So, this first-gen 1976 Ford Bronco is known as an “Explorer”, news to me. I thought the model name Explorer surfaced in ’91 on Ford’s new SUV. Nope, it was a trim level on the first-gen Bronco as far back as ’72. BF has covered a few in the past but I guess I’ve been asleep at the switch. OK, with that tidbit out of the way, let’s review a 1976 Ford Bronco Explorer that the seller describes as being “uncut”. Located in Concord, Virginia, this non-runner is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $8,300 with nine bids tendered so far.
We all have seen the incredible rise in trading prices for first-gen (’66-’77) Ford Broncos with restored versions tripping six figures. I don’t get it, and probably never will, but I don’t want to belabor that point. Our subject car doesn’t show particularly well and the seller advises, “has the typical rust, will need restoration but is a solid start“. The surface rust is obvious but there is rust-through too in the tailgate, quarters, passenger side hinge-post, and possibly the cargo floor. There is one underside image included and it reveals a lot of scale – I’d recommend a thorough underside inspection. All of that said, the exterior looks mostly complete though the bumpers are bent, and some of the side-marker lights are missing, as is a taillight lens. The grille may be beyond salvaging – it’s bent and broken and suffering from a full rust bloom.
Power is provided by a 302 CI V8 engine that generates approximately 137 net HP or thereabouts. As stated earlier, it’s a non-runner and looks to have been in that state for a very long time. The spark plug leads are disconnected and some of the plugs may have been removed. There is no indication if the engine will turn by hand. The mileage reading is 84K miles but there’s no authentication given for that reading. The 4X4 drivetrain makes use of an automatic transmission.
The interior is about how you’d expect, considering the exterior. It’s a litany of the usual problems, destroyed dash pad, disintegrating seat upholstery, missing door panels, etc. The cargo area seems to have endured the brunt of age and deterioration with significant rust in the floor and wheel houses.
Well, yes, this one’s in rough shape but as noted earlier, they seem to defy gravity in the pricing department. There are three days to go in the bidding so this Bronco will be one to watch. The uncut aspect of its body and the V8 engine are positives but the unknown rust and internal condition of the motor could turn those positives, quickly, into adverse negatives, wouldn’t you agree?
Thankfully – these rough projects seem to be coming down in price a bit….
This is in similar shape to the 68 F250 i am finishing up after 3 yrs. I would not go over 6 K in the shape it is in. 400 labor hours and 15 K and this would be a nice runner. But will it be worth 40 K after restoration, the market is softening up and the ’24 election is still 16 months away.
’70s and ’80s Explorer models – there were also F100/150, Econoline and even Courier and Ranchero Explorers depending on the year – were spring specials made to create a little extra buzz late in the model year. Chevy used the Bonanza name on theirs around the same time, again throughout the light truck line but not on medium-duty trucks or on cars.
Besides explorer trim level on most all ford trucks , you also had the ranger trim level too.
Have you ever noticed this? Look at a Jeep and a Bronco of the same year.
Broncos are usually rusted to the point of jacking up the radiator cap and putting a new vehicle under it.
Jeeps are seem to have a better track record in the rust department unless it was abused plowed Jeep.
I’ve never noticed that, but I look at a lot more Broncos than Jeeps.
Then it must be me and the NE Salt Flats.
Unless they’re western vehicles? Most older Jeeps are held together with bondo and diamond plate. That’s why there’s a whole cottage industry out there that offer fiberglass bodies.
I say don’t restore it just get it running and driving safe than enjoy having a off road rig
Thinking “has the typical rust, will need restoration but is a solid start“. is a bit of a stretch. Make no mistake, this is a total rebuild. Engine may well be toast with missing plugs. I got a ’68 Fastback Mustang a few years back for $1100 and it was in far better condition – to include a running 302 4V. Amazing what these 1st gen’s are capable of bringing in, in any condition.
something bout the stamped out grills I like: the shown F100 & Belvedere, this 1 BUT…
the bronk ones allll – the – way – cross (in fact holds the 2 fenders up (w/core support, course). I C the one yr white ‘arrow’ dwn the side (didnt nother have it slant up fender over hood?). No posting bout the oe discs, better on rd steer. link. This is when the bronk came auto/bent8 only I believe. Surprised to C the vinyl fl cover’n rear seat. Brought em back far worse’n this un~