The 1979 model year was a banner one for the Ford Bronco, with sales volumes climbing into six-figure territory for the first time. Buyers eagerly embraced these vehicles, and the story is no different today with this ’79 Bronco XLT. Whether it is its clean presentation, the upgraded V8, or the seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve, it seems people are keen to drive this classic home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Fish Finder for spotting a classic that the winning bidder can enjoy immediately.

It is no secret that Ford struggled to sell the First Generation Bronco. It peaked in 1974 when 25,824 buyers gave one a home. Wind the clock forward to 1979 and that figure climbed to a staggering 104,038. You can be sure there were plenty of smiles in the corridors of power at Ford that year! This XLT is a dry-climate classic that is rust-free. It received a repaint in its original combination of Wimbledon White and Midnight Blue Metallic and still presents nicely. It retains a healthy shine, there are no significant imperfections, and the panels are straight. The trim is in good order, the glass is clear, and there are no issues with the top. However, the exterior appearance is dominated by the enormous wheels and Mickey Thompson tires that suggest there could be more to this classic than meets the eye.

The biggest engine buyers could choose to power their 1979 Bronco was the 402ci V8 delivering 156hp and 277 ft/lbs of torque. It provided respectable performance, but it seems that this seller craved significantly more. The original engine is a distant memory, and in its place, we find a 460ci brute. It received a rebuild, with the block honed and bored 0.030″ over. In went new pistons, rings, bearings, and an Isky cam. It drags its air and fuel in via an Edelbrock 800cfm carburetor, making the seller’s claim that the engine has plenty of power unsurprising. There’s no point having a mountain of power and torque if you can’t use it, so this Bronco feeds it to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Combine that wonderful V8 with the huge Mickey Thompsons and it would take something akin to the north face of Mount Everest to stop this classic. The seller states that the Bronco runs and drives perfectly, ready to provide the winning bidder with a life of adventure.

Since this Bronco spent many years in Arizona, I half expected to confront an interior looking baked and tired. However, apart from the cracked dashpad, the condition is surprisingly good. The carpet exhibits slight wear, but I suspect that a deep clean would make a difference. The cloth trim on the captain’s chair front seats is in remarkable condition, and there are no issues with the door trims. The seller states that this Bronco was ordered with air conditioning, but the system has been partly removed. However, the components are included for those wishing to keep cool on hot days. Reinstate the A/C and splash $340 on a replacement pad, and this interior would really sparkle.

The seller listed this 1979 Ford Bronco XLT here on eBay in Tacoma, Washington. Eighteen bids have pushed the price to $12,100, and with No Reserve in play, it is guaranteed to head to a new home in a few days. That begs the question of what the final sale price could be, and the upgraded engine makes that a tough call. However, I would be surprised if it didn’t top $20,000, and if recent successful sales results are an accurate guide, the figure could be considerably higher. Even if it is beyond your financial means, monitoring this auction could be entertaining.