The all-new Ford Bronco will soon be upon us, ushering in a new chapter in the beloved off-roader’s history (and, most likely, a brief resurgence in OJ Simpson jokes). But while that Ranger-based Bronco will come with modern-day build quality and a factory warranty, it will also, by virtue of being a brand-new car created in the second decade of the 21st Century, lack some of the soul found in the analog cars of an earlier era. So why not just spring for a near-perfect example of the original Ford Bronco instead?
More specifically, how about this 1975 Ford Bronco currently up for grabs on Bring a Trailer? For starters, unlike the new Bronco and its all-but-guaranteed inline-four, this first-gen rig packs a tried-and-true 302-cubic-inch V8; and while the new model will almost certainly use Ford’s new 10-speed automatic, this vintage example channels all its power through a three-on-the-tree manual gearbox. Its two-speed transfer case and tidy size mean off-roading will be a breeze, especially now that fresh BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires and a 3-inch Wild Horses lift kit have been installed.
And this vintage Bronco is sure to turn more heads than any new version, thanks to the fresh Rangoon Red-under-white hardtop paint job sitting on a body whose rust issues were attended to before being resprayed. In a pleasant turn of events, the interior vinyl trim matches the exterior livery; in an even more pleasant turn, a power steering system, aftermarket stereo and custom wooden center console have all been fitted to give the interior a touch of modernity without diluting the joys of classic motoring.
As of now, the top bid on this ’75 Bronco sits at $24,444 with one day left in the auction. While Ford is still staying mum on the price of the 2020 model, considering modern car prices and its Ranger roots, it seems liable to start in the low-$30,000 range — which means this beauty of a classic Bronco could wind up selling for less than the new model will. And hey, if you wind up really disliking it, you can always trade it in for the brand-new model come next year.
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