I’ve lost count of how many First Generation Broncos we’ve seen over the past decade at Barn Finds that have been riddled with rust or mutilated as owners seek to fit significantly bigger wheels and tires. This 1976 example has avoided those issues and presents exceptionally well for its age. It is a turnkey classic perfect for someone seeking a life of off-road adventures. The Bronco is listed here on Craigslist in Glendale, Arizona. It could be yours by handing the seller $69,950. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.

The first thing to note about this Bronce is that despite it sitting on larger wheels and tires, the seller achieved this feat without cutting the fenders. That is a common modification, and while it is reversible, there’s nothing like finding a classic with its original steel intact. The new wheels suit the vehicle’s character, but swapping them for a factory set would not be difficult or expensive. The two-tone Green paint gives this off-roader a classy appearance, and its condition is impressive for a vehicle of this type. The darker shade is the original Dark Jade, while the lighter Green is a later addition. Off-roaders are prone to all manner of scratches and scrapes, leaving them looking pretty battered and bruised. That isn’t the case here because the paint looks excellent, while the panels are remarkably straight. The best news is this Bronco’s apparent lack of rust. Nothing is visible in the supplied photos, and the seller says that a life spent in Arizona has left it 100% rust-free. It would still be worth negotiating an in-person inspection, but the signs are positive. The exterior chrome is excellent, while the glass appears flawless.

The owner supplies no engine photos, but we know the Bronco features a 302ci V8 backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. Combine the engine’s 125hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque with a dual-range transfer case, and this Ford is ready to take its occupants deep into the wilderness. While tightening emission regulations impacted engine power outputs by the mid-1970s, that shouldn’t affect this classic’s off-road potential or ability to cruise effortlessly at highway speeds. The seller indicates the vehicle has 93,000 genuine miles on the clock, but not whether they hold verifying evidence. It rolls on tires that have fifty miles under their belt, and they say this classic runs and drives exceptionally well. There is still time left this summer for someone to grab this Bronco and enjoy all it has to offer.

This Bronco is the more upmarket Ranger variant, meaning it scores Green cloth and vinyl upholstery. The listing states this is original, and if accurate, its condition is impressive. It isn’t perfect, but the wear and marks leave the interior acceptable for a survivor. The carpet shows evidence of fading and stains, but that sort of deterioration is expected in a vehicle whose occupants are prone to tracking in mud and other icky substances that are an integral part of any wilderness adventure. The dash pad is cracked, but replacements are readily available and cheap. This interior isn’t 100% original, thanks to the addition of a radio/cassette player and numerous gauges to monitor its mechanical health.

If you’re like me, I’m sure you wish you owned a crystal ball. That would make predicting future classics far easier than employing educated guesses. That is the case with the First Generation Bronco. This 1976 model would have cost its original owner around $5,000 by the time they drove it off the showroom floor. The release of the Second Generation series in 1978 severely impacted First Generation values, and that trend continued with each successive upgrade. By the mid-1990s, owners struggled to give away First Generation Broncos. However, times can change dramatically, which is undoubtedly the case here. The asking price for this Bronco is hardly pocket change, but it looks about right for a solid example such as this. The seller is unlikely to be drowning in emails enquiring about this classic, but I don’t think they will have much trouble finding a buyer. Could you be tempted to pursue it further?