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Rare Front Bench: 1978 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT

Here at Barn Finds, we see dozens of vehicles per week and they all have something special. Heck, if we bought all the cool vehicles we see, we’d all need a 50-car garage! This 1978 Ford Bronco really strikes a chord with me. The subtle color over clean sheet metal along with a simple black interior is a very nice combination. It can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $13,600. Located in Nampa, Idaho, the ad doesn’t say if it has spent its life there, but the condition of the body would indicate it has been in a dry climate. Check out this brown beauty and let us know what you think of it.

As mentioned in the title, this Bronco features a front bench seat. The seat-back is split to allow passengers to access the rear, but the seat bottom is a solid bench. The bench seat was an option in 1978 and could easily seat three people comfortably. Regarding the rest of the interior, the seller says the upholstery is good, but the carpet needs to be addressed. The photos in the ad paint a pretty nice picture of the interior.

The engine is a 400 cubic inch V8 that has been upgraded at some point with chrome valve covers. The seller says it runs and drives well and the exhaust is new.

Along with the exhaust, the wheels and tires are new. They certainly look great and compliment the stock exterior very well. Overall, this is a beautiful Bronco and I’m sure it will be enjoyed by a new owner for years to come. What do you think about this one?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Steve R

    It looks like someone may have struck a deal to end the auction early.

    Steve R

    Like 2
  2. Avatar photo GPAK

    I like this truck …but……
    That spray on Underseal covers a multitude of sins
    Plus
    Picture 17 in the listing shows a really botched repair of the Lower A pillar door sill.
    Good luck to the new owner.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar photo Johnny

    I have 2 -78,s with bench seat. The PRETTY one has cost me alot of money in replacing worn out and destroyed parts. Would I give over $3,000 for this without checking it out myself. No way. Too many surpises can be found with any pretty thing.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar photo chrlsful

    I have the bench (buckets in rebuild process, 1 done, right now) for the EB/1st gen. I can C no way to get in/climb over, to the back in a FSBronk. U’d hafta move it forward on the track as well as flip dwn the back.

    Anyway, moot point, I never have any1 else to think bout, am a solo driver. I love the bench(es).

    When asked “fav looking vehicle?” I often say the ’73/9 F series (F250 short bed, step side 4WD w/2 18 inch race stripes) not even the ’50s/60s Italian/Brit 2dors. So I really like the look ofa 2 yr 2nd gen FSB.

    The glass top, 400M (largest production ‘square motor’) and larger sz (than my EB) are also front & center for choices-to-own here ! (che**y gets it too in a “383” but that’s a DIY).

    I’ll take it!

    Like 0
  5. Avatar photo Guggie 13

    I had one just like this back in the day , the worst vehicle I ever owned , if it could go wrong it did , also hated the bench seat , traded for a Dodge Ramcharger , loved that vehicle kept it for 9 years

    Like 1
  6. Avatar photo TimM

    I’m always surprised the lack of money this model brings compared to the original version from the year before!! I’ve had both and still have the first generation!! These were honestly better trucks!! The price we see for first generation are ridiculous especially in the shape we’ve all seen them in!!

    Like 1

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