Outstanding OBS: 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer 71K Survivor – Sold?

November 6, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

October 18, 2023 Update – The seller posted a fresh listing in anticipation of their latest Craigslist ad expiring soon.  While the pictures and description carry over, the seller reduced their asking price from $42,000 to $39,000 after nearly two months without a sale.

October 5, 2023 Update – The seller of this 1996 Ford Bronco replaced their expired Craigslist ad with a fresh listing.  The pictures, description, and optimistic $42,000 asking price all remain the same.

Finding a clean, low-mileage, survivor-quality, 27-year-old SUV is hard to do.  Finding such a rig that also happens to be a top-trim version is the holy grail.  That’s how we felt when we came across this 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer Edition for sale, first spotted in August 2023 on Craigslist in Melville, New York (Long Island).  Sporting only 70,568 original miles, the pictures provided confirm this final-year full-size Bronco is a very clean, nicely preserved example that, in addition to being a loaded model, features the desirable and optional 5.8L V8.

Enthusiasts have a way of nicknaming certain generations of classic cars and trucks.  The full-size, fifth-generation Ford Bronco built from 1992 to 1996 is no exception.  Known in Ford circles as the Original Body Style, or simply OBS for short, these rigs remain very popular among Bronco enthusiasts, and prices continue to reflect that.

Last offered for $39,000 (the original ask was $42,000), Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask aligns with this guide’s six-month rolling results trend for similar OBS examples.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for recently:

As a second data point, the downloadable 2023 Old Cars Price Guide Big Book confirms the seller’s ask falls well above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $30,450 for Eddie Bauer models. The premium requested in this instance is for the low-mileage, survivor quality.

For the 1992 model year, the fifth-generation Bronco followed the design development of the ninth-generation Ford F-150. Again retaining the chassis introduced for the 1980 model year, the front fascia of the Bronco adopted additional aerodynamic revisions. While designed with a larger grille, front bumper, and headlight units, the front fascia was slightly rounded.

The Eddie Bauer edition was distinguishable by its two-tone exterior paint scheme, typically combining a darker color on the lower body with a lighter color on the upper body and roof. The Eddie Bauer trim also featured gold accents on the exterior, including badges and pinstriping.

The interior of the 1996 Bronco Eddie Bauer was designed to offer a higher level of luxury and comfort compared to the base model. It was equipped with plush leather seats that often featured the Eddie Bauer logo embroidered on the headrests. The front seats were usually power-adjustable and provided good support for both on-road and off-road driving.

The cabin was spacious and accommodated up to five passengers. The rear seat could be folded down to provide additional cargo space, and the Bronco’s removable rear roof section allowed for transporting larger items. The dashboard design was functional and driver-focused, with controls and gauges easily accessible.

Regarding features, the Eddie Bauer edition was equipped with power windows, power door locks, cruise control, air conditioning, and a premium sound system. Some models even offered advanced features for its time, such as a trip computer and keyless entry.

The 1996 Bronco Eddie Bauer was available with a choice of two powerful engines. The example for sale here features the optional 5.8-liter V8, delivering 210 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. It provided improved performance, especially when towing heavy loads or driving off-road.

Both engines were typically mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system, allowing the Bronco Eddie Bauer to excel in off-road situations. It featured a two-speed transfer case that allowed drivers to switch between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high range, and four-wheel drive low range for tackling challenging terrain.

The Eddie Bauer edition came with several off-road features to enhance its capabilities, including:

• Four-Wheel Drive: The Bronco’s part-time four-wheel-drive system allowed for better traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.
• Skid Plates: Underneath protection helped shield critical components from damage when driving over rough terrain.
• Off-Road Suspension: The Bronco was equipped with a rugged suspension setup designed to handle off-road conditions while still providing a comfortable ride on-road.
• Limited-Slip Differential: Some models featured a limited-slip rear differential, enhancing traction by sending power to the wheel with the most grip.

The 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer marked the end of an era, as it was the final year of production for the fifth-generation Bronco. The model is remembered for its combination of off-road prowess, luxury features, and unique styling. In 1997, Ford discontinued the Bronco lineup in favor of more modern SUV offerings.  Today, the 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer edition holds nostalgic value for enthusiasts and collectors alike, representing a time when SUVs were transitioning from utilitarian vehicles to more refined and feature-packed family haulers.

We came across this twenty-minute video showing the production line of this generation of Bronco being manufactured posted by the DPCCars YouTube Channel:

The seller of this 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer for sale regularly posts similar OBS generation Broncos for sale. Of the ones we’ve run across from him in the past, this example is the cleanest, most rust-free example presented to date.

If you are serious about buying this Bronco, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their OBS Eddie Bauer Edition featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

FOR THE People very paranoid, I can even Video chat for serious buyers with the Bronco. And you can’t Fake that =). Again, go on Ebay to see my feedback/etc. I Don’t need any hating opinions or rude emails, Come on now. And emails will be BARELY SEEN, CALL! I’ve collected and sold many of these over the years as a Private Enthusiast! AND Txts will be BLOCKED and Ignored-SERIOUS BUYERS WILL CALL! ANYTIME between 630 AM and 10 PM EASTERN TIME! Its my direct number!

GORGEOUS 1996 Ford Bronco 5th Generation LAST YEAR 5.8L Eddie Bauer.
—SUPER LOW 70K Original Mileage-Clean Carfax-No Accidents!
— PRICE FIRM $42,000-ALSO ON Ebay Same Price!

— This was a Total Barn Find, where previous owner was the 2nd owner and got it at about 43K miles, drove it for about 10 years then left it in the Garage for 10 years.
—The Pictures speak for themselves. Starts right up, drives very smoothly. I emptied the Gas tank and Engine oil before even running this Bronco. And also changed fuel pump. And Brand New Front Rotors/Pads and Rear Drums/Shoes. Also New Rear differential cover with of course brand new Fluid! Also New Transmission cooler so thus also has new transmission fluid, used Motorcraft. Body and paint are in GORGEOUS Condition as you see. Even the interior is GORGEOUS. All electronics work great. It has the 4WD working perfect also. And even has the Manual Hubs installed! Air conditioner is ICE COLD! As well as the undercarriage has been nicely undercoated, never any frame or floor work performed. Was very clean before undercoated! All the fluids and mechanical service work was done within 50 miles or so and past month!

I CAN ASSIST WITH NATIONWIDE LOW COST DELI VERY. AGAIN ITS ON EBAY! This is my own Private Car as you see with Plates/registration, titled under me. Not a Dealer or Dealer Transaction! PRIVATE SALE! BUT only will happen at $42,000! THIS TRUCK IS LOCATED IN LONG ISLAND NY!“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer Edition for sale? Please comment below and let us know!