Although the First Generation Bronco developed a reputation for rust, the number we see crossing our desks at Barn Finds suggests the survival rate is pretty high. Thanks to the ready availability of replacement steel and modern rust prevention techniques, restoring and preserving one is straightforward. This 1975 Bronco has minor rust problems but features its original paint and V8. With no immediate needs, the new owner could adopt a short-term strategy of enjoying what it offers, deferring the restoration to a time that suits their circumstances. The Bronco is listed here on eBay in San Clemente, California. The seller set a BIN of $43,000 with the option to make an offer.
The seller claims the Sequoia Brown paint gracing this Bronco’s flanks is original, with no prior repairs or restoration work. If that is accurate, its condition is impressive. The shine is consistent, and there’s no evidence of patchiness or checking. There is no visible external rust, with prone areas like the quarter panels and lower door corners looking particularly clean. This makes the seller’s decision to fit fender flares disappointing. I acknowledge these are necessary if an owner plans to fit larger wheels or tires, but with this classic otherwise so original and solid, this change will undermine its potential value. Delving below the surface reveals the typical issues with rust in the front floors, and the rear floors near the wheel tubs. Deterioration in the driver’s side rear tub would make replacement wise. It looks like the front inner fenders might be okay, and the frame is sound. The exterior trim is in good order, and there are no glass issues.
Powering this Bronco is the numbers-matching 302ci V8, producing 125hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque. Life both on and off-road would be made easier by the three-speed automatic transmission, dual-range transfer case, and power steering. With the V8 producing its peak power and torque low in the rev range, this combination should allow the Bronco to crawl over some rough and sticky surfaces. Once the tough stuff is behind it, this classic should cruise happily at highway speeds. The seller indicates the vehicle is in excellent mechanical health, although it would benefit from a tune-up. It runs and drives well, and the brakes feel strong.
The interior shots of this Bronco aren’t great, but they confirm the seller’s claim that the seats feature new foam, rebuilt springs, and new covers. The floors are bare, and what can be seen of the painted surfaces wear chips and scratches. Even if the new owner elects to leave the exterior untouched, an interior repaint and new mats or carpet on the floors will lift the presentation enormously. It is unclear whether there are any aftermarket additions, but the seller states that everything works as it should.
The rust problems in this 1975 Bronco are minor compared to some previous examples that have crossed our desks. That leaves the new owner with choices to make. They could attack it immediately, tackling the rust and removing the fender flares to recapture its factory appearance. Alternatively, addressing the rust but leaving the exterior untouched would be valid. Since it has no pressing mechanical needs and is structurally sound, the buyer could enjoy this classic as-is while considering their options. With eighty people watching the listing, maybe one of them will hit the button and take that approach. Of course, you could beat them to the punch. Are you tempted?
Nice to see another one not full of rust. As previously stated, to me the stock body looks like a grocery getter. With the matching front and rear fender flares they look like off road material. Nice off roader here.
Super nice Example but numbers matching is a myth in Fordlandia! Best you can hope for is the correct year.
Wrong. Starting during the 1968 model year the federal government mandated that all engines and transmissions were to be VIN stamped. Ford followed this mandate. I have original engines and transmissions here dating back to the late 1960s that are VIN stamped.
I am always surprised to see older vehicles like this without an air cleaner. It leads me to believe that there are issues with the engine.
Bill, he might have wanted to show off that Holley four barrel. It doesn’t look like it’s been run without it a lot.
& this one hada snorkel that went to a vent hole in the core support. Like stang – every nut’n bolt is available aftr mrkt.
For above:
No numbers matchin (it aint a jag or ferrari). Any records lost to ford fire decades ago. Just buy’n enjoy. There R so many tricks most would not know anyway.
Would like to see these treated as a “classic” & it is slowly occurring – better prices for OEM (not all the changes seen here), less for those w/all the “bolt ons” & mods. (Ex: mine has 3 oe tops, the tire carrier’n much more).
For other here (pwrwagon):
Only point I’d agree w/is – its a death trap compared to today’s. This is corrected w/a frame tied (yup, aftr mrkt) bar or cage. To my opinion? just like a 1 inch BL – the rig cries out for it straight out of the factory then or 50 yrs later (utility or appearance).
This is what you do to put larger tires on gen 1 Broncos ,not lift to clear uncut quarters.
Gearheads are combing through junkyards to find these tin can junked Broncos. These were never good trucks. A Dodge powerwagon would run over it like a monster truck. These fake high commission auctions have cascaded the prices for these heaps. Underpowered, steel dash board, no safety for rollover. These are all piles of overpriced junk that only baby boomers trying to make a quick buck are interested in. Save your cash, buy a Land Rover Defender.
Now tell us how you really feel, John!
Maybe a little sore that you don’t have one?? Power Wagons won’t begin to fit where an early Bronco will. Anyone with mechanical ability or knowledge to suggest a Land Rover, knows they are a sometimes rolling electrical and mechanical engineering disaster. Ask the man who has repaired them. BTW, in North America, demand and supply drive prices, what does that tell you?? Yeah, I own and drive several!!!!
I think this bronco is overpriced for the work that needs to be done We are restoring a 72 now, new custom frame running gear new floor pans quarter panels Brittney blue paint etc,60k invested