The classic world is sometimes a strange place. It is easy to understand why certain vehicles perform consistently over decades, but others are harder to explain. A Corvette or Camaro will almost invariably gain attention because those cars have been inherently desirable since Day One. However, the First Generation Bronco is more challenging. These vehicles didn’t sell well when they graced Ford’s showroom floors, but they have become an automotive “must-have” of the New Millenium. Therefore, even rough and rusty examples command impressive prices. Those two words perfectly describe this 1976 Bronco, with the seller floating the idea that its future may rest as a parts candidate. It is worth a close look to see what you think.

I won’t delve too deeply into the First Generation Bronco model history beyond saying that it never sold in the volume Ford envisaged. The company found 15,256 buyers in 1976, and it probably would have drawn the curtain at the dawn of the 1970s if it was losing money. However, Ford had already recouped the development costs, and with many components drawn from the Parts Bin, the Bronco cost little to produce as a niche vehicle. The first owner ordered this ’76 in Copper Metallic, and the first impression is that it is beset with pretty typical rust issues. It is worth a closer look because while the driver’s side rocker has dissolved, the remaining lower extremities seem surprisingly sound. There are no underside shots, and the seller is sparing with their information. It is fair to expect that the buyer will face floor pan replacement and that the front inner fender wells have probably also succumbed. The most critical areas are the pillars and frame. Returning the body to a structurally sound state may not be difficult if they are okay. It is refreshing that nobody cut the wheel arches to accommodate larger wheels, and the only visible additions are the robust bumpers. Some trim pieces are missing, and the windshield has cracked.

The seller supplies no engine photos but confirms this Bronco features the venerable 302ci V8, a three-speed manual transmission, and a dual-range transfer case. It is unclear whether the first owner selected power assistance for the steering and brakes, which are both desirable options. The V8 produced 125hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, making the Bronco perform competently in almost any circumstance. It could comfortably crawl through harsh terrain during weekend adventures but would cruise at freeway speed when the driver pointed it toward home. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the Bronco is numbers-matching, but they confirm it runs and drives. They will supply additional photos and videos of the vehicle in action for interested parties.

This Bronco’s exterior may be largely unmolested, but the same can’t be said for its interior. The shifter remains in its current location, and the dash is uncut, but somebody swapped the front seats for buckets of unknown origin. I’m unsure whether it is a photographic illusion, but the replacement seats seem much higher than the factory items. They appear to significantly reduce the space between the wheel and the driver’s legs and don’t look particularly comfortable. Sourcing a set of genuine seats won’t pose a challenge, although the buyer might opt for body-hugging aftermarket units if they don’t pursue a faithful restoration. The painted surfaces require a refresh, but since any restoration will probably be a frame-off process, that will add little to the build time or cost.

The seller listed this 1976 Ford Bronco here on eBay. They don’t disclose an exact location, but we know it is situated somewhere in British Columbia, Canada. Returning this classic to its former glory won’t be for the weak-hearted, but everything required to achieve that goal is readily available. They set their price at C$14,900, which equates to approximately US$10,900. That is relatively cheap for a complete and unmolested project candidate, but their willingness to entertain offers may reduce that figure to an even more affordable level. Do you believe it will eventually grace our roads or is the seller’s suggestion that it might be a parts car closer to the mark?