The Ford Bronco, an early competitor of the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout, is one of the first Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV). Launched in 1966, the vehicle would go largely unchanged through 1977 except for those mandated for safety. This generation of the Bronco is highly sought after today, given that the cost of acquisition can be in the high double-digits. This 1975 edition with 4-wheel-drive wears its original paint, might be light in the rust department and is in running condition. It’s being offered by a dealer that specializes in restoring vintage Bronco’s in Hamel, Illinois and available here on eBay where the bidding stands at $21,600 with the reserve still needing to be met.
Ford’s Bronco would see five generations of production from 1966 to 1996, and it would change in size over the years. The Bronco is getting a reboot for 2021 as an intermediate to take on the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco was noted for its off-road skills, yet it could be relatively civilized in city and highway traffic. Perhaps due to the unfolding energy crisis at the time, Ford would sell the fewest number of first- generation Bronco’s in 1975. At 13,125 units, sales were off by roughly half of the year before.
Most of the Bronco’s you see of this time-period are usually rusty or beat to death. This 1975 edition looks to be solid overall; in fact, it is said to still wear its original paint. What appears to be a little corrosion forming along the bottom of the vehicle may very well be worn paint in combination with Midwest dirt. The floors inside the Bronco look clean, including the cargo area and pans. The seats are pretty worn out and would be better replaced rather than rebuilt.
This is a well-equipped Bronco that is said to run and drive well. It has Ford’s 302 cubic inch V-8 with what may be 116,000 easy miles, along with an automatic transmission, power steering and front disc brakes, which were becoming popular in the 1970s. The seller mentions that while the hood looks ajar in the photos, it fits properly when completely closed. It also has the dual gas tank option so this Bronco could have some travel range. The seller specializes in restoring Bronco’s and could even execute a restoration for the buyer before they take delivery. However, this Bronco may best be left alone, except for those seats.
In the world of first gen Broncos, this is certainly an above-average starting point.
But what caught my eye was Russ’s comment “the seller specializes in restoring Broncos.” So I checked out their web site. Let me warn you, if you are not familiar with them and decide to do this, you’d better be sitting down.
Six figure Broncos – who knew?
do you think barnfinds ever gets tired of writing about broncos everyday?
I wonder if the people bidding on these have ever actually driven one? And more to the point, what do they intend to use this for?
As is, they are really not that practical for much of anything that most people would use them for.
I also suspect these things are at the top of the value arc, but I could be wrong.
Too me, WAY too much money for what it is. And I happen to own one, have had it for 15 years. It’s probably tripled in value, but IMO it’s just not worth that kind of coin.
The lunacy here just boggles my mind. These are rust-buckets. Uncomfortable. Poorly made. They are the cabbage patch dolls of the car world..prices and demand being driven by irrationality that “I just have to have one!” When every wreck has been restored, and everyone that REALLY wanted one has one, prices will plummet. Look at 64-67 mustangs. You can get one for half of what they were 15 yrs ago and that’s in inflated dollars.
You need to grow up with them to understand the mania. I have owned several of these for over 30 years. Have had my hands on many more than that as well. Being from a beach town, you really knew why they are awesome rigs. I Got my 67 roadster when I was 16. Still have it today. Only 33,000 miles. Never give it up. This 75 definitely will make some ones day. Some of these prices for rusty Broncos is just pure crazy.
I owned a ’67 with a 289 v8 4 barrel carb. With such a short wheelbase and all that power, it was dangerous on the roads I traveled back. NJ turnpike, garden state parkway. Average speed 80 mph
those seats can B rebuilt (in the final stage w/sim shape 1s) and it did not come w/disc upfrnt (till last 2 yrs). Gateway is a bronk producer (Mr. Rebuild) so they will do both – 30K$ for the sale & another 30 f0r the complete (I’d assume). Not sayin it’s right, just sayin~