We are no strangers to First Generation Ford Broncos at Barn Finds, although many are either heavily modified or riddled with rust. However, this 1976 Bronco Sport sweeps in like a breath of fresh air, having avoided both of those issues. It is an extremely tidy survivor with no pressing needs, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting it listed here on Craigslist in Granbury, Texas. These vehicles remain strong performers in the classic market, reflected by the seller’s price for this one of $89,500 OBO.

The First Generation Bronco deserved greater sales success than it enjoyed because Ford adopted some clever design strategies to minimize production costs. From the flat glass to the common door skin pressings on both sides, the theme of elegant simplicity was there for all to see. Initial sales showed promise but slumped quickly in the face of growing competition. This 1976 Bronco Sport makes a bold statement in Chrome Yellow and Indio Tan. The close-up shots reveal a few marks and imperfections that the new owner could touch up to improve the presentation. However, with this classic looking so nice, I would probably opt for preservation to protect its survivor status. One trauma that the buyer won’t face is the rust repairs that often beset these classics. There is no evidence or mention of problems, and the vehicle’s location means that it has spent its day in a climate that is ideal for steel preservation. The trim and glass look exceptional, and the narrow whitewalls add a classy finishing touch.

This Bronco’s interior is almost as original and impressive as its exterior. Someone has fitted an underdash cassette player that would be a doddle to remove, although their decision to cut the speakers into the door steel was less clever. That’s a shame because the fact that they didn’t locate the speakers in the same spot on either side provides a rather weird feel. Reversing that change is possible and is the approach that I would probably adopt. The Parchment vinyl trim exhibits minor wear and fading, and there are a couple of holes developing in the back seat upper edge. However, a set of slipcovers would hide any issues and provide protection from future deterioration. The rest of the interior looks great for a vehicle of this type and age, with the dash housing the factory radio.

It is always nice to have a user-friendly vehicle at your disposal if you decide to delve deep into the wilderness, and this Bronco delivers. It features a 302ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The V8 produced 125hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque when the vehicle was factory-fresh, bringing us to a point to ponder. Readers too young to appreciate the impact of The Malaise Era might gain insight from the Bronco. Buyers could order one in 1970 with the 302, but that motor churned out 205hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. Both figures are more impressive than the ones produced by our feature vehicle. I will qualify this by stating that some of the difference was due to a move from quoting engine outputs in Gross to Net terms in the intervening years. However, the rest was a direct consequence of the modifications required for compliance with tighter emission regulations. The performance in 1976 was still pretty good, it just wasn’t as good as buyers received at the start of the decade. The seller claims that this beast has an estimated 32,000 miles on the clock, although they don’t mention evidence confirming whether the figure is genuine. They don’t provide specific information on its mechanical health, but their insistence that you could drive this Bronco home suggests that the news is positive.

The 1976 Ford Bronco Sport proves the fickleness of the classic market. Values slumped in 2023 and 2024, suggesting that the bubble may have burst on one of the scene’s star performers. However, it has proved a genuine stayer, with prices rebounding strongly in 2025. They have almost returned to the glory days, and I see no reason why this can’t happen. If that proves the case, buying a ’76 Bronco now could be a wise investment strategy. Actually, forget the investment potential and focus on the fun this survivor could provide. Isn’t that what owning a classic should be all about?