The pages of automotive history books are littered with models that have fallen by the wayside due to low sales totals. The Ford Bronco could easily have joined that list because the 1st generation vehicles didn’t enjoy the showroom success that the company had expected. However, rather than killing the badge, Ford released a bigger and better model that sold more examples in its first year of production than the original model sold in its best three sales years combined. Today, these 2nd Generation vehicles have joined the ranks of the automotive “must-haves,” with values continuing to climb rapidly. That makes this 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT worth more than a mere passing glance. It is a one-owner vehicle that has never ventured off-road. It has spent its life in a heated garage, so it’s no surprise to find its condition well above average. Adding some spice to this auction is the owner’s decision to list it for sale here on eBay with No Reserve. The Bronco is located in Tacoma, Washington, and some frantic bidding has pushed the price to $19,100. With No Reserve to consider, a second owner for this Bronco is mere days away.

Careful ownership always shows, especially when the vehicle in question is designed to forge its own path through the great outdoors. According to the listing, this Pastel Sand Bronco has never been off-road, spending its life on the blacktop or hidden away in a heated garage. Therefore, it’s no surprise to find that it presents in a better-than-average state. The paint holds an impressive shine, with no significant chips, scratches, or other defects. The panels are remarkably straight, although there are a couple of minor dings. The worst of these is in the driver’s door, but I would approach one of those paintless dent removal companies before sending it to a panel shop. If the next owner can remove the marks without repainting work, that would not be bad. Rust is not something that potential buyers will need to consider. The exterior is clean, and the numerous underside shots reveal little more than a dusting of surface corrosion. The exterior trim, including the original hubcaps, is in good order. I can’t spot any issues with the glass, meaning that things look pretty promising so far.

Ford offered potential buyers a couple of engine choices for their 1979 Bronco, and the original owner ordered this one with the 351M V8 that produces 158hp and 262 ft/lbs of torque. Bolted to that V8 is a 3-speed C6 automatic transmission, while a dual-range transfer case should allow the vehicle to access some pretty remote locations. While straight-line performance is never the focus of vehicles like this, that impressive torque figure and the automatic transmission should allow the Bronco to inch its way across some pretty inhospitable terrain. Compared to the exterior, the Bronco’s engine bay doesn’t present as well as I had hoped. The valve covers and some of the ancillaries wear more surface corrosion than expected. However, the overall condition is probably consistent with a vehicle of this type with 122,000 miles under its belt. This classic is about more than looks because the seller refers to it as a turn-key proposition. It runs and drives well, the transmission is smooth, and the 4×4 system works as it should. It seems that the buyer won’t be spending much on this vehicle’s drivetrain.

Finding an off-roader of this vintage with a nice exterior is a treat, but when the interior is even better, that’s a rarity. There’s no evidence that anyone has been tracking mud or other icky substances in there. The carpet is free from stains, while the vinyl and cloth upholstery is even better. Scrutinizing the interior shots tends to suggest that nobody has ever sat in the back seat. The dash and pad are flawless, and there are no issues with the faux-woodgrain highlights. The original owner installed a twin-port glass sunroof, and its seals appear to be watertight. The interior isn’t loaded to the brim with luxury appointments, but air conditioning and a pushbutton radio should make life on the road a pleasant experience.

If you combine the total sales for the best three years of the 1st Generation Bronco, the figure comes to 71,494 vehicles. The 1978 model year marked the first for the 2nd Generation Bronco, and sales skyrocketed to 77,917. If that didn’t cement the badge’s spot in the Ford lineup, the 1979 total of 104,038 undoubtedly sealed the deal. This Bronco is a gem, and it has hit the spot with potential buyers. They have already submitted forty-three bids, and there’s plenty of time left on the listing. If it worked its way beyond $30,000, I wouldn’t be surprised. With the growing popularity of these classics, are you tempted to join the bidding war?