A blend of mostly original and a bit of new. That’s how I would describe this Bronco with Midnight Blue paintwork, which has racked up 61,860 miles (99,554 kilometers) on the original frame, transmission, and engine.
Listed by “tclement1000”on eBay with no reserve attached to it, chassis number U15GL875225 is an uncut example of 15,256 units produced for the 1976 model year. The Bronco left the Wayne assembly plant in Michigan with the highest-level trim option, namely the Ranger Package that included stripes on the hood and the sides of the body-on-frame SUV.
“The stripes are readily available and can be applied if the new owner desires,” explains the seller. Refinished in the original color following a frame-on restoration, the Bronco further includes houndstooth inserts on the front seats and rear bench, rear quarter panels, and door cards. The seats were reupholstered with OEM fabric by a custom upholstery shop.
Just like the body shell and ladder frame, the hardtop was refinished as well. Even the four-slot wheels have been blasted and powder-coated white for a period-correct presentation. New rubber for the top and doors, replacement chrome bumpers, the original glass with minor scratches in the windshield, and the factory swing-away spare tire carrier are also worth mentioning.
Currently sitting at $30,600 with five days of bidding left, the Bronco rocks custom-made carpets for the interior, new seat belts, the original paint on the dashboard, original AM radio and speaker, and an old-school FM modulator. The two-spoke steering wheel shows a lovely patina, and according to the seller, OEM hubcaps are available at an additional cost.
From a mechanical standpoint, you’re looking at power disc brakes with a brand-new booster and master cylinder. The stance is achieved with the help of a Wild Horses 2.5-inch (63.5-mm) suspension kit and 31-inch tires. As part of the restoration, the tie-rod ends have been replaced along with the C-bushings.
A 45-year-old truck that’s certain to please the most pretentious collector out there, this Bronco relies on a tried-and-true 302 that sports new hoses, belts, plugs, and wiring. Capable of 125 horsepower and 220 pound-feet (298 Nm) of torque at the flywheel, the V8 engine is connected to a C4 automatic tranny which spins a Dana 20 transfer case with a 2.34:1 low range.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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