We cover the Holy Grail of Ford Broncos (’66-’77) pretty thoroughly here on BF. But what about the BIG Bronco that followed? Well, we feature those extensively too but they just don’t have the draw that the smaller, simpler first-gen do – and those original editions become almost untouchable price-wise. Other than size, what’s the big difference and why are the first-gen so much more collectible? Let’s take a look at a 1979 edition and see if we can figure it out. Today’s find is located in Center, North Dakota and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $17,750 with 30 bids tendered so far.
The second-gen Bronco had a short run of only two years but was still popular with sales of over 180K units. Our subject car is a Ranger XLT which was the premium version as opposed to the Custom which was a lower trim level. This one is sitting in pretty tight quarters so it’s hard to get a comprehensive look at it but from what can be seen, this 73K mile 4X4 looks good. It appears to be wearing a “DeLuxe Tu-Tone” orange and white paint job though it has been parked for ten years and the garage dust is obscuring a detailed view. The only non-stock item appears to be the front brush guard – an appropriate accessory for a vehicle of this nature.
The seller tells us that this Bronco was a special order with a full-width bench seat and vent windows but that seat has certainly seen better days and duct tape only lasts so long! I’d also be concerned about a potential mouse invasion – especially in a place like North Dakota with its winters. When it gets cold the mice are on the march!
There are two interior images and neither is too telling – there’s unfortunately, none of the dash or instrument panel so interested parties will need to make an inquiry.
A 159 net HP, 400 CI V8 engine provides this Bronco with motivation but it hasn’t moved from its current resting place in ten years so there’s no telling how it runs and drives. The seller states, “Motor has been started and held idle less than 2 weeks ago“. The automatic transmission employed is a Select-Shift four-speed automatic unit, coupled to a “203” transfer case which provides full-time four-wheel-drive.
There’s clearly a lot of interest in this Bronco. The bid has jumped $500 in just the last two hours. As old pickup trucks seem to be occupying more enthusiast garages now that muscle cars have become stratospherically priced, perhaps the same trend will occur with these larger Broncos considering that the first-gen has ventured into six-figure territory. So, what’s your thought, are these later-generation Broncos going to be the next big thing?
The transmission is a C6 3 speed automatic – 4 speed autos didn’t come along until ’85 with the AOD behind the 5.0. Every single Bronco of this era had the vent windows but this one appears to have the rear sliders – maybe that’s what’s meant by vent windows?
These trucks have climbed the value curve tremendously in recent years, with some of the nicer examples selling for more than their early Bronco brethren.
I believe he’s referring to the optional vent windows behind the b-pillars.
I’ll comment tommorow,cheers!
I’d rather have one of these than a first generation. Heck of a lot better ride and road manners. I suppose they’re not as cute looking as the first gens, but they’re really better in all other aspects.
I’ve had a couple 1st gen and 2nd gen…my favorite was a 79 4sp 400M ..it would run over a lot.. in the river bottoms
I’ve had on of these, one of the first gens, and a Dodge Ramcharger. One lesson I learned on my first trip to the mountains with one of the later models, some of those jeep trails weren’t cut for the wider track. First gens did OK.
Definately needs some interior work and perhaps a complete strip down, there will be a mice hotel in the entire headliner, seats same deal, new brakes all the way around and master cylinder. Replace fuel system as well as throttle body. Individual lockout hubs on the front, $3,500 should get it up to speed
Definately needs some interior work and perhaps a complete strip down, there will be a mice hotel in the entire headliner, seats same deal, new brakes all the way around and master cylinder. Replace fuel system as well as throttle body. Individual lockout hubs on the front, $3,500 should get it up to speed
Throttle body?
No throttle body – this is a carbureted vehicle.
no ‘vent’ window. This is the yr they hada sider, there on the side, but also in rare instances U can C a ‘wing’ window much like the ‘flip-able’ one on the frnt driver/passenger’s. Not avail like the slider on ’78 I’ve heard. Any thing’s possible (& this seller hopes for the most). U can swap tops between yrs of course… or even install/remove these small accessories.
Here the seller hopes to not move his vehicle and just sell it or keep it. aahahaha
No effort to get it out so as to B seen, test drive, etc. The bear necessities. I hope he (she) is rewarded appropriately for the sales efforts (wash, under pic, more pic, a salesman like effort). 19K$ w/2 hr left, anything can happen~
Those are flip-out wing windows on the rear side glass.