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.
When Bronco’s in this condition go from $32k down to $3200? Like they used to be 15 years ago? Then I’ll know the “bubble” has burst, and I’ll swoop in like a hawk to score me one. Of course I’ll be a 90 year old hawk, living in a rest home. But it’s a plan!
The 170 6 wasnt competent or at least the 41k mile 72 Bronco i owned for awhile wasnt. Still want a third one having sold the 2 previous ones i owned way before the bubble inflated.
How do I placea.bid
go to ebay where it’s listed and make your bid.
up at the top of this article click “here at ebay” and it will take you right to it
The best thing that can happen to this truck is to get it back out here to AZ so it won’t rust any more!! So many of our beautiful rigs have disappeared to other states over the years.
The parchment Sport mat in this one is probably worth several thousand dollars alone due to its condition.
not too many pieces missin, whats there is in good shape. I think I have the same roof rack (ubiquitous in that era) not sure if dealer prepped. Cast alloy feet, stainless tube, pretty flimsy but useful.
This is the way I like to see any “classic”. Nota lota ‘bolt ons’. Needs a 1 inch BL & few inch SL.
I’d say the 170 is fine as I used it w/full blade of wet sno up steep 1/4 mi drive, & to skid logs up 300 ft hill from swamp to band saw mill @ top. No issues but oe w/411 rear.
Wish they made em today. Needa safer top tho as a flip means every thing comes out to bed rail hight (or 5th rib on riders). Plenty rm to work under hood, no plastic to remove for wrk there or underneath. Great transfer, tqie i6, bullet proof 9 inch, and so on (dangerous tho, a FRAME tied bar/cage needed).
The automatic floor shift handle doesn’t jive with the three pedal set-up.
That’s the transfer case shifter….. the 3 speed manual transmission shifter is on the column.