Update 3/3/20 – This sweet Bronco has been relisted here on eBay after not meeting reserve at $14k. It’s cool, but do you think it could really be worth more than that?

From 2/27/20 – This 1979 Ford Bronco is a desirable Free Wheeling edition, which came with the cosmetic dress-up you see here, featuring vivid colors and graphics splashed across the sides and B-pillars. Finding one today with those original graphics still attached is a challenge, and the seller claims this example has managed to survive with them intact, and no ridiculous lift kit installed. Some modifications are noted under the hood, but really, this seems like an honest truck that is ripe for the restomod trend so popular with older 4x4s these days. You’ll find the Bronco here on eBay located in Texas with bidding just over $10K and the reserve unmet.

While I hate to say it, some cosmetic tweaks could greatly enhance the eyeball appeal of this Bronco. While not everything needs to be spit-and-polished before being put up for sale, a slightly upsized wheel and tire package could transform the way this truck looks on the screen. Then again, if you’re a Bronco purist, buying it without any modifications made to the suspension or wheels and tires may be immensely appealing. There’s little doubt this Bronco has survived all of these years without being modified for off-road use, so why start now? Regardless, I could see this one being snapped up by a dealer that installs the lift kit, plus-sized wheels and tires, and freshens up the interior, likely for a tidy profit.

Off-road capable rigs that never leave pavement are all the rage right now. And while it definitely will get you labeled a poser, it’s also indisputable that the general public loves cool vintage cars and trucks of any denomination, and old-school 4x4s draw a lot of smiles wherever they go. Since I’ve stumbled into Isuzu ownership, it’s amazing to see iconic brands like KC HiLites come back to life as vintage truck owners return to the aftermarket manufacturers that enthusiasts of the 80s supported (remember Marty McFly’s Toyota pickup covered in KC off-road lights?) This Bronco would look good suited up in period-correct modifications, but with original features like the awesome cloth bucket seats restored. The red carpeting also must remain in place, along with the huge center console.

Engine-wise, the seller notes his brother – the previous owner – did some work under the hood. The Bronco is equipped with a 351 V8 that the seller says was rebuilt, which included an Extreme Energy cam, new differential, and other unnamed parts simply described as being “new.” The carburetor was upgraded to a Summit four-barrel, and the seller notes his brother removed the headers (which are not included). While it’s a little bit of a mixed bag, I think you could get this Bronco sorted out without too much effort, especially since it sounds like the rebuild included some worthwhile performance upgrades. The question is, when will it clear the reserve price?