The classic market can be quite unpredictable. Some vehicles are obviously strong performers, enjoying that status for decades. However, some vehicles seem slightly left-field. These are the ones that were less desirable when new but have developed a dedicated following with age. These include the Edsel, the AMC Pacer, and the First Generation Bronco. This 1969 example is a genuine survivor that leaves its new owner with a choice between preservation and restoration. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Brown City, Michigan. Bidding sits at $17,100, and with No Reserve in play, it is destined to head to a new home in a few days.

While initial sales were healthy when Ford released the Bronco for the 1966 model year, things weren’t so rosy in subsequent years. It would take until 1969 for the tally to top 20,000, and the figures would continue fluctuating significantly until production ended in 1977. The early vehicles remained largely forgotten as subsequent generations sold in significant numbers. However, the First Generation has developed into one of the staples of the classic market. The first owner ordered our feature Bronco in Candy Apple Red, and it is unclear whether it has undergone repairs or a restoration. The paint shines nicely, and the panels are quite straight. The biggest bugbear with these vehicles is their tendency to develop significant rust. The supplied images are inconclusive, although the seller admits that there is rust requiring attention. I believe that the driver’s side rocker has been repaired or replaced, and the frame exhibits heavy corrosion and scaling. There is a second underside shot that focuses on an isolated but solid section of the floor pan. There are no clear views of the front inner fender wells or other prone areas, leaving potential buyers flying blind. The body hasn’t been cut or modified to accommodate larger wheels, and this Bronco retains its original bumpers and trim.

This Bronco’s unmodified status continues when we focus on its interior. The seats wear Parchment vinyl trim, the factory AM radio is intact, and the shifter remains in its rightful place on the column. The rear seat is present, allowing this classic to comfortably seat four. I would classify the interior as tidy and serviceable, although it does show age, courtesy of discoloring, sagging seat foam, and seatcover splits. New covers would make an enormous difference because the pad is in good order, the painted surfaces are surprisingly good, and the floor mat shows no evidence of rips or other problems.

The biggest change made to the Bronco by Ford for the 1969 model year was to pension off its 289ci V8 in favor of the 302ci version. This change boosted power and torque from 195hp and 288 ft/lbs to 205hp and 300 ft/lbs. That doesn’t represent an enormous performance gain, but it was welcomed by buyers. The rest of the mechanical components remained largely unchanged, with buyers receiving a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The seller describes this Bronco as “mostly original,” suggesting that it might be a numbers-matching classic. It runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for the winning bidder.

The 1969 Ford Bronco has not been immune from the volatility experienced across the classic market during the past year. Values have fluctuated, but the amount tends to depend on a vehicle’s overall condition. However, there are signs that any declines have eased, which could indicate a resurgence in the coming months and years. I won’t be surprised if this classic tops $30,000 before the hammer falls, and although it has only received two bids, the listing view history and the Watch List total suggest that the situation could change. What do you feel would be a fair price for this Bronco?