Describing this 1975 Ford Bronco as a trailer queen would be unfair, but its impressive presentation and largely unmolested state help this forty-nine-year-old classic stand out in a crowd. It appears to need nothing, making it ideal for an enthusiast seeking a turnkey First Generation Bronco that hasn’t been beset by rust issues. It has led a sheltered life, and with only 35,000 genuine miles on the clock, it should still be plying our roads when its age has doubled. Unsurprisingly, it has generated significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The bidding has raced to $20,600 in a No Reserve auction.
Apart from its sparkling Copper Metallic paint, the first thing I noticed about this Bronco is its Rampage soft-top. The seller also has the removable hardtop, giving the new owner a choice between wind-in-the-hair motoring and total weatherproofing and security. This classic presents superbly for its age, with no visible faults or issues. The paint is excellent, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the underside shots seem to confirm that this beauty is rust-free. That is hardly surprising because the current location offers the type of dry climate that does an admirable job of protecting classic steel. It is refreshing that the Bronco retains its factory wheels and hubcaps, meaning nobody has cut the body to accommodate an upgrade. The glass is crystal clear, and the trim is exceptional.
The Bronco’s interior continues the trend of excellent presentation. Aftermarket additions include a rollbar and a Tuffy console. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory. The Parchment vinyl trim is free from wear and shows no signs of UV damage that might be expected from any classic that has spent its life under the Arizona sun. The pad and wheel haven’t cracked, the painted surfaces are excellent, and the gauge cluster features a clear lens and crisp markings. The factory AM radio is intact, and the shifter remains in its rightful place on the column.
The seller doesn’t specifically state that this Bronco is numbers-matching. However, with a claimed 35,000 original miles on the clock and its overall unmolested state, I suspect it probably is. Its 302ci V8 sends 125hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and dual-range transfer case. The power steering should lighten the driver’s load, regardless of the circumstances. The Bronco should happily cruise on the open road at 70mph, while the low-end torque delivery of its V8 means it shouldn’t be found wanting when the terrain becomes wild or slippery. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their mileage claim, but the presentation of every aspect makes it plausible. They also don’t indicate how it runs or drives, making those valid questions to pose before submitting a bid.
The few changes made to this 1975 Ford Bronco increase its versatility but are reversible for those seeking spotless originality. Finding a First Generation example that has survived in such good shape is refreshing because time hasn’t been kind to many of its siblings. This Ford has received twenty bids, and while that figure is respectable, it is considerably lower than I would typically expect. However, there is time for the action to intensify, and I would be shocked if it didn’t comfortably pass $40,000. A higher figure is possible, but with No Reserve in play, a new home is the guaranteed outcome of this auction. Does that prospect tempt you to pursue it further? I wish you luck if you do.
I’m a Ford man, thru and thru. But I can’t see why these broncos are so much loved.
Give me a later model and I’d be in heaven.
As in the ones that we got here in Aus.
Living in a different country is usually big advantage for vehicles. EU cars get easy better mileage than American. They don’t push the emissions thing as hard. I can’t figure how a vehicle getting 20 mpg puts out less emissions than same vehicle getting 30 mpg. Sounds like America is getting the shaft. The smaller version of bronco parks easier for most people. Also sits up higher for better visibility. Plus being older model thru are a classic. Truly one of the off road get back to the cabin vehicles of the day.
And it has been molested….easy to see in that engine bay picture…..
It’s refreshing to see a first gen Bronco which hasn’t been chopped up and is in good condition. White face gauges, a subtle modification. Will be interesting to see where the bids land; there were some crazy high sales prices at Mecum Kissimmee.
A very nice rust free older bronco. Would prefer a hardtop but it is still in very nice condition an no modified!
It says it also comes with a hardtop so you’re ok!
It is stated that the hard top comes with it. But if you’ve ever lived in AZ you’d know why the rag to is on. Besides the rag top must be a newer one or this was garage kept. Looks like a repaint to me too. Maybe not.
Yes indeed. My hardtop on my ’69 went away in ’93 when I moved to the Valley. We liked it in snow country up north – not so much in the desert. Now that I’m older and more concerned about a little more protection for my noggin, I’m looking for a hardtop again….
I’m guessing high forties but I wouldn’t be surprised if it sells for more.
50-60k.
Looks awesome but i question it’s originality.
The interior looks refreshed
By the looks of the bids so far, i would dare say that others question it as well.
I drove some Broncos back in the 70s. I didn’t think they were any good then or now. With the short wheelbase they were very bouncy and not fun to drive at all. And the ones today are just way over priced. If you want one maybe you just don’t care.
softer springs (frnt/rear) R available as is every thing else. Ur’s (TH) wuz made for haulin (in bed or trailer) & modern tech can give U both (throw bags on w/soft spring, inflate for haulin only). Wrks for me (1/2 way into ownership as 42 yrs dwn the rd I do more of both and less off rd).
Yeah, lotsa non-oem but that’s Y we have ‘em. Make ‘em ur own (agreed, depending on market place 40 – 80K$) one of the most easily customizable.
A few red flags. Why is there no reserve for such a nice example that’s in high demand? And where’s the documentation verifying the alleged low mileage? And the seller can’t judge how well this Bronco runs? The seller may have good reviews but I’m also thinking he/she has little experience selling cars or this is a scam all along.
Best of the best survivor could easily do $70-80k,if it checks out ,and I see nothing to dispute the mileage.I have 2 of these but far prefer my 70-74 Blazers as they are MUCH better drivers,as are the 78/9 Broncs.
(SHhhhh) some of that wuz fixed in ’76/7 w/the “Y” ster. linkage (& discs up frnt). Still a death trap w/o frame tied bar/cage. Ever C 1 flipped? Even seen ‘em do so w/a bar. Not Frame Tied they stuck up through the floor 3 ft above the dwn side up vehicle. Everything from bed rails up leveld dwn to them…
Am i the only one questioning the hp rating of a 302 at 125?
That’s what the rating was in 1975 – the lowest rating of all the 302s in Early Broncos over the years. Timing was retarded 4 deg. if I recall correctly plus all the smog stuff really dragged them down.
Same with the 351/400M .
I rebuilt mine and put a 4°offset keyway on the crank. Crane RV cam. And holley mechanical 4 bbl. Increased performance a lot and mpg a lot !
Spend a winter, or cold rainy weather driving a first generation bronco around and you will quickly realize they aren’t that nice.
Do you honestly think the CJ’s were nice in the winter ? Hang on to you assets, cause they spun out quickly! And were rollover kings too.
B’s it’s a vehicle that they fixed up and are hard up trying to represent it as something IT really isn’t the only good part we know is the low mileage which I doubt but I’d have to check it by Ford factory testing myself Ford training and experience Yes it’s been nicely done trying to triple what it’s actually worth plus your own salesman B’s trying to fool the suckers that have no clue $15000.00tops on a good day
All hail the Mighty Blue Oval. I love my Fords & Lincolns but I do not understand the love of these old Broncos. They’re generally spartan as hell, ride like crap and the wind noise is damn near unbearable on the highway.