I have to tip my hat to a seller when they are honest about the state of the classic they plan to move to a new home. Such is the case with this 1971 Ford Bronco. It is complete and unmolested, but the seller acknowledges it has “rust in the normal spots.” However, it is far from a lost cause, especially considering it is a numbers-matching survivor with 52,000 original miles on the clock. The seller has listed the Bronco here on Craigslist in Gig Harbor, Washington. It could be yours for $25,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising project.

I read the seller’s listing text before scrutinizing the supplied photos, and my heart sank as I braced for a classic that was being consumed by extensive rust. However, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Yes, there is rust, and it has sunk its teeth into areas like the floors and front inner fenders, but it was nowhere near as bad as I initially feared. Most of the lower extremities appear solid, with only minor rust in the rockers. I can spot evidence of Bondo in several locations, and whether this might hide any nasty surprises is unclear. The A and B pillars show no evidence of problems, and it seems there are no frame issues. An in-person inspection will inevitably uncover more, but this Bronco is far from being the worst we have seen at Barn Finds. With this classic, the new owner will undoubtedly pursue a frame-off process because the results should justify the cost and effort. The panels are uncut, and the rear bumper appears to be the only missing trim piece.

Buyers could order their new 1971 Bronco with a six under the hood, but this classic’s original owner went for the top shelf by selecting the 302ci V8. There was no automatic transmission option until 1973, so this Ford sent 205hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual and a dual-range transfer case. Emission regulations were yet to bite into performance, meaning this Bronco would have cruised happily at 70mph on the open road but would have climbed into some pretty inhospitable terrain with its V8 barely ticking over. The first piece of positive news for those contemplating the long-term investment potential is that this Bronco is numbers-matching. It is unclear whether it is genuinely roadworthy, but the seller confirms that it starts, runs, and drives. The lack of structural rust means it may take little effort before the new owner can hit the road for a spot of classic motoring fun.

The Bronco’s interior is complete, but it sends mixed messages. The dash is uncut, and the shifter is in its rightful place. That means the new owner doesn’t face remedial work to undo someone else’s handiwork. That is always a bonus with any build, but it is especially true when so many surfaces are painted steel. The Parchment seatcovers would appear correct, but the door trims are a mystery. The history of this classic is unclear, and the blurred shot of the Trim Tag makes it impossible to determine its paint and upholstery combination. However, sourcing a trim kit in the correct materials will be straightforward and affordable. Returning the interior to its former glory could be one of the more affordable aspects of this restoration.

I have discussed in previous articles how First Generation Broncos are one of the heroes of the classic world, continuing to command high prices at a time when others have depreciated. That remains the case, with spotless original and meticulously restored examples continuing to command prices north of $70,000. This vehicle has far to go to reach that point, but the goal appears achievable. The process won’t be cheap, but the seller’s price leaves room to move before financial viability becomes a factor. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue it further?