When Ford sold 23,776 examples of the newly-released Bronco in 1966, it must have felt like it was onto a winner. However, with a 40% slump the following year, questions must have been asked in the halls of power. The company persisted, and the Bronco survived for three decades before being revived in 2021. Today, enthusiasts clamor to park a good First Generation Bronco in their driveway or a promising project in their workshop. This 1967 model falls into the second category and needs all the rust repairs that are typical of the breed. However, it is complete, with its rebuilt V8 a bonus for potential buyers. The Bronco is listed here on eBay in Grand Junction, Colorado. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $11,600.

A few issues with this Bronco must be considered when assessing its worthiness for restoration. There is evidence of a repaint, with its original Pebble Beige appearing in some locations. One of the keys to a First Generation Bronco as an investment is achieving originality with any refurbishment. Modified examples sell well, but those presenting in a showroom stock state will command higher prices. Therefore, stripping the body to bare metal would be the ideal starting point. That would allow the winning bidder to address its dings and dents and tackle its accumulated rust. It has impacted the usual areas like the rockers, pillars, floors, and the front inner wheel wells. It isn’t as extensive as we’ve seen with some of these classics, but there will be plenty of cutting and welding before the buyer picks up their spray gun. The underside shots confirm the frame is structurally sound, although it carries a heavy coating of surface corrosion that should be addressed before it deteriorates further. Someone cut the rear wheel arches to accommodate larger wheels, but reversing that change won’t add considerably to this project’s cost. The glass looks okay for a driver-grade build, but the new owner will be shopping for new trim pieces and bumpers to return this classic to its former glory.

The Bronco’s interior is as tired and shredded as expected, requiring a complete retrim. Kits in the correct colors and materials retail for around $2,000 and will improve the situation considerably. The winning bidder will undoubtedly refresh the painted surfaces during the build, leaving the inside of this classic looking spotless. A previous owner relocated the shifter to the floor, but reversing that won’t cause many headaches. That is the only visible modification, with the vehicle retaining factory items like the AM radio.

Ford offered Bronco buyers in 1967 two engines, with most selecting the beautiful 289ci V8. It produced 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. That mumbo was fed through a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Although a ¼-mile ET was irrelevant to most buyers, it could complete the journey in 17.7 seconds. That was considered impressive for a vehicle of this type in 1967. Where the Bronco came into its own was in rough and wild conditions. Its V8 produced most of its power and torque at around 2,000rpm, meaning it could effortlessly tackle harsh terrain that could foil other vehicles. It wasn’t a one-trick pony because it could cruise all day on the open road at 60mph without raising a sweat. The seller claims the engine in this Bronco was rebuilt by a previous owner, but they are unsure when this happened. It runs extremely well, with no smoke or odd noises. The vehicle drives okay, although it may require work before being deemed mechanically roadworthy.

The First Generation Ford Bronco proves that an automotive ugly duckling can become a beautiful swan. The desirability of a once largely unloved off-roader proves there is hope for many vehicles most people wouldn’t consider a future classic. This 1967 example would have cost its original owner around $2,700 off the showroom floor, which equates to approximately $24,300 today. Considering the current desirability of these vehicles, I won’t be surprised if the bidding hits that mark before the hammer falls. It will require the injection of many more dollars to return it to a showroom state. Still, with tidy examples consistently selling for over $60,000, that leaves room to move on its restoration before financial viability becomes an issue. It has attracted fifteen bids, which will undoubtedly rise before the hammer falls. Is it a project you would consider?