You have to give Ford its due. In the 1960s, they offered some fascinating and practical options on their new models. This 1968 Bronco is a prime example. It is an original classic that retains its factory Snow Plow. Its history suggests that the Plow saw plenty of active service, meaning that it is no surprise that this classic has rust issues for the buyer to tackle. Located in San Andreas, California, you will find the Bronco listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $10,100, although that figure remains short of the reserve.

The seller admits that this Signal Flare Red Bronco has only recently arrived in its current location. It spent most of its life in Minnesota, where the optional Snow Plow saw plenty of active service. Considering the First Generation Bronco’s susceptibility to rust, it is no surprise that long-term exposure to snow has taken a heavy toll on the original Ford steel. While the frame wears little beyond a heavy coating of surface corrosion, the panels and floors are a different story. The rust is extensive, with the seller indicating that sourcing another body may be the buyer’s best option. However, I wouldn’t write it off too soon because replacement parts are readily available and surprisingly affordable. An in-person inspection would provide some insight on the subject, but it may be a case of potential buyers hoping for the best but bracing for the worst. One attraction of this Bronco is that nobody has cut the fenders to accommodate larger wheels and tires. It is original and unmolested, and that fact could prove enough for the next owner to save this body.

The Bronco’s interior is a surprise packet. The dash pad has a single crack in the center, but it presents quite nicely for its age. There are no signs of apparent physical damage to the upholstered surfaces, and the dash is unmolested. The painted surfaces look presentable, suggesting that whipping the interior into shape could be the easiest and cheapest part of this project. Before spending any money, I would treat everything to a deep clean. It may reveal that a new pad and a floormat are the only items that would need to find their way onto the shopping list.

Given the original owner’s plans for this Bronco as a Snow Plow, it is no surprise that they bypassed the six-cylinder engine, opting for the additional power and torque provided by the 289ci V8. It pumped out 195hp and 288 ft/lbs of torque, and with a manual transmission and dual-range transfer case, it would have made light work of the heaviest snow. The seller indicates this Bronco is numbers-matching and that it runs and drives around the yard. The motor sounds healthy, the transmission is smooth, and the four-wheel-drive system functions as it should. The brakes don’t work, so the buyer will face some mechanical tasks before this classic could be considered roadworthy.

The owner of this 1968 Bronco is candid about its condition, admitting that it represents a significant restoration project. Whether the buyer follows their suggestion and sources another body will be their choice. The Plow is unlikely to be of much use in the current location, but it represents an interesting talking point. What path would you follow if you were the winning bidder, and would you retain the Plow? If you did, it would undoubtedly attract plenty of attention at a Cars & Coffee!