Solid Restoration Project: 1976 Ford Bronco

The classic car scene produces the occasional surprise that helps prevent complacency. It is widely accepted that Corvettes, Camaros, and Mustangs will form part of the “desirable” list, but many were surprised by the growing popularity of the First Generation Ford Bronco. It didn’t sell well when new, but people now clamor to add one to their garage. This 1976 example is not entirely original, which would typically be a strike against it. However, its solid nature and lack of significant rust make it a straightforward restoration project. The bidding has been more subdued than expected since the seller listed it here on eBay in Allen, Texas. It sits below the reserve at $13,211, but history shows that the situation could change without warning.

If first impressions count, many potential buyers might look at this Bronco and be tempted to throw it into the “too-hard” basket. Its Midnight Blue Metallic paint has deteriorated significantly, the fenders are cut to accommodate the larger wheels and tires, and the original bumpers are a distant memory. However, we must dig below the surface to discover this classic’s greatest strength. I have lost count of how many First Generation Broncos we’ve seen crippled by rust, but the figure is probably somewhere around “a lot.” This one is a different beast because it looks like it has avoided the worst of those problems. We can’t see the rockers beneath the bash plates, but the remaining lower body extremities look surprisingly clean. The underside shots reveal surface corrosion but no signs of significant metal penetration. There could be a couple of spots requiring patches, but the floors and frame seem structurally sound. The front inner fender wells are one of the more prone areas, but the engine bay shots suggest these have survived intact. The buyer might elect to restore the fenders to regain the Bronco’s original appearance, but adding flares to the front and retaining the existing wheels and tires is a valid consideration. How the buyer tackles this build will depend on their desire for originality, but regardless of which they choose, they will commence the process with sound foundations.

Powering this Bronco is a 302ci V8 that places 125hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. This would normally feed to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Power steering and power front disc brakes should take much of the physical effort out of the driving experience. The wheels and tires aren’t the only modifications performed on this classic. The seller indicates it now features a four-speed manual transmission, while the original carburetor made way for an Edelbrock unit. The seller states the rest of the fuel system is new, as is the master cylinder. The Bronco runs and drives, making it a great candidate for summer adventures.

Turning our attention to the interior reveals more changes, although the seller includes the original rear seat. The floors have no carpet or mats, which allows us to confirm they are solid. An aftermarket radio/cassette player occupies the spot reserved for the factory radio, there is a sportier wheel that should be more comfortable on long journeys, and someone has splashed the cash on a set of body-hugging Recaro front buckets. The driver’s seat has some outer edge wear, and the buyer must decide whether to address this or source suitable replacements. If I were the winning bidder, I would consult an upholsterer to repair the damage. These seats offer unparalleled comfort and support, and the result should be worth the expense. An interior refresh wouldn’t be complicated or expensive, but its existing serviceable nature means the new owner can enjoy this Ford immediately while planning their future strategy.

I’ve previously discussed how the First Generation Bronco was unloved when new and has gained a strong following in the current classic world. By the time this one rolled off the line, the styling was perceived as quite dated compared to similar offerings from the opposition. However, that may be part of the secret to its current success. Many similar vehicles from the 1970s haven’t aged well, but the Bronco still looks surprisingly crisp and elegant. I would venture to say the First Generation Bronco may have been slightly ahead of its time. If you park one of these classics next to a Japanese Nissan Patrol from the 1980s, they share many styling cues. This one hasn’t succumbed to the rust problems that cripple many, and the buyer could choose to restore it to its original state or push the boat out on a custom build. Regardless of their path, the finished product should still command a value beyond $50,000 if completed to a high standard. Depending on the seller’s reserve, it could be a project that makes sound financial sense. It will be fascinating to watch this auction…unless you’d prefer to join the bidding party.