The Bronco identify is synonymous with utilitarian, go-anywhere functionality. The most recent (and best?) model got here out in 2021 and boasts a formidable resume: A Bronco “Raptor” comes with LED lighting, a FOX-equipped suspension, 37-inch tires, and a 418-horsepower V6. The massive catch is that it’s going to set you again $96,000.

Possibly a basic Bronco is a greater various. It provides much more exclusivity at a fraction of the worth tag. Let’s have a look at a properly restored instance from the late Seventies.

The Decide of the Day is a 1978 Ford Bronco 4×4 listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by a non-public vendor in Mulberry, Florida. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)

“Two-year-only design sixth-generation F-Sequence,” the itemizing says. “New black inside and carpet, detachable white hardtop, good aluminum wheels.”

The vendor is correct. Following within the footsteps of the long-lived unique Bronco which lived from 1966 to 1977, the following model had a drastically shorter lifespan of simply two years. Probably the most noteworthy change was a rise in dimension: The Bronco now shared chassis underpinnings with the Ford F-Sequence truck, which meant that it grew by 12 inches in wheelbase, 28 inches in size, and 11 inches in width. It was provided solely in a three-door physique configuration and was assembled in Wayne, Michigan.

Together with matching up with pickup vans dimensionally, this technology of Bronco additionally acquired trim ranges that mirrored the truck counterparts. Right this moment’s featured truck exhibits nicely each inside and outside, with a clear trying pink paint job and the overhauled inside. Energy comes from a rebuilt Cleveland 351cid V8 mated to a four-speed handbook transmission (this powertrain was rated at 156 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque when new). The air con pump has been changed, and the vendor says that the car “Runs nice and is all the time saved inside.”

For 1980, the Bronco would once more undergo a physique type change, this time to align with the seventh-generation F-Sequence pickup. Meaning the 1978 via 1979 Bronco physique type was a little bit of a rarity when new, and it’s much more of a rarity over 45 years later. The Bronco group is robust and rising, because of the newer fashions just like the Raptor (which some name the “Braptor”) gaining in reputation. Together with that comes added consciousness and recognition for well-kept older fashions.

The asking worth is $44,000 for this 1978 Customized Bronco, and it’ll in all probability go nearly as many hard-to-reach path locations as the brand new model!

To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, hit the path and go to Decide of the Day.