While this 1978 Ford Bronco is already quite appealing for its dry, rust-free body and largely original paint, the long list of desirable factory features is what most potential buyers may be distracted by first. The seller has offered it up for sale with no reserve, and the listing notes it was sold new in Montana and never left the Rocky Mountain front. It retains its original, numbers-matching engine and manual transmission, and is said to run well. The Bronco is listed here on eBay with bids to $6,700.
The original paint combo is Jade Glow over Wimbledon White, a pairing I can’t recall seeing too often. The light green really is a sharp look, and I hope the next owner finds a way to buff that top layer back to good health. The Bronco retains its original “wagon” wheels, a refreshing look versus the typical oversize rollers that many “restomodded” Broncos now sport. The seller notes the Bronco has a great history, being used primarily as a recreational vehicle for numerous fishing and hunting trips within Glacier and Yellowstone national parks.
That’s really the perfect use for a truck like this, both when it was new and now. The Bronco is original in every regard, including the tattered interior. The dash and door panels match nicely with the Jade Glow exterior. There are some features not working inside, like the power rear window which needs some attention to the track. But the CB radio, eight-track, and cassette deck all still function, as do all the gauges. The seller repeats a few times there are no funny smells, and that’s nice enough for your wife to ride in.
The list of equipment features is generous and desirable. Take a look: factory skid plates, tow hooks, roll bar, sliding rear windows, HD cooling, power steering and brakes, and extra capacity fuel tank. Combined with the four-speed manual, it’s not hard to see that the original purchaser definitely wanted a truck that could go deep into Yellowstone and still get back out. The listing describes the truck as a great starting point, and a far cheaper alternative to one that’s already done. Would you fix the basics and leave it at that, or turn it into yet another restomod?
I’m amazed at the prices these are going for.
A few years ago,this would have been a $1500 beater.
I hate to admit it,but the newer trucks are much nicer
to drive.
I’m with you, I’d repaint the green, as it looks burned through, then leave her alone. A set of wagon wheels and 31×10.5s look and work great on these.
drive as is except the driver side fender
Should be a 351M or a 400 under the hood. Looks pretty wide, maybe the latter?
Data plate info on ebay says 351 2bbl.
What we can see looks good but leaving seat covers in place while taking photos to sell a car is right down there with listing a car as “manual” because it has flappy paddles and you can shift it manually. I assume all seats are totally trashed if covered.
1979 had the square headlights not a 1978
Yes some 1978 models had the square lights.
Only the 1978 Customs had round headlights. This one had rectangular headlights stock.
Another way for Ford to use up low amounts of existing stock on hand.
Phact: Car making is a business, not a hobby.
Late model 78s had square headlights. Anything built after June. Including the trucks.
1978 Ranger XLT had the square head lights.
I am with the others who stated these types of trucks were just until recently fetching what should be the price for a 30-40 year old vehicle that was throughly used as it should have been within those decades. I like that this vehicle was what it was for an owner at some point…a basic vehcile to enjoy the outdoor life without having to spend a lot to buy new or own through the years. So unlike the prices of jeeps and pickup trucks today!
I myself am sicked that in the classic car and truck hobby $5k buys nothing but junk now because everybody started raising asking prices for junk and projects thanks to “reality shows” coupled with buyers and sellers equating old vehicle prices to current prices of new trucks and performance cars when in fact there is nothing comparable other than they all have 4 wheels.
And when junk and projects start at $5k that in turn lifted prices for running drivers, well cared for crusiers, restored trailer queens, and creampuff originals all into the stratosphere beyond all of us who have been part of this hobby all these years and decades.
When those flush with cash and those foolish with their money join in on one’s hobby then that signals the end of the hobby for those who were around long before those that were around the whole time. Happened in stamps, coins, baseball and sports cards, art, and now sadly classic cars and trucks.
There was a time not so long ago that there were those in the hobby that bought an old car or old truck and restored it or happend upon a car or truck that need not be restored and we enjoyed it and took it out occassionally with no real concern of low cost to have the old car or old sitting in our garage or could afford the cost for parts when needed or did not worry about the value due to fear of damage to the car or truck.
Just as there were some in the hobby who held on to their “pride and joy” for years and decades there were also those who could at least sell that pride and joy for the next person to while they themselves moved on to the next pride and joy. I once had a guy about 10 years ago say to me “It’s not about owning and enjoying them all at once but rather at least once owning and enjoying each one you have ever wanted and I have always admired that approach to the hobby that he had.
Sadly, now some of us hold on to our hard earned and smartfully saved money and watch this hobby from the sidelines and in the end that is sad as we lose years of our lives no longer getting to drive the cars and trucks of the hobby we once so enjoyed.
And all the above is what I feel despite only being 50 years old, earning a comfortable income to have a home and family, preparing for a day I can no longer work or don’t want to work, and having had this classic car and truck hobby since the day I could first slide behind the wheel of an old car. But again, sadly that feeling that is slowly slipping from many of our grasps including mine.
I wonder if the 8 track still works?
They were nicer then the first generation bronco by far so I was expecting the price to go up at some point!!