First Generation Broncos are renowned for two things. The first has been steadily climbing values, while crippling rust is the other. We can do little about the first issue, but this 1972 example hasn’t suffered from the second. It is a former Arizona resident that remains as solid as it was the day it rolled off the showroom floor. It isn’t perfect, leaving its new owner to choose between restoration or preservation. It has generated significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Bidding has raced to $32,100, although it remains short of the reserve.

Bronco buyers in 1972 faced a difficult choice among the seventeen paint shades Ford offered for that year. Some were subtle and restrained, but Chrome Yellow stands out as one of the more bold choices. That color graces this car’s panels and is far from perfect. There are many marks and scratches, suggesting this is no trailer queen. The panels sport bumps and bruises, but nothing justifies steel replacement. It is a former Arizona resident, which is excellent news for potential buyers. Rust is the biggest bugbear with these classics, often consuming floors, pillars, rockers, and front inner fender wells. The dry climate has preserved this Bronco’s steel, leaving it a rust-free survivor. The new owner might choose to add some form of rustproofing to protect it, which would be wise if they live in a less sympathetic location. Nobody cut the fenders to accommodate larger wheels and tires, with this gem retaining its original steelies and damage-free hubcaps. The trim is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, while the glass is crystal clear.

While some buyers chose to order their Bronco powered by the competent 170ci six, this classic rolled off the line equipped with the 302ci V8 that placed 140hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed manual transmission, with the dual-range transfer case giving the Bronco excellent off-road capabilities. The seller admits that while they believe the odometer reading of 41,000 miles may be genuine, they won’t rule out the possibility it has rolled over. It probably doesn’t matter much because the mechanical components are as tough as old nails. It could probably roll over twice before it needed any significant work. The Ford runs and drives extremely well, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

The Bronco’s interior appears as unmolested as the rest of the vehicle, with a CB radio the only apparent addition. It presents well for a survivor of this type and age, with no signs of significant wear or abuse. The seats have developed a dirty appearance typical for vinyl of this color, but they might respond positively to a deep clean. Even if they don’t, the overall condition is within keeping for this vehicle’s survivor credentials. Trim kits are readily available and pretty affordable if the new owner pursues the restoration path.

Undeniably, some classics will be extraordinarily popular, but the bubble will burst suddenly and unexpectedly. I’m not suggesting that is about to happen with the First Generation Bronco, but prices have softened slightly over the past year. This situation may be temporary, with the auction action on this 1972 model seeming to support that. It has received an incredible seventy-four bids, with time remaining for that figure and the price to climb significantly. I would typically speculate on the possible auction result, but the ball is in your court now. It will be fascinating to see how many of you hit the nail on the head with this classic.