Although the First Generation Bronco didn’t sell in the volume Ford predicted, it is now one of the best-performing vehicles in the classic market. Spotless examples can command eye-watering prices, but this 1973 Bronco Ranger could almost seem too good to resist. It is hard to criticize its presentation, and there’s no evidence of the severe rust issues that can consume these classics. That makes the seller’s price of $20,500 seem extraordinarily low. It is listed here on Craigslist in Charlottesville, Virginia, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this beauty.

The seller only supplies two exterior photos in their listing, and although their quality isn’t great, they paint a pretty rosy picture. The color combination of Seapine Green and Wimbledon White shines impressively, with no signs of flaws or defects. The panels are straight, but the subject of rust should bring a smile to the faces of potential buyers. The exterior looks clean, while the single underside shot suggests the floors and frame are rock solid. The floor wears a red undercoat, which is a wise move to prevent future problems. The engine bay has no typical rust visible in the front inner fenders. I always recommend an in-person inspection of any classic, but the signs all look positive. The glass and what is visible of the trim look excellent, with the steel wheels wearing the correct hubcaps.

The drivetrain combination of this Bronco should offer excellent performance for the new owner. Lifting the hood reveals a 302ci V8 that sends 137hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The original owner’s decision to include power steering should make negotiating rough terrain less arduous. With most of the V8’s power and torque delivered below 2,000rpm, this classic should easily crawl into some reasonably harsh locations. The seller indicates they recently installed a new water pump, fuel pump, belts, hoses, and fluids. There are no visible aftermarket additions, and although they supply no information on how this classic runs or drives, the visual indications are positive. They say it has a genuine 95,000 miles on its odometer, but they don’t mention verifying evidence.

The theme of limited photos continues when we focus on the Bronco’s interior. The seller indicates it recently received new carpet and that the upholstered surfaces wear the correct cloth and vinyl trim. The dash and pad look excellent, and the painted surfaces are clean and bright. There are none of the usual aftermarket additions or changes that we often see in First generation Broncos. The shifter remains in its rightful place on the column, and a Ford factory radio occupies its correct spot in the dash. The lack of wear on the wheel seems to support the mileage claim, and it appears this interior needs nothing.

If this 1973 Bronco Ranger is all that it appears to be in the supplied photos, it could be one of the bargains of 2022. I would typically expect a vehicle of this caliber to easily command a price of at least $40,000. As usual, I would recommend an in-person inspection before committing any funds. However, if it proves as solid and tidy as the photos suggest, it could be an excellent investment.