If you go to your friendly Ford dealer today, you’ll find that they’re willing to sell you a big Bronco or a little Bronco…just like they would back in 1985. Being that we’re a bunch of classic car fans here, I think that many of us would prefer this pristine Bronco II XLT over a new Bronco Sport. Number one, it will probably be less expensive, and number two, you won’t see yourself on every street in America. Still wearing its original coat of Dark Canyon Red paint, the current owner purchased it from the family of the original owner. Subsequently, it was given a comprehensive mechanical rebuild, so it’s now ready to drive anywhere, either on-road or off. Located in Spokane, Washington, it’s being auctioned here on eBay, where the current high bid is $7,600.
So why did the current owner tear down the engine and braking system for a rebuild on a Bronco II that looks this nice? Apparently, the truck had been sitting for 25 years; therefore, they tore the engine down to the short block and went to work. The cylinder heads were rebuilt, and all gaskets and seals were replaced. A new water pump and oil pump were installed. The carburetor was rebuilt. It was given a full ignition tune up, including a new TFI module. Belts, filters, and battery were replaced. Then, the brakes were repaired with a “new master cylinder, front calipers, rotors, wheel bearings, rear wheel cylinders, pads, and hardware.” Unsurprisingly, “it runs like new and is whisper quiet.”
The interior is also in great shape, and here we can see that this Bronco has the optional A4LD automatic overdrive transmission, which came standard with steeper 3.73:1 gears in the front and rear axles. Bronco IIs had a Warner 1350 two-speed transfer case, so there was a little off-road capability going on here, not that most owners would have taken advantage of it.
The Bronco II has plenty of room for four people and their luggage, just like a new Bronco Sport. And while I like that modern Broncos have retro stripe packages available, to me, there’s nothing like the real thing.
Aside from a few blemishes in the paint here and there, which one must expect when dealing with a 41-year-old vehicle, it’s 1985 all over again with this 80,435-mile Bronco II. The tires have been replaced, all fluids have been changed, and all it’s missing is a new owner. While its 115-horsepower 2.8-liter V6 can’t quite keep up with the modern turbocharged engine offerings in a new Bronco Sport, which one would you rather have?
Two Bronco II’s in one day!! This one has had extensive mechanical work, and looks great. I had a 1985, only in Eddie Bauer trim. I liked it. Looking at this one brings back pleasant memories.
Thanks Aaron.