One of the greatest challenges in the automotive world is determining what current offerings are likely to become future classics. While some may seem a no-brainer, others are far less obvious. Take this 1969 Ford Bronco as a prime example. If you’d told its original owner that his $2,800 investment would eventually command a solid five-figure value, he probably would’ve nodded politely, backed away slowly, and then run for the hills to escape the crazy man who uttered that statement! However, that is the reality, and even the rustiest vehicles will generate interest when they hit the market. Our feature Bronco is located in Upland, California, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has raced past the reserve and hit $10,900.

The seller purchased this Bronco more than ten years ago. He planned to restore the vehicle, but progress stalled before it could start. That gives the buyer a blank canvas from which to work. When assessing any First Generation Bronco for a project build, there are a few factors worth considering. The first is whether the vehicle has undergone any form of body modifications. We can tick that box because someone has cut the wheel arches to accommodate larger wheels and tires. Thankfully, several manufacturers produce replacement panels, and with lower rear quarter panels selling for around $120 each, they don’t represent a significant investment. The second factor is rust because the Bronco is prone to problems. Once again, the answer to that is a resounding yes. The tin worm has managed to sink its teeth into the floors and the front inner fenders. These areas are known weak points, and replacement steel to address faults is, once again, readily available and affordable. Thankfully, the frame carries little more than surface corrosion, although there is no information on the A or B-Pillars. If they are rust-free, that makes this Bronco structurally sound. The buyer will still have a long shopping list because the bumpers are gone, as are a few small trim pieces. However, given the potential value of the finished product, this represents little more than petty cash.

The original owner ordered this Bronco with the optional 302ci V8 that produced 205hp. Ford bolted a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case to the V8, and thanks to the V8’s ability to churn out 300 ft/lbs of torque, this classic would have been an accomplished off-roader with the ability to romp through the ¼ mile in 17 seconds. While straight-line performance wasn’t Ford’s primary focus with the Bronco, that figure stood up well against its competition in 1969. From a mechanical perspective, this classic appears to be essentially complete. Somebody has pulled and dismantled the motor, but all of the main components seem to be present. The transmission and transfer case sits in the rear cargo area, while I can spot most of the ancillaries like the starter and alternator. It’s virtually guaranteed that everything will need to be rebuilt or refurbished, but this classic could maintain its all-important numbers-matching status if the pieces are original. I can also spot the seats, although the buyer will face the expense of a retrim to return that aspect of the vehicle to a factory-fresh state.

When it rolled off the showroom floor, this 1969 Bronco would have cost its original owner around $2,800. Adjusted for inflation, that equates to around $21,600 today. Fully restored to a high standard, it should easily command a value of $50,000 any day of the week. If the next owner achieves perfection, that figure could climb as high as $80,000. Even allowing for inflation, that marks an incredible return on the original owner’s investment. However, there is no evidence that the First Generation Bronco bubble will burst, meaning that figure could continue to climb higher. I’m not in a position to tackle a project build, but you might be. That makes this Bronco worth a closer look. Meanwhile, I might have to break out the crystal ball to see what the next candidate will likely be off the current showroom floors. Wish me luck because vehicles like the First Generation Bronco prove that we need to look beyond the usual suspects to pick a winner.