Overview
Offered at $135,000 from a private seller in Smyrna, GA, this 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT Free Wheeling Edition has just 215 post-restoration miles and represents one of the most desirable Broncos in existence. With a frame-off restoration, a Marti Report verifying its factory Free Wheeling package, a freshly built 473ci Ford big-block V8, and the rare red interior, this investment-grade SUV is equal parts collectible and capable.
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- Free Wheeling Rarity: Introduced in the late 1970s as part of Ford’s push toward lifestyle and youth-oriented trucks, the Free Wheeling package featured bold “chromatic” stripes, blackout trim, and special interiors. Produced in very limited numbers for 1977–79, surviving original Free Wheeling Broncos are exceptionally rare, especially in Ranger XLT trim with Marti Report documentation.
- Big-Block Muscle: A blueprinted 460ci Ford big-block bored .030 over to 473ci with aluminum heads, Holley 4-barrel carb, Stage 3 cam, ported Weiand Stealth intake, and 9.5:1 compression. Power is estimated at 425+ horsepower, sent through a rebuilt C6 automatic transmission and dual-range transfer case. Just 215 test miles have been added since the restoration.
- Red Interior Icon: This Bronco features its factory red bucket seat interior, restored with OEM vintage Ford fabrics. Highlights include three-point front seat belts, a flip/fold rear bench, tilt column, cruise control, ice-cold A/C, and a RetroSound Bluetooth stereo.
- Show-Quality Exterior: Finished in factory-correct Raven Black with chromatic Free Wheeling stripes, the body was repainted in 2023 in basecoat/clearcoat and ceramic coated in 2025. Additional features include new glass and seals, restored trim and weatherstripping, rare hardtop bolt covers, GT roll bar, Shelby slotted 17-inch wheels, 33” Goodyear All-Terrain tires, and a full Flowmaster exhaust system.
- Documented History: Originally sold new at Troy Ford in Troy, MI to Swiss Precision (a Ford tooling manufacturer), this Bronco comes with all original purchase documents, build sheets, and owner’s guides. The truck received a complete frame-off restoration with epoxy-coated frame, suspension, and underbody, new brakes and steering stabilizer, a new HVAC system, and oversized 33-gallon factory-option fuel tank.
Year
1979
Make
Ford
Model
Bronco
Trim/Submodel
Ranger XLT Free Wheeling
Engine
Bored-Over Blueprint 460 ci V8
Transmission
C6 3-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive
Body Style
SUV
Odometer
~215 mi (TMU)
VIN / Chassis
U15SLEG4339
Location
Smyrna, GA
Title Status
Clean
Gallery
- All Photos
- Exterior
- Interior
- Mechanical & Undercarriage
Features & Specifications
The second-generation Ford Bronco (1978–79) was only offered for two model years, making it the shortest production run in Bronco history. Within that window, the Free Wheeling Edition stood out as the boldest and rarest trim, produced in limited numbers with distinctive multi-color striping, blackout accents, and unique interior combinations. Surviving factory Free Wheeling Broncos are few, and documented examples restored to this standard are nearly impossible to source.
This particular truck combines that rarity with an investment-level restoration and a high-performance big-block build, making it one of the most desirable collector Broncos on the market today. With its flawless presentation, extensive documentation, and powerful drivetrain, it’s equally suited for show fields, private collections, or as a statement piece in any enthusiast garage.
Powertrain
- Blueprinted 460ci V8 bored .030 over (473ci)
- Aluminum heads, Holley 4BBL carburetor, Stage 3 cam
- Ported Weiand Stealth intake, 9.5:1 compression
- Estimated 425+ horsepower
- C6 automatic transmission (rebuilt)
- Dual-range transfer case
- Complete Flowmaster exhaust system
- New radiator
- 33-gallon oversized factory-option fuel tank
- 215 post-restoration miles
Exterior Features & Modifications
- Factory Raven Black paint w/ Free Wheeling chromatic striping (Marti-documented)
- Repainted 2023 (base/clear), ceramic coated 2025
- Epoxy-coated frame, suspension, underbody
- Shelby 17-inch slotted mags w/ 33” Goodyear All-Terrains
- New brakes, suspension, steering stabilizer
- GT roll bar, rare hardtop bolt covers
- New trim, lights, weatherstripping, glass, and seals
Interior Features & Modifications
- Factory red interior with OEM vintage Ford fabrics
- Bucket front seats, restored flip/fold rear bench
- Three-point front belts, rear lap belts
- Tilt steering column, cruise control
- New HVAC system and switches
- Ice-cold air conditioning
- RetroSound Bluetooth stereo
Documentation & History
- Factory Marti Report included
- All original 1979 purchase documents, build sheets, owner’s guides
- Originally sold at Troy Ford (MI) to Swiss Precision
- Complete frame-off restoration with full documentation
- Clean Georgia title
Inquire Today.
Contact us today to inquire about this frame-off restored 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT Free Wheeling Edition available now in Smyrna, GA.