In addition to being a survivor-grade example of a collectible truck, this 1978 Ford Bronco features a rare color combination and optional features that make it a home run for the square body collector. The color, Light Chamois Tan over Wimbledon White, is one I can’t recall seeing anytime recently, and the Bronco comes with a variety of factory options as part of the Ranger XLT package, which included a tilt wheel, skid plates, and larger fuel tank. The seller claims it’s one of just 31 trucks with these exact colors and features, and it’s offered with no reserve here on eBay where bidding has climbed to $13,000.
The seller notes there’s just three owners in the Bronco’s history file (he’s the fourth), with the previous two owners using the Bronco sparingly. One was a wheat farmer who considered the truck his “Sunday Driver” while another used it for quail and pheasant hunting. The Bronco’s paint combination is my favorite feature, as the Chamois paint pops more than you’d expect for what is really just another version of tan – but you can clearly see the yellow tones mixed in. The spare tire cover is a later reproduction one, so don’t get too excited that the factory cover remains in mint condition. The chrome on the bumpers looks quite fresh, and the exhaust has been modified with headers and 2.5″ duals.
The interior features Saddle cloth as part of the XLT package and is in excellent condition. The same goes for the door panels, which show no obvious wear. The truck shows just under 99,000 miles, and while the seller admits this odometer reading cannot be verified, the wear appears commiserate with a truck with this sort of mileage. The original manuals, warranty booklet, brochures and Marti report are all included, and the Bronco still has the original jack and tools under the hood. There is a rip in the seat material underneath that cover, and the seller discloses that the carpet is torn down near the pedal box. No mention about air conditioning or whether it works.
Engine-wise, it’s a mixed bag. The Bronco does have a rebuilt and numbers-matching 351 engine under the hood, fitted with a mild cam and four barrel aluminum intake. The seller discloses it does emit noticeable piston noise when the engine is cold, possibly attributed to a cracked or broken skirt, that goes away when the engine is fully warm. It features the “bulletproof” C-6 trans and NP205 gear driven transfer case, all of which is said to work well. The only other issue of any major significance is the need to replace the neutral safety switch. Overall, a clean Bronco with great options and colors that offers some upside if the next owner addresses the known faults.
Did you mean “commensurate” instead of “commiserate”?
The engine noise comments are disconcerting but otherwise this appears to be a good rig.
I agree, the color combination is striking without being odd. (Ford would use this Chamois color as the 2nd color on cars with 2 tone paint jobs up from about 1975 through 1982 though when applied as the single color it had a more pink-orange hue.)
From the video of the walk around it doesn’t appear at though this truck has the ” hardware ” for A/C, but I didn’t watch all of the video or any of the other videos. Considering where this truck was sold, air might have been seen as unnecessary.
I wish I could recall exactly a question-answer in a hot trucks magazine that I read years ago that dealt with 78-79 Ford trucks and/or Broncos…something about a design changeover that made the parts situation for these trucks a bit more difficult than it is for preceding and succeeding models.
Beautiful truck, not exactly what I am looking for, but it wouldn’t take any arm twisting to get me to take this over nearly any other used truck that I have seen lately.
These are not referred to as “squarebody models”
That is used exclusively on 73-up Chevy/gmc trucks
Nice Bronco. After reading the lengthy description, it sounds like a well-treated but not perfect vehicle, about what one would expect from 99k miles. Would probably be fine as-is, the buyer could join the expanding truck/SUV part of the vintage vehicle world. Or spend some money (e.g. fresh paint) and you could create a show vehicle.
Very nice as it sits, cheaper than ones in better shape but good enough to turn heads. This is worth a premium over a beater or one that needs rust repair. Though not inexpensive, it’s a great mid range vehicle that can be enjoyed for years without a major investment. Once painted, the affordability argument goes out the window, so does much of its usefulness, since that will Iikely relegate it to shows and otherwise limit its use.
Steve R
Beautiful Bronco, but there is no A/C. A deal breaker for many folks.
Beautiful Bronco, but. No a/c, & bench seat. Where are all the options?
Hey I’m wondering what start this is in? I’m 44 and this is exactly the vehicle my mom had until I was 12. Just curious, we love this Bronco!
Looks like it was for sale in Montana.