With the complex nature of most modern-day four-wheel-drive SUV offerings, it’s nice to step back in time when they weren’t so complicated, with the simplicity playing a large part in the appeal of this 1976 Ford Bronco. Introduced back in ’66, the Bronco was the first auto from Ford to be considered a Sport Utility Vehicle, and it was specifically designed primarily for off-road use initially. The first-generation examples continued for a dozen years, with the basic shape and styling not changing very much throughout this rather long span. This 1976 model here on eBay in Dayton, Ohio, needs a restoration, but it’s mostly complete and appears to be at a decent starting point. So far, bidding has only reached $3,550, and with no reserve, the high roller will have bought themselves a winter project.
With a few exceptions, the body appears fairly straight, although there are some minor dings here and there. If these were the only culprits, most of the panels could probably be straightened out and reused, but the biggest issue outside is rust. A few areas are showing a considerable amount of corrosion, including the quarter panels and tailgate, plus the one rocker we get to view. Maybe someone with a strong set of sheet metal skills can make these sections sturdy again, but it might be a better idea to source the parts and replace them instead.
Both good and bad news can be found under the hood, with the most positive aspect being that the original buyer sprung for the optional V8. A 200 cubic-inch inline-6 was the standard engine, with the 302 being the step-up, but this one isn’t currently running. The seller claims it will still turn, but doesn’t provide any further information regarding the exact issue. Another nicety is that this one is also equipped with a manual transmission, and the four-wheel-drive was a standard feature on all first-generation Broncos.
Things inside are just about as basic as out, with many of the interior components also in need of refreshing. We never get to view what’s inside that Bud Light box, but hopefully, it’s a few small parts that will help the future owner out with the restoration. I’m not sure about the condition of the floors, but several photos are provided from the underside, which seem to show that the actual rails are reasonably solid. With the compact size of the early Bronco, this one would be a fun little off-roader once completed, but it will take plenty of time and cash to get there. Is this one worth all the effort and expense required to bring it back to life?
The redeeming factor is that several companies produce replacement body panels, and a 5.0 can be easily sourced. It simply depends on how much money you want to invest in the project.
“…Is this one worth all the effort and expense… ?”
’S all upto the next guy. EVERYTHING is available aftermarket like a ‘stang or some of the others. They’ve entered the typical ‘classic’ realm now so more rest0 than mod, longer ownerships, handed down in the family, no garish bolt ons, etc
’76/7, the last 2 yrs havea more rd worthy/less off rd steer linkage, I think the ’77 hasa bigger bearing rear and heaver axel. The 200 was NOT the ‘other motor’ but 170/2.8 was. The 200 (one of the 6 ThriftPower i6 motors, the ford habit of ‘family’ naming, not cheb’s big block/sm block) was only a 2 yr option ’73/4 or 72/3 only.
Hopefully these have returned to reasonablely priced vehicles. Spring of 2020 they hit number one in cost, only to fall to 23rd (or so) that summer, cherokee gaining that 1st spot. I see ‘mixed’ price points now. Still not time to sell mine~
About the only thing I would want to do is see if I can get it running maybe driving but all that rust just has me saying I don’t need a lawn ornament I might get to someday
This thing screams “I’VE BEEN UNDER WATER!” The pictures on e-bay tell the story. Way too much rust in this one. But with a good v.i.n. tag you can latterly buy every piece needed to rebuild this and make it a new / old Bronco. And they are routinely bringing north of $50,000 these days. Granted you could very easily have north of that in it when you get done.
SOLD for $6,900.
35 bids.