50k Original Miles: 1968 Ford Bronco Sport
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. This is particularly true for any owner seeking a buyer for a classic car. Their photos are often the first point of contact. The quality of the images in their listing could be the difference between a potential buyer pursuing that vehicle further or passing over it with barely a second glance. That brings us seamlessly to this 1968 Ford Bronco Sport. It makes a positive first impression, but with only one exterior shot showing the entire vehicle, we must piece the remaining shots together to determine its overall condition. It isn’t perfect, although its apparently solid nature means it is a classic a new owner could enjoy while contemplating their restoration path. The seller has listed the Bronco here on Craigslist in Bayside, Queens, New York. They set their price at $38,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this frisky Ford.
Ford introduced the “Sport” package to the Bronco range in 1967. It brought cosmetic enhancements, including additional exterior bright trim and 15″ wheel covers. This Bronco rolled off the line the following year, and the images left me scratching my head. Some show the Bronco with the bright trim intact, while others suggest it is missing the distinctive rocker molds. That question is worth asking because it may indicate the photos were taken at different times. This makes me feel uneasy and should prompt potential buyers to negotiate an in-person inspection. The Signal Flare Red paint holds an impressive shine. The close-up shots reveal a range of chips and imperfections, but the Ford is presentable for those seeking a driver-grade classic. The seller confirms they replaced the driver’s side front fender and grille and that the hood received a repaint during this process. The best news for potential buyers could be the apparent lack of significant rust. This Bronco spent most of its time in Arizona. The exterior is clean, and the only rust rating mentioned is surface corrosion on the frame. There is no history of steel penetration, which is an achievement for any First Generation Bronco.
The seller doesn’t provide a clear engine shot, but I felt this one was worth including. It shows the rust-prone front inner fenders, and these appear rock-solid. We can also see a heavy layer of surface corrosion on the booster, and the lack of a vacuum line suggests it is inoperative. Powering this Ford is the optional numbers-matching 289ci V8, producing 195hp and 288 ft/lbs of torque. The power should feed to the dual-range transfer case via a three-speed manual transmission, but the seller confirms that this has been swapped for a C4 automatic. That would provide a more effortless driving experience, particularly in heavy traffic or when crossing rugged terrain. The vehicle also features power front disc brakes and the factory B8J option that brings a 3.50 limited-slip rear end and power steering. The seller claims this Bronco has just under 50,000 original miles on the clock. However, there is no concrete information on how it runs and drives.
One aspect of this Bronco needing nothing is its interior. The White painted surfaces were recently refreshed, while the Parchment seatcovers are new. The same appears true of the door trims, carpet, and pad. The only visible aftermarket addition is a sturdy rollbar, with the interior short of such luxury touches as a radio. I like its crisp and clean current appearance, and I would probably leave it untouched if it were in my garage.
This 1968 Bronco Sport seems to tick many of the right boxes for potential buyers. It appears to be a rust-free classic with a low odometer reading. Its interior needs nothing, and the mechanical specifications promise competent performance in all circumstances. The seller’s price is highly competitive in the current market, and I would typically expect someone to snap it up reasonably quickly. That begs the question of why this hasn’t happened. I believe the listing contains the answer. The poor photo quality and lack of specific information on how it runs and drives may have led some to place it in the “too hard” basket. The seller doesn’t do this classic justice, which is a shame because they are shortchanging themselves. Do you agree?
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Comments
I love these old Broncos, even more than the Scouts. But the prices have gotten too rich for my blood.
Odd photos for sure. The brake booster is from Duffs – you can see the vacuum line running over the top of the bracket.
An automatic transmission with a ‘73 column has been swapped in as well.
A 68 didn’t have 2 fuel tanks.
Dual tanks were an option in 68.
Yes, some did. I had a dual tank light blue 68 complete with a lever used to go from one tank to the other. It was mounted to the front of the floor base for the driver’s seat.
Interesting BF. These Broncos are sure making a reappearance.
I’m sure this 289 motor has lots of miles left to go.
I had no idea New Hampshire did not issue titles if a vehicle is twenty years old?
In most states, including Indiana, the state that I live in, a title is proof of ownership. It’s always somewhat challenging to get a new title issued from a bill of sale only, especially if there has been a previous title issued to the last owner.
I have done it, but there are literally stacks of paperwork to complete, mostly notarized in a very professional manner.
Don’t even think about making one little mistake, or you will have to return and start over.
I always had trouble selling something with a ‘ firm only ‘ price.
But, from reading the professional sounding ad, I’m sure the seller knows what he’s doing.
Good luck to the new owner.
Just my oponion!
NH? Unless i misunderstood this Bronco is in NYC. The NY DMV didn’t begin issuing titles till 1973. The NYS DMV issued registration is transferable with a bill of sale.
The Craigslist verbiage is actually quite good, which is rare for that platform. And there are quite a few close-up pics. But I agree, it is hard to get the big-picture feel for the vehicle from the pics. I too place credence on the quality and viability of a vehicle based on the quality of the pics. This facet of the advertising means something to me, especially for higher-dollar vehicles (like this).
Thanks Adam.
Total Bargain ,will sell very quickly .
Nice Bronco but who in their right mind would put a C-4 Auto in it? I guess each to their own. :-(
Either the photos are from 2 different cars or this is another scam ad. That it’s listed on CL instead of Hemmings is another red flag. BTW, I saw a ’74 on Hemmings recently selling for $44K.
Looks to be in great shape but the pics are a little questionable. A in person inspection would be needed to clear up any questions about any thing odd seen in these pics. With it having a 289 it should be a great runner for sure and have capable power for off-roading as well. Virtually being rust free from what you can see is a big plus too. All and all should make a new owner very happy. Looks like the seller will have to provide a lot more information before a sale is made though I would think . Best of luck seller !
It’s red but no cherry look where the pivot is on tire rack for one the seller showed enough a cherry of this model will bring 60orbetter they got about 25 and that is just because first gen broncos are insanely popular.
This one creates ‘just more questions’ for me. I see lots of rust & lots of odd parts, a new top. I see a buffed up finish & new interior pieces. An attempt to lipstick a pig? the kinda paint that just sheds from un seen rust under? Broken seat springs, rust (interior) caked floors? A 1st look (1st pic: 3/4 front almost no roof) I thought it might B a baja (’71/5) model. (Hope the bar is frame tied otherwise = false confidence & feet punchin thru fl boards).
I like that it has the early grill (but not the argent color) and grill surround, hood/windshield clip, 2 tanks & tire carrier. As ’68 it probably has the lift-out window frames too. All these I hada add to my 70/69/77. aahahahaa
I retired and moved to Florida in 2018 and saw a Bronco that fits this description here in Titusville I stopped and looked at it I had the original dealer sticker on the original paint from Arizona on the back. The owner said it wasn’t for sale and if he did sell it he would want over 30 cuz that’s what the new broncos were going for. I checked back there about a year ago and it was gone and the owners were gone the new resident said they all moved it up to Pennsylvania I’m curious if it’s the same vehicle