This first generation 1972 Ford Bronco spent its life on a farm and only shows a little over 50,000 miles on the odometer. Located in Overland Park, Kansas, you can find it for sale here on eBay with a current bid of $12,600. At first glance, it looks pretty rough, but this may be the project you’ve been looking for.
The engine compartment leaves a few questions that are unanswered by the ad. The seller states the 302 cubic inch V8 is original along with the 3-speed transmission. It doesn’t say anything about updated components, but it’s clear some of the hoses and wires have been replaced along with the valve covers being cleaned up. I’m not sure why it was either left alone or entirely cleaned up? It seems one way or the other would have been better than halfway, what do you think?
There are some photos showing the seats both installed and removed. The seller is upfront stating there is a bit of rust in the floor pan, but it looks good compared to most. You can see photos of both the interior and underneath and they look rusty, but hopefully, it’s just surface rust.
The paint is said to be original, but the current owner has polished it down to primer and bare metal in spots. So what do you think? Is this a good project or would you pass and wait for something better to come along? Would you drive it as-is or restore/repaint it?
Had a peek at the photos on ebay. I don’t believe this looks rough at all. Well loved, but rough? The rust appears to be surface rust to me. A friend owned a first gen Bronco, and it was literally falling apart due to rot. It was no longer safe for the road, and spent almost the last 30 years plowing snow on a large driveway in the country. There’s a huge following for these, and one day my buddy was offered some crazy amount of money for his pile of rust (it wasn’t for sale) and he accepted. As for “polishing down to the primer” – looks to me as if the paint was already worn down to the primer, and the owner just shined it all up as it sat. Ford is now selling “new” Ford Broncos again – but starting at $120k. The old ones will be a bargain in comparison. If I were to purchase this beast, I’d consider leaving it as-is for a fun driver & just maintain it mechanically.
Up to 16K now. Damn, these things are big money. Not rough, but still a 16K project vehicle!
Now at age 66 I remember the 2 or 3 early Broncos I owned in the 70th.Today I wonder why they are getting so valuable. After my opinion they are not desireable at all as they are noicy unconfortable ugly looking vehicles… maybe someone can explain this? Maybe just a fashion thing ?
I do understand that the classic Range Rover in good condition rises in price, as these are beautiful 4×4,s with comfort and incredible in terrain. I had a 1989 V-8 3.5 for the last 22 years with no trouble at all.
I’m not sure what the attraction is with these. People that knew of these when they came out know they aren’t the best vehicle. I mean, they’re tough as nails, they were meant to compete with the CJ, but certainly not a luxury SUV by any means. I suppose people today can’t find what they want, so they pour their money into these instead, and can’t blame them, really. 1st thing that will bum them out is the ride. They didn’t call them Broncos for nothing. I’d say the Scout above for $3g’s is a better truck.
Sometimes it’s hard to be a bowtie-guy, as these 1st gen Broncos simply look so great! This one also both has a stick and the 2wd LO,so it’d be great for the trail and land a boat.If it where me I’d just leave the paint as is, just do something with the seats and install a modest lift kit and Swampers.
However, I don’t think many will drag a (as of now) $16k Bronco trough the bog and up cliffsides then to hose it off inwards out…will be interesting to see what it sells for as I suspect we haven’t seen the last bid yet…
unbelievable – went for $18 one. Mine must B $20K.
It’s just a 1/4 truck…
Haters:
It’s called personal preference. Some ppl like muscle cars, some luxury.
Heck, if you are married, someone preferred you! while others wouldn’t-lol.
Wonder away if you want.