Some vehicles perform better in the classic market than others. The 1st generation Bronco is a perfect example of a vehicle that has hit its straps because values have generally increased across the board by around 30% in the past three years. That means that project cars are being snapped up at some amazing prices. For interested enthusiasts, they may have to act sooner rather than later if they want to tackle a restoration while they remain relatively affordable. That makes this 1971 example an interesting one because it still falls into the affordable classic at its current bidding price. The owner would tackle this one himself, but changing circumstances means that he is forced to sell. Therefore, he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in El Paso, Texas, and has attracted an impressive 33 bids. This has pushed the price to $10,300 in this No Reserve auction.

The Bronco is finished in Swiss Aqua, and it exhibits many of the common issues that owners face when they venture down the restoration path. The owner has fitted the vehicle with bigger wheels, and the rear quarter panels have been cut to accommodate these. That isn’t the end of the world because replacement panels can be bought for about $90 each if the buyer wants to return the Bronco to a stock state. The second “biggie” with these Broncos is rust, and this one does nave some for the next owner to contend with. The most prone areas are the lower doors, floors, and the front inner fenders. All of these areas have been impacted, but they are all repairable. Once again, parts are easy to source, and they remain affordable. A great example is the floors, with a complete set of front and rear pans available for under $1,000. That’s not bad, and if the work is performed well, that should be the end of the problem permanently. The inner fenders are a known problem area, but replacement steel is available for around $120 per side. Once the work is complete, there are plenty of modern treatments available which should stop rust in its tracks in the future. Some of the exterior trim pieces are missing, but the glass looks pretty good.

Ford offered two engines in the 1971 Bronco, and the original owner chose to slap down the cash for the 302ci V8. A 3-speed manual transmission backs this, and the combination should have made this an accomplished off-roader. The 205hp being pumped out by the 302 would come in handy, but the 300 ft/lbs of torque would have endowed it with great flexibility in tighter situations. The news with this one is mixed. The Bronco is mechanically complete, although some of the peripheral engine components are sitting in the cab. The previous owner was attempting to replace the water pump when some bolts snapped. He threw the whole thing in the “too hard basket,” and nothing has happened since. The seller has said that if the Bronco doesn’t sell, he’ll install the new fuel tank that he has bought, replace the water pump, and return the vehicle to the road. That suggests that he is confident about its mechanical state. As well as the new tank, the wheels and tires that the Bronco wears are also new.

The “complete but tattered” theme continues when we open the doors and take a look inside the Bronco. This interior will need everything, but at least most of what is required is available. Trim kits are as affordable as almost everything else Bronco-related, and a complete kit can be found for around $1,600. There are a few other parts that will be required. The radio is gone, and if a faithful restoration is the goal, a replacement will need to be found. The lens and needle are missing off the speedometer, so the gauge will need to be restored or replaced. The killer here is that a replacement won’t leave much change from $1,000. That means that the buyer might choose to go with an aftermarket unit, or they could try their luck on the secondhand market.

I’m sure that we will have readers, especially those who live outside the United States, who will question why someone would want to restore a vehicle like this 1971 Bronco. They weren’t a huge sales success when they were new, with Ford only managing to shift 19,784 examples in the 1971 model year. However, they have come into their own in the classic market in recent years, and values have skyrocketed. It is a struggle to find a driveable project car for under $25,000, while fully restored examples with a 302 under the hood regularly change hands for $65,000 or more. I don’t know whether the bubble will ever burst on the 1st generation Bronco, but they could represent a sound long-term investment if it doesn’t. Is that a risk that you would consider taking?