As we all know too well, first generation Ford Broncos are terrific options for a vintage squarebody SUV if you’re in the market for a project. Unfortunately, it seems a majority of them emerge from lagoons and caverns where years of neglect have turned the body panels into rust-ravaged shadows of their former selves. That’s why this barn find 1974 Bronco is so appealing, as it’s a project truck that appears to remain largely solid underneath with no major cancer. The buy-in for one of these that has been restored is crazy high these days, so this one listed here on eBay appears to offer the cost savings associated with buying a project without the looming cost penalty of major bodywork.
The Bronco is located in Henrico, Virginia, with no major details of its history offered. It looks very patriotic with its red roof, white body, and blue hood, a motif I wouldn’t change at all if I were the next owner. While I have no evidence of this, the Bronco’s fenders appear to have been cut, which when combined with the lifted ride height, makes me suspect a larger wheel and tire package once resided underneath. That, plus the lightbar on the roof, makes it seem even more likely this Bronco was someone’s project at one time, and the smaller wheels and tires currently thrown on to it are just for the purpose of being able to move it around. The seller notes it comes with a clean Virginia title.
The engine does turn freely, but obviously doesn’t run. Some work has been done to prep it for restoration activity, as the gas tank, fuel lines, and related components have already been removed for cleaning/replacement purposes. Hopefully, the tank is still included, as you’re not going to walk into your local NAPA and find a new tank for a first generation Bronco. The bag over the carburetor looks to have been there for some time, and given the dirt and dust seen here, it’s obvious the Bronco hasn’t been used lately. The good news is that wherever/however it was stored, the caretakers made sure to park it somewhere that rust wouldn’t take over, except for perhaps a few surface spots as seen in this photo, right over the front passenger wheel.
The seller wasn’t kidding that the floors look very decent, another pitfall of the first generation Ford Bronco marketplace. They almost always have rotten floorboards, so it’s a small miracle this one doesn’t suffer from such issues. The interior actually looks surprisingly complete, and the backseat remains in excellent condition. This Bronco left the factory with the front sway bar, factory air conditioning, and front disc brakes, so it was a well-optioned truck when new. That adds to the desirability factor of what looks like a largely rust-free example that will almost certainly be restored and listed for sale three years from now with a huge increase in the asking price. Some vehicles are worth this sort of treatment – and a barn find first generation Bronco is one of them.
Crusty but not totally rusty. A far cry from the junk that has popped up in the last few months. Good roll cage, most of the parts there, fender cutouts nicely done for larger wheels and tires, and a price that won’t blister your bank account.
The first generation Broncos were the best, much better than the late 70s and beyond pigs that pretended to be any good off-road. This example has something, if not that much, to work with. It might be worth fixing as good ones are going for beaucoup money right now.
This one didn’t come from the factory with a sway bar, air conditioning or disc brakes. Two of those three didn’t become available until 1976 and the air conditioning was never a factory option.
Yes Jeff – the fenders have all been cut.
Both front inner fender aprons have rust in the usual spots so they’ll need replacing.
It’s unreal what these old Broncos will sell for. I have been following them, any condition it doesn’t seem to matter. Let me see one sitting somewhere, and I will see dollar signs! lol!
Ended:
Aug 29, 2021
Winning bid:
US $15,000.00
[ 63 bids ]
Located in:
Henrico, Virginia