound deadening, and more. This specimen’s captain’s chairs and air conditioning adds even more luxury. Still a far cry from today’s swanky SUVs, this Bronco came fairly decked out for ’79.
Taking a page from General Motors, Ford moved the second-generation Bronco onto its F-series pickup truck platform, upgrading the popular off-roader’s cargo and passenger space. No longer Ford’s version of the Jeep CJ, the new Bronco became a family-oriented alternative to GM’s Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy. Sharing the F-series platform likely made the new Bronco more profitable compared to the previous generation’s largely unique platform. A standard power rear window punctuates Ford’s upmarket vision for the newly full-sized Bronco. A fiberglass lift-off top added open-air fun, albeit after significant effort vs. a typical convertible. The second-gen’s short two-year run, 1978 and ’79, might add value as a future collectible.
Brake and other new parts move this Ford closer to daily driver status. The top motor that year, a 400 cid (6.6L) V8, mated with a four-speed manual transmission, should provide plenty of grunt for passengers, cargo, and towing above the standard 351 cid (5.8L) eight. Could rigs like this well-equipped Bronco become the next hot collectible?
Radio???
You see fewer of these than the 1st gen so , I’d say these will be quite collectable .
Interesting to see a 4 speed manual on such a highly optioned truck. This is how many of them looked for years here in the southwest. Nice to see the captain’s chairs too – they’ve proved to be more rare than I thought a few years ago.
Hate to say it, but these were pigs then and are pigs now. There’s a reason they only made these for two years. Unless you re-engine it like the afore-mentioned Coyote Bronco, you’re not going to have much.
Your way wrong Terrrrry, Just my opinion.
I’ve often thought about a “what-if” facelift of the original Bronco circa ’78; factory flared arches, a new dash and interior borrowing heavily from the Fox Fairmont, a grille similar to what Econolines got starting in ’79 and a fiberglass top with larger/opening quarter windows.
They were built up to 1996 if memory serves. These run pretty well for what they are, certainly on par with the Blazer and Ramcharger.
If I had the room, I’d have one of these!
the nicer 78-79 Broncos on eBay are already asking in the 25000-50000 range
I had an ’80 Bronco with the 351 M V8. The biggest upgrade over the ’78-79 Broncos was the new transfer case. Instead of the older Low range of 2:1, the ’80 received a Low range of 2.6:1. Mine would climb a tree if the tires would have gripped! Gas milage sucked though;12 MPG.
Had a 78 with a 400. 35” tires. Gorgeous. Pulling the race car, a boat, running downhill with a tail wind, or parked in the driveway, it got 8mpg…
I owned 1 of these Bronco’s and it was nowhere near as good as my Chevy Blazer
The Ford was ponderous and the 400M was gutless and thirsty where the Blazer too had the 400 and was much better power wise and didn’t drink as bad as the Ford
Warning-this transmission used neoprene cups to sell off the shift rails. Replace with brass mini freeze plugs. So many of these transmissions have failed due to lack of lubrication. I am an ASE Master-Tech with 58 years of experience.
Warning-this transmission used neoprene cups to seal off the shift rails. Replace with brass mini freeze plugs. So many of these transmissions have failed due to lack of lubrication. I am an ASE Master-Tech with 58 years of experience.
I have the identical truck,including the color and the XLT high back bucket seats in my garage, bought it in 2012 From Oakland ,California super solid but had low compression on one cylinder ,probably a burnt valve, but mine is an automatic