Driver Quality: 1971 Ford Bronco 4×4 Wagon – SOLD!

August 16th Update – The private seller deleted their Craigslist post, so with a new caretaker likely found we’re calling this one “Sold!”

Arguably the hottest trend in collector cars over the past several years has been demand for vintage SUVs.  Of these, Ford’s first generation Bronco has been among the hottest.  While most examples we come across are priced way too high, this driver-quality 1971, 302-powered 4X4 Wagon we found over the weekend listed on Craigslist in Waleka, Massachusetts seems to be realistically market priced at $19,700.  While that kind of price might have earned the seller one of our “NEW!” Awards just a few years ago, a check of the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Bronco correctly priced $200 below the current #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $19,900. 

Here’s an excerpt from the Hagerty Insurance Valuation Tool on Ford Bronco History:

“Built as a direct competitor to the International Scout, the original Ford Bronco was initially offered in three cab types: a wagon, a pickup (discontinued after 1972), and an open model with cut-out filler panels instead of doors, to come off something as a big CJ-5. The four-wheel-drive Bronco earned a loyal following from new. Interest increased in the central plains states and the American west, while they also disappeared rapidly from the northern states, being a good platform for a small snowplow and the perfect get-around vehicle in the winter.

Engine choices were limited to a 170-cid inline six-cylinder and a 289-cid V-8 during the model’s first year of production, and a 302-cid appeared in 1969. Otherwise, minimal changes to functionality or cosmetics were made during the truck’s 12-year run.

Though popular, the Bronco didn’t have wide-spread utility or mass appeal and production figures weren’t as high as survivorship might lead one to believe. Although the open Broncos are the rarest, they aren’t collectors’ top choice since they are fair weather friends. Instead, the wagons are the most prized.

The aftermarket began catering to the Bronco in earnest in the early 1980s, going so far as production of replacement body tubs in fiberglass, and a Bronco is now all but a “credit card restoration.” Authentic and modified frame components, authentic steel bodies, tops, interiors, and drivelines are all a phone call or mouse click away.“

We like the honest patina vibe this Bronco gives off.  The under hood picture clearly indicates this Bronco received a repaint from Grabber Green to its current dark blue hue.  Personally, we would consider returning this Bronco back to its original color, but that’s just us.  What we do love is that this example has not been cut nor modified to the point it requires a significant amount of body work to bring it back to stock.  Whatever you decide to do with this Bronco, chances are very good that at a minimum you’ll break even on your investment.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1971 Ford Bronco
It has 302cid V8 engine with a 3-speed on the tree manual transmission
The Bronco drives and sounds great
Odometer shows 17,184 miles; we know the odometer has turned over at least once, so miles are unknown
Great patina, great driver
Not a show piece, but wanted the legacy of a Bronco in a driver
New alternator, starter, water pump, and a tune up
772-559-1744“

Do you have a Bronco story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!