We’ve seen quite a few 1st Generation Ford Bronco projects appear on our desks recently here at Barn Finds, and some of them have represented major restorations. That makes this 1968 Bronco Pickup a refreshing change. This is a vehicle that has recently been refurbished, and it presents superbly. It is also one that has sparked significant interest since it was listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Gordonville, Pennsylvania, and it has already attracted an incredible 52 bids. This action has pushed the price to $21,151, and the reserve has been met.
The Bronco is presented in a combination of Rangoon Red and Wimbledon White, and it is hard to find much of which to be critical. This vehicle hasn’t been treated to a frame-off restoration, but all of its issues have been addressed. The paint shines beautifully, while the panels are tight and laser straight. The wheels have been powder-coated and offer a nice contrast to the red paint. There is no visible rust, and even the bed looks remarkably clean and well-preserved for a vehicle of this type and age. It isn’t surprising that the Bronco has had some rust in the past, but this has all been repaired. It appears that the floors were the only area with problems, but not only does the repair work appear to be of a high standard, but the floors have been coated with Raptor paint to discourage any further rust development. One of the key trouble spots with these early Broncos is the front inner fenders. It is an area that traps mud and moisture, and this combines to cause major headaches. However, this area looks spotless, and it appears that the buyer will have nothing to worry about there. The trim is in good order, while the same is true of the glass.
Ford offered two engines in the 1968 Bronco, and this one was ordered by the original owner with the 170ci six-cylinder motor that produces 100hp and 156 ft/lbs of torque. This six is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission and a Dana 20 Transfer Case, allowing the driver to select 4-wheel-drive on the move. This combination didn’t make the Bronco a rocket on the highway, with the top speed pegged at around 78mph. However, with the maximum torque available at under 2,000rpm, it could climb it way over some rough territory when required. The owner has recently rebuilt the brakes and front-end on this Bronco. He says that it runs well, and it’s a fun truck to drive.
The buyer isn’t going to be spending a dime on the Bronco’s interior because it looks spotless. The painted surfaces shine beautifully, the dash is immaculate and free from aftermarket additions, while the gauges and lenses look crisp and clean. The wheel has some wear on the rim, but that’s one of the few things that could use attention.
All of the Bronco’s upholstery is fresh, and it is in excellent condition. The owner has fitted a new factory-style rubber mat on the floor, and the combination of rubber and vinyl trim should make the vehicle a practical classic when the going gets muddy.
The 1st Generation Ford Bronco didn’t sell in enormous numbers, with only 16,629 buyers choosing to hand over their cash for one in 1968. However, they have become a popular classic today, and good examples will fetch some impressive prices. It is common to see original and unmolested examples topping $40,000, although a 289-equipped one can head beyond the $50,000 mark. If you don’t believe me about the popularity, you only need to look at the bidding history on this one. The auction opened at 99 cents, but it took less than 48-hours for 52 bids to push the price to its current level. That’s some intense action, and it should make this an entertaining and interesting auction to watch. Of course, you might want to do more than merely watch, and if you do decide to bid, I could hardly blame you.
I like the basic six-cylinder, three-speed manual, hubcap-less, common red/white look of this Bronco. Pretty much matches the spirit of what these were designed to be, back in the day.
Top speed 78 mph, I believe it. If I had this one, probably 55 mph on rural two-lanes would be about all I would be comfortable with.
C’mon Bob, take this baby out on the interstate and terrorize all those 18 wheelers! LOL.Remember you only live once ;)
And why drag it out! 😜
With 2 days left, the bidding is now at $25,300.00. Who would have ever thought these bare-bones 4 wheelers would be worth so much? (If I had known, I would have grabbed a half-dozen and put ’em in storage!)
With the complexity of today’s cars, who wouldn’t enjoy a “no-frills” and virtually no tech little truck? if I had the cash, this is the perfect little weekend runner.
Lots of, if not most of the bids are scammers. Its’s taking the fun out of feebay and I dont understand what the purpose is unless the scammers are thinking they are sabataging the system. Good luck and stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
Its up to 26K with only 6 bidders many being low feedback ones.I’ve always wondered if friends of the seller bid up the price on things like this. Its a really nice Bronco, if you go by appearance, but is this example really worth that much?
Low and zero feedback is a scam. Ask me how I know. Its made selling a car on ebay quite a chore as you must go in multiple times a day and block the scammers. Had a zero feedback win one of the army trucks I had for sale, and no response, went into his account no info and had no info except that he was a new bidder. Be Careful out there. While on the subject, if you are victim of a zero feedback and you want to list again, Ebay will automatically sign you up with the most expensive package, $95. I use the cheapo $25 package as it suits my needs. Are we having fun yet?
Cheers
GPC
GPC, what clues you in that most of the bids are scams? I’ve never sold anything on ebay for more than a few hundred dollars, and if I ever did sell for example a car, I’d be concerned with the integrity of bidders.
Bob, happy to pass this info on. Look at the sellers’ bid history, the bidders that have low or zero feedback are probably scammers. I recently sold some old dodge power wagons, and was plagued with these. One of them was the winner, and of course he didnt answer my emails. I had to diligently look at the bidders history and block the scammers, several times a day. So when you see something bid high very quickly I had to block them. I have no idea who benefits from this or why this is done. Spoiler maybe. Sure takes the fun out of it. Good luck and stay safe.
Cheeers
GPC
There have been a lot of these come through barn finds, but I do believe this is the cleanest one I’ve seen. Thanks for showing us this beauty Adam.
God bless America
I agree with Steve Clinton. Incredible what some really nothing vehicles sell for today. That’s my point. Idiots are paying almost $80,000 for these useless vehicles, but NEVER drive them. While our country is totally broke except for the millionaires, people continue to dump money on stuff like this. I will never understand it.
lots ta say, C if I can prevent that.
The hi bids can B: just set up identities – 1) the seller’s to jack a price, single sale
OR
2) other sales – other owners tryin to jack up values due to their own ownership.
On-line sales (or auction) is far from what it could be. Esp for the buyer. One should consider it no better than the printed media to conduct a purchase. Pictures can lie. Trouble is the lister complicates w/becoming a middle man, rather than being assistive (need closer scrutiny by legal or other oversight). Holding funds for long distance purchases is both a benefit and a cost to these sales. Prices become inflated, speculation is produced (these jeeps are a good example). I will end here w/o naming concerns w/this particular vehicle. Need to prevent it rolling into a rant…
OK, I’m officially tired of the word “Refreshed”