Whether we’re aware of it or not, most classic cars have led a life of adventure at some point. This 1971 Ford Bronco is no exception. It was stolen from its original owner many years ago and was only recovered three months later when the original owner had given it up for dead. It has occupied this spot in this garage since 1995, but the seller has revived it and has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and solid bidding has pushed the price to $20,200 in a No Reserve auction. With the ongoing popularity of these Broncos, this is an auction that could be worth watching closely.
Until recently, this Bronco had been part of the same family since new. It was only dragged out of hiding in October this year by the seller, who then worked through the process of reviving it. It wears Candyapple Red paint, and the original owner treated it to a repaint in the 1990s. It presents well at first glance, with the paint holding an impressive shine. The panels look very straight, with no obvious signs of dings or dents. The big question with First Generation Broncos is always going to revolve around the subject of rust. Unfortunately, this vehicle is no exception. It does have rust problems, but these do not appear to be particularly extensive. It has afflicted the driver’s side front floor, the front inner fenders, the leading edge of the hood, and some areas in the top. However, rust repair panels are readily available and affordable, so addressing these problems should not present a huge problem. The Bronco rolls on aftermarket wheels, but it is refreshing to find that nobody has cut the fenders to accommodate these. The external trim is decent for a driver-quality vehicle, while the glass is in good order.
With this Broncos exterior making such a bold first impression, I find the interior condition slightly disappointing. There is nothing horrendously wrong with it, but it is not as good as I would have expected. However, it would serve adequately for a driver-quality vehicle. The seat upholstery is stretched, and it would benefit from a deep clean. The dash pad is in a pretty sorry state, and the buyer will probably choose to replace this. The wheel is also cracked, but there appear to be no additions to this interior apart from the aftermarket roll cage. If the buyer seeks a high-end restoration, they will probably choose to purchase an interior trim kit. These are available for around $1,500, and installing one of these would have this interior presenting in as-new condition. The interior isn’t loaded with luxury extras, but the original pushbutton radio remains intact in the dash.
Ford offered buyers in 1971 the choice of two engines to slot under the hood of their new Bronco. The original owner of this car chose the 302ci V8 that punches out 200hp. Bolted to this is a 3-speed manual transmission, and with that degree of power on hand and 300 ft/lbs of torque, that gave the Bronco impressive off-road credentials. Because this Bronco had been sitting since 1995, the seller worked through a careful process of reviving it and returning it to a roadworthy state. He has done this with great success, and he says that the vehicle now runs and drives perfectly. That sweet little V8 produces no smoke or odd noises, and the transmission shifts smoothly. It appears that this Bronco is now set for more adventures that are probably going to be slightly tamer than the ones that it has experienced in the past.
If I were to pick a strong performer within the classic market over the past decade, the First Generation Bronco would have to be high on my list. Good examples command some very impressive prices today, and they and even rough vehicles can make restoration projects capable of turning a profit once the work has been completed. The restoration of this Bronco looks like it could be a reasonably straightforward process, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the bidding grow stronger before the listing ends. Are you tempted to throw your hat in the ring and tackle this restoration project yourself? There has to be something quite tempting about owning a vehicle that has a past. What do you think?
Sounds like the seller is a flipper,using the pictures &
past story to make even more quick money.
Wonder what he told the original owner,to get it from her.
Hopefully they were upfront about it.
Stolen, 1995, returned 3 months later. Explain that at motor vehicles when they start looking at the screen while you’re standing there. Motor Vehicle Dept. If the answer isn’t NO, they don’t know the answer!
Doone…..read much?
Been there, done that. Just decades of experience. Bet ya this one hasn’t been re -titled. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
And, either this things done a lot of fording or that engine compartment sat under water for a spell. Look closely at the sheet metal and seams in there,
The pictures look really nice, but rust issues? It sounds like the famous last words “do not appear to be particularly extensive”.
There is no such thing as a little rust on a Bronco.
Who will lie more, the flipper or the used car salesperson?
Lipstick on a pig right over the rust and scale. Purchased a 280zx from original california owner had surface scale in the spair tire wheel well only someone is telling a tal tail.
Asked seller if title is in his name, NO
In my state it is illegal to Float a title!
State wants title fees and taxes.
Is Floating titles a problem in Cali?
One of my pet peeves.I feel if sellers do dishonest
things like that,what else are they lying about?
It’s just like when I lived in CA,& Ca residents would
register their vehicles in Oregon,or not register them in-state
when they moved there.
I wonder why states like California don’t check out craigslist
& BaT,& go after people who register their vehicles in other states,like Montana?
Pennsylvania requires the seller whose name is on the title and the buyer to be present and produce ID at the notary. Showing up without the seller or worse, a signed title, will get you sent packing.
Been in northern California all its life, located in Vegas?
Little Jacky Lord
had a bright red Ford.
She stuck out her thumb,
and said ‘I’m not that dumb’,
and made 25 grand on the sale.
Why do The wheels change between pictures one and two?
Those darn flippers. Buying low and selling high. Just to make a living.
“…not appear to be particularly extensive…”
Ahhh, and dars da rub maties. Its what U dont see on em that gets ya.
U wont find an oe rubber mat in many either (boy – what the moisture duz under there).
Appears to B the 1st yr D44 & a ‘Sport’ model (trim upgrades, extra tank, etc).
The sure sign of a billboard sized red flag waiving in the wind…when a ‘seller’ spends as much time going over their ‘rules’ for dealing with them than the merchandise they are selling. Stop worrying about supposed buyers not following your juvenile rules and spend more time telling them what they’re really buying. Here’s a little known secret (to flippers)…if it’s a good example of whatever it is you’re (exploiting) selling – it will sell itself. No thanks on the rusty colt – hard pass!
Who will lie more, the flipper or the used car salesperson?
FLIPPER LIES MORE
Today a buyer made a financial blunder.