So, does a rising tide lift all boats? Ford has certainly done well with its current iteration of the venerable Bronco, and there’s no denying the outsized popularity of version one (’66-’77) with restored examples crossing into low six-digit territory. But how about the middle? What’s going on with those? Well, today, for your review, we have a 1990 Custom model to consider. Let’s check it out and see if it will go with the flow. Pompano Beach, Florida, is where you’ll find this full-size SUV, and it’s available here on eBay for a BIN price of $19,900. There is a make an offer option too.
The Bronco bulked up in size starting in ’78 and stayed that way through 1996. This 1990 example is a member of generation four that was produced from 1987 through 1991 and yielded well over 200K units. In 1990, the Bronco’s three trim levels, Custom (our subject), XLT, and Eddie Bauer, were responsible for over 50K copies. This particular example is exceptionally clean, and the seller claims only 22K miles of use but offers no authentication. The listing also states that this is an XLT trim level, but when I ran a VIN decode, it came back as a Custom or standard model, so I’m concerned about that. Also, note the grille with its displayed BRONCO name badge, that’s not original as near as I can tell. The seller states, “Florida owned, so not rusted out like many out there.” I can tell you from experience, cars rust in Florida. Obviously not like they do in Ohio or some other northern clime like that, but beach-bound Florida cars can and will get crispy. That said, no corrosion is noted here.
Moving on to the inside, we find a clean and tidy environment with cloth upholstered bucket seats. There’s no noted seating surface wear or dashpad abnormalities, but the instrument panel surround is significantly delaminated, which makes me think of age, exposure, and use. Also, note the rubber floor mat; it’s pretty lumpy. Those with an interest should inquire about A/C. The listing is silent on that matter, but I see no indication of a compressor, and there are some cut, unattached hoses in the engine compartment.
Power is provided by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, probably generating about 200 net HP. The seller adds, “Just had some service done that includes new Michelin Tires, Shocks, Plugs and Wires, and Oil Change. I have all records of the work done which totals more than $10,000.” Gear changing is automatically handled.
So, back to my initial question about improving values. The asking price for this Bronco doesn’t seem too out of line, and it’s negotiable, but what would it be without the surging interest in the current Bronco? I suppose one would need to have done some statistical analysis – a before-and-after sort of thing to really get an idea. My immediate concerns are those that I mentioned, i.e., the mileage, trim level, altered grille, and A/C – no A/C situation. Questions, questions, and more questions! Anyway, what’s your thought on Bronco valuations for this generation?
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I was hoping any reference to that wouldn’t be posted.
This is the first time I can recall, reading a post about a white bronco and not having THAT even enter my mind until that comment.
yep… same old wore out lame ‘jokes’… nothing to see here…
I’ll throw in a “superstar of rental car” reference in order to cover all the bad jokes.
That Hertz:)
By the looks of the engine bay and wear on the arm rests looks more like 122,000 miles.
That front end shot looks like an AI image. I can’t be the only one to see that.
Now, while we’re piling on here,it appears to have current model grill lettering. But, if you look at the headlights, they don’t match up evenly–the right side is off.Also the rear bumper has hit something,it’s also bent down slightly on the right side. It does have XLT pseudo wood dash trim fascia, which looks like it’s been through the wringer, but vinyl floor mats didn’t come on XLT models. The odo does look appropriate with the even numbers, but that should make it more suspect. The alternator is nice and shiny, like brand new. Jim is right about the lack of A/C parts. There’s lots more to say about the engine compartment, but the vehicle looks to have been sold. “Bricknose” models like this are starting to creep up into the $Teens, because of the rising prices for all Broncos.
I saw it right away.
The grille is horrible..
The minute I saw this I new there would be comments in reference to the juice, if not mistaken, didn’t Bonnie and Clyde drive a Ford as well? Clyde wrote Henry a letter thanking him for the fast Ford that could outrun the Plymouths and of course there’s the Lincoln in Dealy Plaza, wonder if Henry ever imagined his Fords would be related to famous crimes committed in these great United States
Some cars just do that, like OJ and white Broncos, Nader and Corvairs, or any Rambler with reclining seats.
my guess is this was bought and it will be flipped for double what it sold for.
i have a 93 custom… mine is plain jane, no power windows, locks, etc… it does have non -working air, the 1 shown here looks to have power windows and locks, also my 4×4 shifts in the floor… is this 1 shifted by a dash button… seems kinda fancy for a custom compared to mine
Florida truck, so not rusted…Lots of corrosion in FL if you’re near the ocean. Someone will buy it.
The grille has pieces from a 6G in it. Not sure if it’s AI or not.