We see quite a few First Generation Ford Broncos at Barn Finds, many of which require TLC. While some represent major restoration projects requiring significant rust repairs, others are more promising. This 1970 example falls into the second category. The seller admits there is rust, but the impression conveyed is that it is relatively minor. It has also escaped the common body modifications to accommodate larger wheels and tires, making it a hot prospect for someone planning a faithful restoration. The seller has listed the Bronco here on eBay in Craig, Colorado. Bidding currently sits at $10,800, although that figure is below the reserve.
The history of this Bronco is unclear, but the seller emphasizes its originality in their listing. However, the images reveal a color mismatch, with the Red on the front valance and passenger-side front fender different from the Royal Maroon cloaking the rest of the exterior. That suggests it may have been involved in a minor accident impacting those areas. The Bronco also wears a non-original rear bumper, and the sale includes an 8,000-lb Warn winch and a matching front bumper. I’m not dodging the subject because when assessing any First Generation Bronco project, rust is a major concern. However, the seller states that this vehicle’s issues are confined to a small area of seam rust in the driver’s-side front floor and one spot in the front inner fender well. The rest of the Bronco is rock-solid, suggesting that patches, rather than wholesale steel replacement, will be the order of the day.
This Bronco’s interior definitely meets the description of a mixed bag. The seats look really nice, with only a small tear on the passenger seat that could be addressed with a blind patch. However, things deteriorate from there, because the painted surfaces look tired, the dashpad is cracked, and the door trims are missing. I think the carpet may require replacement, but at least nobody cut the dash to install the aftermarket radio/cassette player. Throw in the rough sports wheel and the relocated shifter, and it is fair to say that this interior needs some love.
We’ve seen a recent spate of sellers not providing engine bay images, and this Bronco is a prime example of that trend. We know that it features a 302ci V8, a three-speed manual transmission, and a dual-range transfer case. The 302 was still a handy weapon in 1970, delivering 205hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. The seller confirms that the Bronco currently isn’t roadworthy, and that they were working towards that goal when ill health intervened. They had replaced virtually the entire braking system and the front hubs. The fuel tanks are currently out for a planned cleaning that hasn’t occurred yet. That sounds like a task for the buyer to tackle, along with any further work to achieve a roadworthy status.
The First Generation Ford Bronco has been a staple of the classic market for a few years, although values have dropped in 2026. It is unclear whether this is a temporary correction or if the shine has worn off these classics. That said, pristine 1970 examples with a V8 under the hood still consistently sell for over $50,000. Our featured Bronco isn’t pristine, but the foundation is there to restore the vehicle to that state. Whether it is financially viable will depend on the seller’s reserve. What would you be prepared to pay for this promising project?
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