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Uncut Project: 1971 Ford Bronco Sport

This 1971 Ford Bronco project is either a reminder of how much you liked the old one or how much you want a new one. Ford’s recent launch of the classic Bronco nameplate in what looks like a surprisingly capable recreation has certainly increased interested in the Bronco platform, and the seller of this somewhat tired example is hoping that new shine will help spur buyer interest in his uncut example. The Bronco sounds like a decent starting point based on the seller’s description, and while there is rust to fix, none of it sounds catastrophic. Find the Bronco here on eBay in Marstons Mills, Massachusetts with bids to $18K and no reserve.

The Bronco comes with the rarely seen soft doors, and the hard doors are included. It is equipped with a manual transmission that has been modified into being a floor shift, and the 302 is said to idle nicely and run smoothly. However, the seller is still quick to point out that this is not the sort of vehicle you’re going to slap a tag on and drive home. The listing doesn’t explicitly say why, as it could be mechanical-related or it could be because the disclosed rust issues make road-going use a risky proposition. The Bronco rides on later model, aftermarket alloy wheels and retains its factory hardtop.

The interior features later model bucket seats and the original rear bench seat. Interior photos show a clean dash that doesn’t appear to have been cut up, and the floor shift manual is a nice change from the original column shift. Now, I have nothing against column shifts, but having owned one for a while now, I’ll take a floor shift every time. The later buckets may not be to everyone’s liking, but I don’t consider them terribly out of place, especially as they somewhat match the original rear bench. The Bronco’s location is near Cape Cod, Mass., which may suggest at least some of its life was spent near the ocean. That could have spurred some of the rust issues noted in the listing.

Specifically, the seller points out the following: the body will need at least two body mounts, a passenger fender, passenger inner fender, both rockers on both sides inside and out, and the flat panel behind the drivers seat and tailgate replaced, along with a replacement tailgate. Overall, that’s not terrible for a Bronco of this vintage, especially one that lives in New England. The new release of the Bronco likely won’t change the values of the original, as they’ve been hot for years – but it may lead to some younger buyers having a new appreciation for the one that started it all. Which generation would you choose?

Comments

  1. Avatar Gate1967

    Well, a cape cod bronco. I Wonder how long it’s been on the cape ? I’m only 26 miles away from this thing, might have to check it out. This bronco sounds rusted up. Nice project for someone. Depends on the frame condition.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar TimM

    The good thing is everything even the frame is available for the original bronco!! The bad news is if you really want it the amount it goes for will set you back so much you might not want to put more money into it!!!

    Like 1
  3. Avatar CCFisher

    My husband reserved a 2021 Bronco First Edition. Now, we just need to find a way to reserve $63,500.

    Like 4
    • Avatar PRA4SNW

      Yeah, those first ones are sweet – everything included.
      But the one I will end up buying will be half that price.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Maestro1

    I have no idea why these cars/trucks are so hot.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Todd Zuercher

      Because they’re good looking rigs, pretty easy to work on, and fun to drive!

      Like 2
  5. Avatar Superdessucke

    This rusted contraption may actually hit the price ballpark of a 3,600 mile ZR1 Corvette. If you would have walked into a Chevy dealer in 1991 seeking to trade this in on a new ZR1, you would have gotten treated condescendingly.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Patrick Anderson

    Until 1991, a nice example would set you back $3500. Then, the Explorer hit the market, and prices on Broncos started to climb.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Michael Murray

    This truck sold off Cragslist Boston a few weeks back for $5,000. Whoever bought it said they are going to do a father/son project, but was really just flipping it. I got an 77 Bronco and have no problem with someone making money as these things are hot, but it kinda lux they lied to the guy who originally sold it.

    https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302861

    Like 0
    • Avatar Todd Zuercher

      Thanks for the update – I had missed the listing on classic. The original seller sold it for way too cheap. I’m really surprised it sold for that much though.

      Like 0
  8. Avatar half cab

    In 1996 a GMC dealer asked the salesman who owned the ugly bronco sitting out by the street and it needed to be moved. He said this gentleman here that was checking out a new Yukon….baaaa haaa now the same bronco will bring way more the what they asked me for that Yukon back in ’96.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar TimM

    I had my first bronco before they were cool in my sophomore year of high school!! It was 4 wheel drive,it was a convertible, it had horsepower with the 302 and the headers I put on it!! It fit four pretty comfortably!! I took it to party’s in the woods!! It took me and some girls to the local swimming holes!! It was great topless!! I liked it so much I still have two of them!! I bought all my kids Jeep Wranglers with standard transmissions for their first car!! Basically because I wanted them to have a similar experience as I had in high school having a cool ride!! They did and they loved them!! Minus the horsepower!! Anyone that had one of these and did what I did with it would want one again!! That’s why there cool!!!

    Like 1

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