When Ford released its Second Generation Bronco in 1978, it found itself with an immediate hit. First-year sales more than tripled the best achieved by the First Generation, and our feature Bronco is a gem. It is a Ranger XLT featuring the Free Wheelin’ package, and it presents superbly after a recent cosmetic restoration. Adding to its appeal, the owner equipped its original V8 with fuel injection that should improve smoothness, power, and driveability. It needs a new home, with the owner listing it here on Bring A Trailer in Katonah, New York. Bidding sits at $32,000, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim.

To classify the reception of the First Generation Bronco as lukewarm would be fair. Its most successful sales year was 1974, with 25,824 buyers parking one in their garage. Ford released the Second Generation in 1978, with 77,917 buyers handing over their cash for one. Our feature Bronco is a Ranger XLT from that year with a known ownership history. The current owner purchased it in 2021, and they immediately treated it to a cosmetic restoration. It received a fresh coat of its original Dark Jade Metallic paint, with the owner removing the Black hardtop to paint the top rails and replace the seals. They also replaced the remaining door and window seals to provide excellent weather protection and remove wind noise. The original owner ordered the Bronco with the Free Wheelin’ Package, with the owner reapplying the distinctive tri-color vinyl graphics following the repaint. They sent the original wheels to the powdercoaters for a refresh, and the overall effect is impressive. There are no flaws or faults in the panels or paint and no evidence of rust. The spare tire sits on a practical swing-out mount, and the tinted glass is flawless. It is probably one of the tidiest Broncos of this vintage you will find in the current market, and it’s guaranteed to turn heads.

If this Bronco’s exterior presents superbly, its interior continues that theme. Upholstered in two-tone Jade vinyl, there is no evidence of wear or other issues. The meaty sports wheel should feel pleasant in the driver’s hands, while an AM/FM radio and air conditioning should make life on the move pleasant. The owner indicates there are seatbelts to cater to six occupants, making it an ideal family carrier. The dash is impressive, there are no pad cracks, and the faux woodgrain is excellent. It wouldn’t matter where the buyer took this Bronco, the interior should receive positive comments.

Bronco buyers in 1978 faced a couple of engine choices, with this vehicle featuring the venerable 5.8-liter V8. When it rolled off the showroom floor, it would have sent 156hp and 262 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. I would class this V8 as a  “lazy” engine, but I’m not being derogatory with that term. I mean that it produces most of its power and torque below 2,500rpm. Therefore, there’s no need for the driver to rev the heads off this beast because it achieves little. That characteristic makes it ideal as an off-roader, allowing it to climb effortlessly over some pretty harsh terrain. Since purchasing this Bronco, the owner spent some money on its drivetrain to ensure it is in sound mechanical health. It received a new timing chain, professionally rebuilt heads with hardened valve seats, and a new fuel tank, fuel lines, a starter, distributor, spark plugs, plug wires, and a battery. The final piece of the puzzle was the addition of Holley electronic fuel injection. It should improve fuel economy and power delivery, providing better road manners and driveability. The Bronco runs and drives well, ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.

After opening at $20,000, it hasn’t taken long for bidding on this 1978 Bronco Ranger XLT to race to its current figure. That’s hardly surprising when you consider its condition. If it soars past $40,000, I’ll be unsurprised. It appears to need nothing and offers much to its new owner. Have you ever owned a Bronco of this vintage? If so, did you enjoy the experience enough to consider making a play for this one?