Do you ever wish you had a crystal ball? I know I do every time I see a First Generation Ford Bronco. During the 1980s and 1990s, sellers struggled to find anyone interested in handing over even a modest sum to become a Bronco owner. Today, the First Generation Bronco is one of the undoubted shining lights of the classic market. This 1968 model is a gem and seems to lack the rust problems that can afflict these vehicles. It presents nicely and is a turnkey proposition looking for a new home. The fantastic Ford is listed here on eBay in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Bidding has raced to $27,100, but given the popularity of these classics, I’m not surprised that figure is short of the reserve.

The seller is this Bronco’s third owner, and its overall condition is difficult to fault. The second owner commenced a restoration on the vehicle, applying a fresh coat of Lunar Green paint over faultless panels. It shines beautifully, helping the Bronco make a positive first impression. That is reinforced by crystal clear glass, and trim which shines as impressively as the paint. It is a First Generation Bronco, meaning we must tackle the inevitable rust question. It can be a significant concern because these are renowned for succumbing to tin worm. However, the news is good with our feature Bronco. It spent most of its life in California, which helped preserve its steel. It has no history of problems, and the underside shots reveal nothing beyond some scaly surface corrosion. If I found this vehicle in my garage, I’d err on the side of caution by treating the corrosion and applying an undercoat before things take a turn for the worse. After all, prevention is better than cure when it comes to the question of rust in any classic.

Buyers could select from two engines to power their 1968 Bronco, and this vehicle’s original owner opted for the range-topping 289ci V8 producing 195hp and 288 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. It may not be a high-performance classic, but the First Generation Bronco could hold its own. Its ¼-mile potential is less relevant than its performance when the going gets tough. That is where this classic should shine. That sweet little V8 produces 95% of its torque below 2,000rpm and, when combined with the transfer case, should allow the Bronco to crawl over relatively rough terrain. However, once the off-road adventures end, it would happily cruise the open road at highway speeds without raising a sweat. The seller indicates this Ford is in excellent mechanical health. They recently added a new Holley carburetor but retained the original to include in the sale. They replaced the fuel pump, plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, and all the vital fluids. It runs and drives nicely, and they supply this YouTube video to support their claim. The V8 sounds perfect, with no signs of odd noises or smoke.

The buyer won’t need to spend a dime on this Bronco’s interior because its second and current owners took care of business in that regard. It originally had the cargo area divider, but the seller removed this (included in the sale) and sourced a correct back seat. The seats all wear new foam and covers, while they also replaced the door trims and carpet. The dash and pad are excellent, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. It may not be perfect, but it is easily acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle.

Considering its overall condition, I am unsurprised that this 1968 Bronco has already attracted twenty-seven bids. If anything does surprise me, it is that the figure isn’t significantly higher. We see our share of First Generation Broncos at Barn Finds, and many are crippled by significant rust problems. This one looks like a beauty, and I expect the bidding to pass $45,000 before the hammer falls. Considering that it would have cost its original owner around $3,000, equating to approximately $25,000 today, it represents an impressive return on their investment. Now, do you see why I want that crystal ball?