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No Reserve 1968 Ford Bronco 4×4

We see our share of First Generation Ford Broncos at Barn Finds, and this is for a fundamental reason: These classics are extraordinarily desirable and popular. This 1968 example demonstrates that fact courtesy of the intense bidding since the seller listed it for sale here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio. It has just been dragged from a barn, a spot it occupied for thirty years. It is an unmolested classic, but this tale has an intriguing twist that may appeal to some. The price of this vehicle has been pushed to $5,600 in a No Reserve auction.

The seller indicates it has only been a few days since they dragged this Bronco from its hiding place. All they have done is wash away decades of accumulated dust and fitted new tires. They use the dreaded “p” word when discussing its appearance, but I’ll say the exterior has plenty of character in deference to those who feel it is over-used. Its Wimbledon White paint is a maze of scratches and chips, with surface corrosion appearing in various locations. However, that is the tip of the iceberg. This Bronco has the typical rust in the rockers, with the seller indicating it is also in the floors. We don’t see the front inner fender wells clearly, but the back floor and door frames look sound. The aftermarket front bumper features a practical winch, but the remaining trim is original. The Bronco retains its steel wheels and tidy factory hubcaps, and the glass looks excellent.

This Bronco’s interior continues the theme of originality, and it could be considered serviceable if the new owner threw a blanket over the seat. However, the tired painted surfaces and other flaws make a restoration seem a no-brainer. Kits to return this aspect to its former glory are very affordable, and the winning bidder could complete the satisfying installation in a home workshop. It looks tired, but there is something undeniably attractive about its appearance. It took me a moment to realize that it is the fact that this interior is unmolested. The shifter is in its correct spot on the column, and there are no aftermarket additions.

The original owner ordered this Bronco with the entry-level 170ci six producing 100hp and 156 ft/lbs of torque. The remaining major components include a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. There is no power assistance for the steering or brakes, making this about the cheapest Bronco you could buy in 1968. That six would run out of breath on the open road before the needle hit 80mph, but traversing rugged terrain should have presented no significant challenges. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this classic is numbers-matching. They say the odometer shows 46,700 miles, and the lack of recent activity means the reading could be genuine. The Ford doesn’t run or drive, but the engine turns freely.

The popularity of First Generation Bronco projects can be gauged by the fact that this one has already received thirty-nine bids. That means potential buyers face stiff competition, but that is where this story takes a twist. The seller found a second Bronco in the same barn. It is the Blue 1966 example in this shot. That also needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay. That provides an alternative for interested parties to consider. It has attracted forty bids, which is unsurprising. The auctions end thirty minutes apart. That could allow someone to bid on one but shift their attention to the other if they fail the first time. Alternatively, they could make a play to take them both home! What would you do?

Comments

  1. Todd Zuercher

    This one has the desirable and rare ‘66 hubcaps on it. You could pop those off and make some good coin for the restoration.

    Like 2
    • Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TN Member

      I noticed the same thing. I had to look up a brochure to refresh my memory that the factory wheel covers for a 1968 were the fancier ones sourced from (I believe) the 1966 Galaxie.

      Like 0
      • Todd Zuercher

        That is correct. The ’66-only ones are a variant of an early ’50s Mercury design. In fact, some people modify the Mercury ones for their Broncos because the originals are so expensive and hard to find.

        Like 0
  2. chrlsful

    400 ta 700 bucks, yeah, 1 yr item.

    Here’s one of the desrible 1st 3 yrs. (details left to Adam, possibly BF’s bronc writer). I dont see many in w.white.

    “…about the cheapest…” helped me think of the next one B4 seeing it, the 1/2 cab, or even cheeper the roadster:
    https://roadsteru13.com
    Lub em w/a bench (my PTO shifter rubs it tho) & the T handled shifter. Needs 2nd tank, sno plow, sm lift, 31 inch + tire, etc…

    Like 0
  3. Scrapyard john

    I think if I found this, I’d just try to fix the mechanical stuff and the interior and then just use it. As for buying it, I’d like for it to be running for me to pay over $5k for it. I know the market is hot for these, but..I don’t care. I’m not in the “just have to have one” group, although they are cool vehicles…at speeds below 50 mph with the temperature in the range of 50-80 degrees!

    Like 1
  4. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TN Member

    Back to the wheel covers…. I didn’t realize how much “good coin” is for these. Looks like $500+ each for ones in driver condition. Maybe Hank Kimball saved the set which was on his Bronco.

    Like 1

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