Original Owner: 1967 Ford Bronco

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There’s no doubt that we see our share of First Generation Ford Broncos here at Barn Finds, but there are a couple of good reasons for this. The first is that the Bronco didn’t sell in the numbers that Ford envisaged, making it a relatively rare vehicle in its own right. Second, they are currently a hot ticket in the classic market, and even rough and rusty examples can command mind-bending prices. This 1967 model isn’t perfect, but it is an attractive proposition for those intent on parking one in their garage. It is essentially an original and unmolested one-owner survivor with 62,000 miles on the clock. However, its lack of any notable rust places it in rarified company. The time is right for it to find a new home, so the owner has listed it for sale here on Craigslist. The Bronco is located in Rocklin, California, and you could give it that new home by handing the owner $45,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for referring this fantastic survivor to us.

This Bronco is far from perfect, but its overall condition makes the concept of retaining it as an unmolested survivor viable. It wears an attractive combination of Frost Turquoise and Wimbledon White, with the owner stating that the paint is original. It has a collection of flaws and imperfections, but they add to its character. The panels are surprisingly straight for a vehicle of this type because off-road adventures often result in a collection of smaller bruises or dents. The owner hasn’t seen fit to cut the wheel arches to accommodate larger wheels, and while reversing such changes is not difficult, it does undermine any originality claims. However, I’ve saved the best news for last. Regular readers know that these early Broncos were rust traps and could dissolve faster than a soluble aspirin. This classic’s cause has been helped by its location because the seller claims it is rust-free. I would still advise an in-person inspection to confirm this. I can’t spot any external problems, while the solitary engine bay shot reveals no issues with the prone front inner fenders. If it is as solid as things suggest, it would be worth the next owner’s while to take steps to ensure it remains that way. Whether that entails committing to a program of meticulous cleaning and inspection or applying a protective undercoat, preserving the original steel should be worthwhile in the long term.

If I had to single out one motor from Ford’s enormous catalog of V8s as my favorite, that honor would fall to their 289ci V8. Its production life was relatively short, but some forms like the mighty K-Code have developed legendary status. My father owned some classics with these motors under the hood, and that experience helped seal my affection for them. The 289 powering this Bronco isn’t a K-Code, but it should produce 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. Bolted to the V8 is a three-speed manual transmission that sends the power to the road via a dual-range transfer case. While these classics were more at home transporting their occupants into some pretty inhospitable locations, their ability to cover the ¼ mile in 17.7 seconds and cruise all day at freeway speeds proves that they are far from a one-trick pony. The owner claims that this Ford has 62,000 genuine miles on its odometer, but not whether they hold evidence verifying this claim. However, locating such documentation in a one-owner classic like this may be possible. The Bronco runs and drives but requires a fuel system flush and a brake bleed. The owner is trying to find time to perform these tasks, so they may not be an issue when the buyer hands over their cash.

The interior shots supplied by the owner are pretty poor, but there are a few things we can determine. The dash and pad look good, while there is nothing on the floor. The vehicle features a rear seat upholstered in white vinyl, and the seller includes two sets of front seats in the deal. They state that a retrim is in order, but provided the deterioration isn’t severe, the buyer may elect to retain the interior untouched to protect the Bronco’s originality. If they crave a refresh, a complete trim kit in the correct materials will cost approximately $2,000. As with the subject of rust, the viability of the preservation approach would depend on what an in-person inspection revealed.

If you’re like me, you’ve just checked your wallet and down the back of the sofa and have not found the $45,000 required to take this ’67 Bronco home. When it was new, this classic would have cost its owner less than $3,000. That made it a relatively affordable off-roader, but it still wasn’t enough for buyers to choose the Bronco over the opposition. Ford managed to sell 14,230 examples during the 1967 model year, representing the second-lowest figure during twelve years of production. As sometimes happens, a vehicle that was largely unloved and ignored when new has “grown legs” in recent times. This Bronco was affordable when it was new, but it is less so today. The reality is that given its history and condition, the owner’s price is about what we now expect from a First Generation Bronco. The trend of increasing values for these vehicles shows no signs of easing, meaning the day is fast approaching where they will be permanently beyond the reach of the average punter. Therefore, if you have the available funds and wish to own a First Generation Bronco, you may need to strike pretty soon. That makes this one worth serious consideration.

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Comments

  1. gaspumpchas

    Hmmm- 45 large? Production life of a 289 was short? put on a drag strip? Cruise all day at highway speeds?? Great write up, and I’m not criticizing, Adam, but have you ever driven one of these??? Someone looking to pay mucho dinero for one of these better drive it first. They were pretty horrible and flip easily. All my humble opinion, but I worked on a lot of them and drove them. Good luck and happy motoring!
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 10
  2. Todd Zuercher

    A one owner 67 is real rare these days. Would love to hear the stories of what all they did with it over the years. I’d expect to see some service records etc to confirm the mileage.

    Like 5
  3. Johnmloghry Johnmloghry

    I like the way you write Adam, your descriptive language is nice reading. As for this Bronco it does seem values just seem to be skyrocketing. I would still be cautious as it seems Real estate values are leveling out and may even be dropping soon which in turn makes all values act in same manner. So it could be the down turn of classic car values. But it’s not always about money with these cars and trucks, sometimes it can be about nostalgia and love or just about desire to own one.

    God Bless America

    Like 2
  4. Johnny

    $45,000 for a ride that will need work and parts–that don,t come cheap. A vehicle that will flip over easy, never sold for over $3000—$3,500— I believe it will sat for quiet awhile and would like to see some of these people paying these stupid prices. Are they ashamed to show their face. Alot of kids can be helped with that kind of money.

    Like 1
  5. HCMember

    Because it’s a one owner California Bronco it may very well escaped the rust issues these were prone to having. Bad if not worse than Mustangs. Yeah prices are high and if it’s what he says it is I’m sure he’ll get his asking price. Love that it’s a 289 manual. Good find

    Like 1

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