Solid Project: 1968 Ford Bronco

We see a few First Generation Broncos cross our desks at Barn Finds, but this is for one very good reason: These classics remain incredibly desirable. Even the roughest examples command attention and surprisingly high prices. That brings us to this 1968 Bronco, and it is best not to judge this book by its cover. It looks rough and tired, but it could be one of the most solid project candidates we have seen for a while. The bidding action has been subdued, but why not take a look to see if you would give the opposition a run for their money?

There’s a lot to unpack with this Bronco, and we must look beyond the tired Lunar Green paint to discover what it offers potential buyers. The panels have bumps and bruises, and there is evidence of Bondo in several locations. There is also emerging surface corrosion, which typically isn’t a good sign. However, it is the lack of penetrating rust that has caught my attention. The lower extremities and the area where the top meets the body have escaped the typical problems, while the underside shots reveal floors that look surprisingly good, and front inner fender wells that haven’t crumbled to dust. If areas like the pillars and frame are equally sound, this could be a surprisingly straightforward restoration project. There is more than a weekend’s work involved in returning this classic to its former glory, but the photos suggest the grinder and welder won’t work overtime during this build. That being said, there will be a fairly long shopping list as the winning bidder assembles the required parts. It will include most of the glass, many trim items, and most of the body seals and gaskets.

The seller leads us slightly astray by indicating in the “Item Specifics” section of their listing that this Bronco features a 302ci V8. Apart from the fact that the motor wasn’t offered in 1968, the engine in this photo is undoubtedly a six. It should be the 170ci powerplant that sends 100hp and 156 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. It is unclear whether the Bronco is numbers-matching, or when it last saw active service. However, the seller coaxed the six back to life using an external fuel source, representing a solid starting point for a mechanical refresh.

This Bronco is missing its original radio, but that appears to be the only interior component that is AWOL. It is refreshing to find the shifter in its rightful place on the column, and that there are no other modifications or additions. It requires a retrim to return to its best, and the new owner will probably repaint the interior steel during the restoration. Kits are readily available to return the bench seat and other upholstered pieces to a factory-fresh state for around $1,500, and following that path could be an excellent investment.

Classics that experience years of continual value increases always raise the question of whether such growth is sustainable. Such is the case with the First Generation Ford Bronco. Values dipped slightly over the past year, and it is unclear whether this is the result of cooling interest or one of those market corrections we see occasionally. This 1968 Bronco has only received four bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It currently sits at $5,400, which is below the reserve. If the images are an accurate guide, the lack of significant rust should see the price climb substantially as the auction draws to a close. What would you be willing to pay for this classic?