Early Broncos continue to sit near the top of the vintage 4×4 market, but finding one that hasn’t been heavily modified or turned into a full custom build is getting harder every year. This 1970 Ford Bronco Sport listed on eBay is being presented as a largely original example with one-owner history, original California blue plates, and just over 74,000 original miles according to the seller.
Power comes from what the listing describes as the original Ford 302 V8, paired with a 3-speed manual transmission and factory-style four-wheel drive setup. The seller says the Bronco starts, runs, and drives well, while also noting that “everything works.” As always with vehicles of this age, interested buyers will probably want to verify details for themselves, but the listing paints the picture of a truck that has remained in use rather than sitting forgotten.
The seller emphasizes the ownership history several times throughout the description, stating this Bronco has been with the same owner since new. According to the ad, it has been maintained and cared for over the years instead of heavily altered. That alone may be enough to catch the attention of Bronco enthusiasts, especially given how many early examples have been extensively restored or modified over the decades.
A few updates have been made along the way. The Bronco is said to have power steering, power brakes with front disc brakes, and rear air shocks. The listing also notes recently installed tires and a new battery. Beyond those upgrades, the seller describes the truck as remaining very original overall.
The exterior is listed as bronze with a brown interior, though the seller doesn’t spend much time detailing cosmetic condition beyond stating the body is rust-free and clean. That’s always a notable claim on an early Bronco, especially one said to have spent its life in California. Still, the ad leaves most of the finer details to the photos and buyer inspection.
One thing that stands out in the listing is the tone. The seller seems less focused on selling a showpiece and more interested in describing a truck that’s been appreciated and kept together over a long period of time. That tends to resonate with Bronco buyers, especially now that first-generation models have become collectible enough that originality matters more than it once did.
There’s also something refreshing about seeing an early Bronco described without giant lifts, engine swaps, or extensive modifications. A simple 302, manual transmission, and factory-style four-wheel-drive setup still check a lot of boxes for enthusiasts who prefer these trucks closer to how Ford originally built them.
The market for early Broncos probably isn’t cooling off anytime soon either, particularly for examples with long-term ownership stories attached.
How I do love seeing these uncut!
Oh my gosh! Anyone who takes this pristine Bronco and modifies it should be strung up and quartered.
Mods include that Edelbrock 4 barrel carb and nice addition of dual mufflers, exhaust
Beautiful and not modd’d. Up!
So nice.
Same with the power steering and disc brakes, there is nothing wrong with making changes that make a car a better driver.
Steve R
I agree. If I had the money and someone to share the experience, I’d upgrade what can be upgraded, while leaving what can be kept original. Among the mechanical upgrades would be a 2.8 litre turbo diesel engine and a compatible gearbox.
Left knob missing on radio
Probably why it only brought $45,100 !
Keep it original only and a couple of things so you can self rescue if you need to because I would take it out in the woods
My big mouth has gotten me in a few situations I’m not particularly proud of, and this will probably be no exception, but my car friends have GOT to hear this. I’m going to leave out a lot, as it’s still pretty fresh news, but, this blew me away. My nephew “found”, get this,,a rust free 1966 U13 Roadster in perfect condition, with a very low serial number, indicating it was made in Aug. 1965, one of the earliest known roadsters. 413 known to exist. I can’t say where or how much, but when I saw a picture of it, I exclaimed, “you DO know what you have there”,,,now my nephew is pretty sharp, and knew full well the value of vintage Broncos, but I’m not sure he realized what he found. The truck has NO options, a base U13, Rangoon Red, no heater or radio, 170/6, 3 speed and has Hank Kimball all over it, an exact copy, except Hanks was a ’67. It even has the round transfer case shift knob, only used in the 1st few Broncos, and changed to the T handle you see here, for less confusion that it was a floor shift. They have some minor work to do, it was sitting inside for 10 years, my nephew(42) said he never drove a column shift before,,but what a find, hey? It does happen.
Terrific find on your nephew’s part, Howard! It’d be great to see. Keep us updated on that.
Nice one here too but going to be a pricey one I’ll bet-$25k currently with 3 days to go.
Good looking ride, Elizabeth and good follow up.
Hi Kurt, I seem to equate it to the finding a Rembrandt at a thrift store. I posted a picture of Hank Kimballs Bronco that didn’t make it over the pass, but the whole situation pretty much bolsters what I’ve been saying all along. From a lack of interest on the younger sellers part, loss of long term storage, no place to keep it, and my nephew was in the right place. I believe a scene that will play out again and again as time rolls on.
Sounds like your nephew found a real gem, Howard! Keep us posted on how it goes.
I’ll second what Kurt said. Thats an amazing, probably once in a lifetime find for your nephew Howard. I had to laugh though when you mentioned he never drove a 3 speed on the column, but he’ll figure it out. ( Most likely with a little help from his Uncle Howard). If he could get a Marti report on it, that would be an interesting read. If there’s ever a picture of it I’d like to see it. This early Bronco looks terrific by the way. Like 8 Banger said, I like seeing them uncut. Very nice.
-Dave
Unfortunately won’t be a Marti since it’s a ’66, but if he joins classic broncos.com, there’s a guy on there who keeps track of all the early trucks. My good friend also runs roadsteru13.com, which I would recommend checking out.
Thanks you guys, yeah, I think the “hobby” is going to be riddled with these kinds of experiences. I tried a picture, but was the wrong jpg. or some hooey, but it looks exactly like Hanks, with the exception of an aftermarket rollbar I don’t think was an option. Something about an early “eyebrow” grill too, but I can’t see what that is. The truck was originally from Cal. with a light restoration about 10 years ago, and never used. It became a product of a divorce, and nobody wanted it. I know us car folks are aghast at such a thing, but this is what’s happening. Had a stuck brake, and a fuel delivery issue, all regular “storage” stuff, but runs great and with the little options it has, everything works. Plenty of sites dealing with the finding of one, it’s not the oldest one known, his was towards the end of August ’65, but still an early one.
Again, I don’t know the circumstances of the sale, and don’t want to know. I said to my nephew, who loves old cars, but in no position to have something like that, why did you get that? He said,,,,because he knew my brother was looking for something like that, and nobody ever does anything for my dad,,he’s a good kid,,,excuse me, something in my eyes,,you know it happens everytime,,
Hank Kimballs, and my nephews Bronco, Green Acres, 1967. I said he should find some clothes like Hanks, the late Alvy Moore, and go around to car shows as Hank Kimball. Be a hoot!
Lovely looking vehicle. I’ve always loved these early (1968-77) Ford Bronco, probably more so than later (1978-80) Bronco models. I know where Tacoma Washington is. I live across the Narrows Bridge in Gig Harbor.
California? The first time I saw this post, it said Tacoma Washington. Apparently the poster didn’t know at the time where they were, unless they just recently registered their Bronco in California and forgot to mention it here. What do you reckon?
Wow! I loved old unmolested vehicles in general, but this Bronco is nothing short of outstanding. It’s out of my price range already tho.. it just crossed $30k with two days remaining.
I agree. I also love original unmolested classic cars.