Unless recently released from captivity, car and truck enthusiasts immediately recognize the first generation Bronco. These vintage sport utility vehicles bring big money in stock or modified form, so much so that Ford renewed Bronco production in model year 2021. This 1971 Ford Bronco in Rosenberg, Texas seems to have avoided modifications and shows well in never-restored condition. The $34,950 Buy It Now price here on eBay demonstrates the early Bronco’s strength in today’s market. This one sports a V8, automatic transmission, and a blue and white interior to match the body.
While the vinyl floor covering appears to have been replaced, most everything else inside looks original. The T-handle shifter commands the transfer case while a column-shifter controls the three-speed automatic manual gearbox. Like all Broncos (excluding Bronco II), this Jeep alternative offers four-wheel drive. The blue and white two-tone adds a fun, beachy vibe to this vintage four-wheeler.
Many an early Bronco saw its wheel arches opened up for larger tires, and the never-cut steel on this one adds value for those prizing originality. The seller wisely avoids the often-abused phrase “all original,” and this little Ford shows evidence of at least one paint job.
Other than blue overspray, this engine compartment looks stock, and the manual brake master cylinder makes for a cleaner look than the interesting offset booster fitted to 1973 1976 and later first-gen Broncos with power steering brakes. The 302 cid (5.0L) V8 made 205 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque, according to factory brochures at lov2xlr8.
Credit the seller for showing pictures like this, demonstrating the imperfections and rust in this never-restored Ford. Buyers wishing to cash in on the latest craze by flipping a mostly-stock first-gen Bronco might do well to pass on this specimen. Conversely, the stout asking price puts it out of reach for many folks who would enjoy driving it while tackling its shortcomings. Who do you picture buying this imperfect highly-original Bronco?
I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but even with all of the rust issues, this doesn’t seem like a bad price in 2023. Nice one, Todd!
Yup.You posted what I was gonna say.Welcome to 2023 pricing.I’m guessing 3-4 years ago this would be a 15 to 20 k truck. Cool old truck though.
This a three speed manual truck, not an automatic. The power brake boosters started in 1976, not 1973.
What are you talking about? It doesn’t have a power brake booster, and there is no evidence of it being a three speed… are you confusing the parking brake pedal with a clutch pedal????
What I’m talking about is that the writeup mentions that power brake boosters were added to Broncos starting in 1973, which isn’t true. Those came along in 1976. In any case, this one doesn’t have a power brake booster (as you note)
Look again at the second photo above and you’ll see, from the right, gas pedal, brake pedal, clutch pedal, and the parking brake pedal. Want further proof? Look at the shifter on the column – automatics aren’t parked with the lever pulled down like that. It’s a 3 speed manual shifter in first gear.
Why is that engine so noisy ?
That thing should be purring.
It looks like a paint over of some bumps and dings. But I’d take it say $20k
“…The T-handle shifter commands a three-speed automatic gearbox….”
I know, the 4WD stick looks alot like the stang’s auto selector.
The “J-handeled” (later) and earlier (1 yr – ’66) also look like transmission selectors (sit on its ‘hump’, havea boot, not short or w a y closer to the driver, etc).
Havea look in Todds 2019 book, bet there’s some pic…? ISBN
978-1613254141
This is a manual 3 on the tree. The t shifter is for 4 wheel drive
Thanks, everyone, for setting me straight on the gearbox. I thought I was seeing the same auto trans shifter fitted to countless Fords for years, but that is not true! As for the Power Brakes, power DISC brakes came in ’76, but in addition to the link I included originally, this 1973 Brochure also touts the new power brakes. I know sometimes brochures list items that never make it to production, but I’d normally go to press with a story confirmed by two sources. https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/73ft/bilder/8.jpg
I don’t see anything touting new power brakes in that brochure you just linked – it talks about the new power steering for ’73 but where does it mention the brakes?
I also don’t see a link in the writeup referencing the new power brakes for ’73. You link a picture of the booster in one link (a ’77 Bronco engine compartment) and a link to a forum thread that asks about when power steering came out.
The booster/bracket required a special driver’s side inner fender well for clearance and that inner fenderwell was only present in the 1976-1977 Broncos.
I’d be happy to send you a copy of my book for your library for future reference! :)
Thanks, Todd Z! I’ve corrected the text and link above, leaving my original flub for eternity. It’s important to make sure we don’t become the origin of false information that others might cite in the future. Happy motoring!
Awesome looking 1st gen Bronco. Although I was way too young to drive a car at the time, I remember finding this gen more attractive to look at than the 2nd generation, produced between 1978 and probably 1980. While I’m sure people appreciate the much larger dimensions of the 2nd gen and later Bronco, I’ve always preferred the 1st gen Bronco.
Hi – am new to this site – just found it. Am wondering how to bid? Thanks, Gord