There are few sights sadder than a classic that has been left for years to fend for itself, exposed to all Mother Nature can throw at it. Such has been the fate of this 1978 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT. The first owner invested heavily in factory options to create a luxurious driving experience, but it has spent the past twenty years occupying the same spot in the Great Outdoors. The seller admits that it represents a project that never got off the ground, and the time has come for the Bronco to find a new home. Therefore, they have listed it here on eBay in Maryville, Tennessee. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $2,605.

Ford introduced its Second Generation Bronco range for the 1978 model year. Its latest offering was physically larger than its predecessor, and the styling was considered particularly modern and crisp. It proved a sales success, with 77,917 buyers giving one a new home in the first of its two production years. Our feature Bronco is a ’78 Ranger XLT. The exterior paint combination of Dark Jade Metallic and Wimbledon White is the first sign that the original owner splashed some cash when ordering this classic. It would have turned heads when new, but the deterioration means that it could still do so today for the wrong reasons. The paint is tired beyond salvation, and there is evidence of developing rust. The seller states that what is visible in the supplied images is the worst of its problems. Both front floor pans do have small holes, but their opinion is that these are patchable. The frame is solid, and it appears that the Bronco is structurally sound. Some trim pieces may require replacement, and the Ranger is missing its original wheels. However, the tinted glass appears to be in good condition.

The first owner’s cash splash extended beyond the optional two-tone paint because they loaded the interior with some nice factory options. This classic features the Ranger XLT package that brought cut-pile carpet, cloth and vinyl upholstery, and lashings of faux woodgrain on the door trims and dash. Add air conditioning, a rear seat, privacy glass, cruise control, an AM/FM stereo radio, and the optional gauge pack to the equation, and this Bronco was nicely equipped by the standards of the day. Sadly, time has taken a toll on the interior. The back seat still looks pretty respectable, but the front seatcover, carpet, armrests, and dashpad have all thrown in the towel. The most obvious solution would be to invest in a kit to undertake a complete retrim, which will add around $2,000 to the restoration cost. On the plus side, it appears that this Bronco retains all of the listed factory options.

The 1978 Bronco was V8-only territory. The first owner selected the range-topping 400ci V8, teaming it with a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The engine’s power output of 158hp would feel quite asthmatic by modern standards, but it was what buyers expected during the height of The Malaise Era. The seller indicates that this classic ran when parked, which is an expression that causes much teeth-grinding among some readers. However, over two decades have passed since then, and the seller indicates that while the plugs and oil look good, they can’t get the V8 to turn over. I’m not sure if it means it is stuck, but it appears that budgeting for a rebuild or a transplant might be wise.

No classic deserves to be left to crumble to dust, but that could be the fate of this 1978 Bronco Ranger XLT if somebody doesn’t bring it in from the cold. The bidding action has been quite modest, although the remaining listing statistics suggest that people are giving it more than a passing glance. It requires plenty of TLC, but the seller suggests it isn’t a lost cause. Do you think that you could bring it back before it deteriorates beyond the point of no return? I hope that somebody does, because it doesn’t deserve to end its days this way.