First Generation Ford Broncos seem to fall into two categories: those that have been meticulously restored and those that wait patiently for that day to arrive. This 1973 Bronco Explorer offers a third option because it is an original and rust-free survivor. The new owner could treat it to a light restoration, although its originality would prompt most enthusiasts to choose preservation. It has only attracted a single bid of $50,000, but as this is a No Reserve auction, the winning bidder will take this gem home. The Bronco is listed here on eBay in Hermosa Beach, California, and is only days away from finding a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J, whose finely tuned classic radar picked up this beauty and brought it to our attention.
When I first saw this Bronco, I scrolled through the seller’s photos looking for the one with the gaping rust holes. I was shocked when I found none because the sight is so common. The engine bay and underside shots show none of the typical issues with the floors and front inner fenders, while the lower body extremities and pillars are rock-solid. The original owner ordered the Bronco in a winning combination of Burnt Orange and White. The seller is the vehicle’s second owner, believing most of the existing paint is original. It isn’t perfect, but it shines impressively and has no signs of patchiness or other problems. The panels are straight, while the trim and glass look flawless. Seeing this Bronco wearing its original wheels and factory hubcaps is refreshing. Many owners bolted on bigger wheels and tires, cutting the wheel arches to accommodate the change. This Bronco avoided that fate, which will help to maximize its potential future value.
Lifting the hood reveals this Bronco’s numbers-matching 302ci V8. This sweet little engine should produce 137hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque. The Explorer’s specifications include a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, power steering, and a recently installed brake booster. This classic should comfortably spend the day cruising on the open road at freeway speeds, but the drivetrain combination should let it crawl effortlessly across harsh terrain. The seller recently replaced the factory carburetor and intake with Edelbrock items but includes the removed parts for those wishing to reverse the changes. The battery is new, as are the tires. The Bronco runs and drives well but has the usual minor fluid weeps you expect from an unrestored fifty-year-old classic. The engine produces no smoke or odd noises, meaning the winning bidder could fly in for a Californian vacation before slipping behind the wheel and driving this baby home.
The news has been largely positive with this Bronco, and although the interior continues that trend, there are issues requiring attention. The seats wear their original Orange Explorer vinyl and cloth covers, and apart from a repairable tear on the driver’s seat vinyl, the condition is excellent. The same applies to the remaining upholstered and painted surfaces, while the original floor covers are astounding. However, the seller purchased the vehicle with an 8-track player, removing this to install a more modern unit. The removed item is included, but that’s not the issue that bugs me. One of the owners cut the doors to install aftermarket speakers. The change may not seem significant to some, but it is disappointing in a classic as original as this. Reversing the change is possible, and reading your feedback and gauging your feelings will be fascinating. Otherwise, this interior has no apparent needs.
Restore or preserve? That is the decision facing the new owner of this 1973 Bronco Explorer. Honestly, I would struggle to choose if it were parked in my workshop. However, it has survived so impressively for half a century in its current state, and I can’t see why it couldn’t repeat the feat untouched if treated respectfully. With the automotive future evolving rapidly, some learned individuals believe that the fuels to run these cars will be unavailable within fifty years. If it is available, it would be wonderful to see this classic gracing our roads as original as the day it rolled off the showroom floor. Are you willing to do your part to ensure that happens?
A rare one indeed. If you guys are going to continually jump all over the billions of folks who like to listen to music or other interesting things since the beginning of automotive time how about suggesting a proper place you’d put speakers in a Bronco other than in the doors. Sort of limited choices here.
Right on ! I was all ready to spend $ 50,00 + in till I saw those speakers!
Keep it as it is, except for putting in some fresh speakers in those same cutouts. As loud as this tin can will be going down the road, you’re gonna need ’em.
It’s stupid money for me, but the current market would certainly support it. It may not be perfect, but it’s pretty darn good, and very original. I suspect it’ll sell for more than the starting shill bid.
Nice truck if you like em.My buddies dad had a 77 that was some medium green color with a white top.I don’t know why these are going for stupid $ they’re just nice little basic utilitarian trucks imo.Glwts.
Lot of money for a spartan vehicle
Today’s freeway speed at least where I live is 75 plus , this would be terrifying…
nice
As to the speakers in the doors; you have to remember, this was just a sport ute at one time and not the 50K collector vehicle that it has become! Someone just wanted a little better sound! I cannot believe these have gotten so expensive.
I love original, unmolested vehicles. If it works like it should, and all you need to do is get in the car, turn the key, put it in drive, and go!, then don’t do anything with it! If you wish to make some upgrades to the car, that should be your decision as well.
This is about the oldest age of a vehicle I’d give cut-in door speakers a pass on. Doesn’t help that Ford was so stingy with the year-to-year updates so even a late gen 1 Bronco looks like a mid ’60s truck.
Mid ’70s through sometime in the early ’90s was the Golden Age of Aftermarket Car Stereo and as long as the head unit and speaker grilles look somewhat of the era I’m ok with them as more or less period-correct mods.