I have often pondered whether a desirable classic will ever deteriorate beyond the point of no return. Even the saddest and rustiest vehicles are salvageable with time and effort, but the question is whether such an undertaking is financially justified. That doubt hangs over this 1972 Ford Bronco. It has significant rust issues, and they extend beyond its panels. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on the subject and to determine whether we have readers willing to give it a red-hot go. The Bronco is listed here on eBay in McHenry, Illinois. The seller set their No Reserve auction to open at $2,500 but has received no bids at the time of writing.

First Generation Broncos are renowned for rust problems, and it is common to see once-solid steel consumed at an alarming rate. This 1972 model is no exception, and when we compile a list of its problems, it is probably a relief that glass can’t rust! It has impacted the rear quarter panels, rear floor pan, and the inner fender wells at both ends, with holes developing in the door skins and other hanging panels. Therefore, the shopping list of new steel is going to be quite long. However, the seller has replaced the inner and outer rockers, pillars, front floor pans, and kick panels. They retained the items with screws, leaving the new owner to apply permanent welds. There are deeper problems to consider because not only does the frame sport a heavy coat of surface corrosion, but large holes have developed in the rear rails near the spring hangers. Dismantling the Bronco entirely would seem the best solution, and handing the frame to a professional would be wise due to the stresses the compromised areas receive during regular use. The seller recently powdercoated the wheels, and the glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration.

The news with this Bronco improves slightly when we delve below the surface. It features a 302ci V8, with the power feeding to the road via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The Bronco wasn’t immune to the power drop that resulted from changes to comply with emerging emission regulations. The V8 produces 140hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque. While that appears to represent a considerable reduction from the previous year’s 205hp and 300 ft/lbs, it is worth remembering that the industry transitioned to quoting power and torque in net rather than gross terms in 1972. The seller confirms that this Ford isn’t roadworthy, but the engine runs perfectly on an external fuel source. They recently replaced most of the braking system, the carburetor, the fuel pump, the exhaust, and the battery. That marks a reasonable starting point for a winning bidder who intends to return the Bronco to active service.

Another question mark hangs over this Bronco when we examine its interior. The door trims are gone, and there is no sign of the seats. The seller doesn’t mention this in their listing, suggesting the new owner must source replacements. Their desire for originality will drive their approach because restorable genuine seats frequently appear on the usual online auction sites. Those not focused on a faithful restoration could bolt in aftermarket body-hugging bucket seats that provide excellent support when the going gets rough. The remaining missing items are readily available from various sources, so the interior isn’t a lost cause.

It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1972 Ford Bronco and whether you believe it is a lost cause. It undoubtedly requires work, and the seller has really only scratched the surface with their rust repairs. The steel needed to return the body to a rust-free state is available and affordable, but there will be many hours of cutting and welding before the buyer can even contemplate items like paint. The frame rust is the most significant concern, and addressing it properly is imperative for occupant safety. Pristine examples still command impressive prices, but values have dropped slightly during the past year. A faithful approach that achieves perfection could yield a value above $60,000, but a higher figure is possible. Does that make it worth the effort, in your opinion?