By 1977, time was catching up with the 1st Generation Bronco. Its styling was looking dated when compared to its competition. The result was sales that were slipping as potential buyers looked at more modern alternatives. However, the tables have now turned, and those same vehicles that were largely ignored when new have now become highly sought. This 1977 Bronco is a great example, and it is a vehicle that would seem to want for nothing. It is located in Smithfield, North Carolina, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The auction has been set to open at $35,000, and there has only been a single bid at this stage. One hundred people are currently watching the listing, which indicates that interest is high for this Ford.

The owner talks a lot about this Bronco’s originality, but there are some interesting things to note about the vehicle. The first is that while the Green paint that it wears looks nice, I don’t believe it is original. The tag indicates Paint Code “V.” This suggests that the Bronco rolled off the line wearing Silver Metallic, and I think that I can see evidence of this in a couple of spots around the Ford. However, this one is a vehicle with a few vital plus points. These include the fact that the wheel arches haven’t been cut to accommodate larger wheels, and apart from a dusting of surface rust on the underside, it does appear to be completely rust-free. The panels look to be clean and straight, while I can’t spot any trim or glass problems. The Bronco rolls on larger wheels, but the originals and their hubcaps are included in the sale.

The interior of the Bronco presents well for a vehicle of this type and age. The front seats show no issues, while a blanket has been thrown over the rear seat. The carpet in the rear looks dirty, but I think that a professional cleaner would be able to revive it. The carpet in the front has been protected by a full-width mat, which is a smart move. All of the painted surfaces are in good condition and won’t require any repainting work. An aftermarket steering wheel has been fitted, but the original is included in the sale.

When you lift the Bronco’s hood, you can see evidence of the original paint color. You can also see that the Ford is powered by a 302ci V8, which is backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission. Power steering and power front disc brakes are also a part of this package. This combination delivers 133hp and 246 ft/lbs of torque. With 4-wheel-drive capabilities, the Bronco should be a competent vehicle when the going gets tough. The owner says that the rear end is a Detroit Locker, while the front is a Tru Tracker. Surprisingly, the owner offers no insight into how well the Bronco runs or drives. However, if appearances count for anything, then the news should potentially be quite positive.

The desire to own the “latest and greatest” meant that many potential buyers in 1977 turned their backs on the Bronco in favor of the Blazer, the Cherokee, and the Scout II. The result was that Ford only managed to sell 14,546 Broncos in that year. However, people have been drawn back to these because they are rugged and straightforward and because their appearance has a retro-cool look to it. I tend to think that the opening bid is probably in the ballpark, but completely unmodified examples will manage to pull much higher prices. Returning this Bronco to its original specifications and color would not be a difficult task. When you consider that vehicles in that state can easily sell for more than $50,000, it could also be money well spent. It’s something that might be worth considering if the Ford is to be treated as an enjoyable long-term investment.