While the Ford Bronco may have started out as an appealing competitor to the Jeep CJ and International Scout in 1966, by 1977 it was not only getting long in the tooth but the target had also changed. The Multi-Purpose Vehicle market was by this time dominated by pickup-truck based vehicles, namely the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy. Even Chrysler joined in with their own Dodge Ramcharger and Plymouth Trailduster, both introduced for 1974. These short wheelbase pickup based wagons impressively offered four-wheel drive as well as a level of equipment and features that matched or even exceeded most cars. As the sales of their early Broncos plummeted, Ford recast the Bronco in 1978 to match the mild restyling of their F-series pickups. Essentially an F-100 from the doors forward, the Bronco was now all grown up. Like its rivals, it had a removable Fiberglas rear top, and it also packed more of a punch. The bean counters made the right gamble, though, as sales of the new Bronco soared over the previous model. Changes for 1979 were minimal. The Bronco Customs now had rectangular headlights (like all other trim lines did) and the base engine was now a two-barrel 351M for all 50 states. The F-series-based Bronco was a good enough of a seller that it not only remained in Ford’s inventory when the all-new 1980 F-series debuted, but also stayed until that platform was retired in 1996.

With only two years of this body style, the ’78/’79 Broncos have seen a huge surge in collectibility in recent years. Not only is this stunning 2nd generation Bronco a rare find, it has also been nicely restored. While it retains a lot of its originality, several upgraded components were added over the last 5 years. The majority of the restoration was completed in late 2022 with the Ford Blue & Wimbledon White paint going on last. Since then it has stored indoors, received minimal upgrades/services, and driven sparingly. The features and options on this iconic Bronco include; 351 V8 (bored to 408), Com Cam, Edelbrock Intake, Holley Carb, Rebuilt C6 Automatic, 4×4, A/C Equipped, 6″ Lift, New Brake Booster/Master Cylinder, Dakota Digital Gauges, Ceramic Painted Frame, Rancho Suspension w/ Adjustable Shocks, Flowmaster Exhaust, Center Console Storage, Chrome Grille/Mirrors/Bumpers, New Cloth Floormats, Power Steering/Brakes, Power Rear Window, Grant Steering Wheel, JVC Stereo, Tinted Windows, 15″ Ultra Outlaw Alloy Wheels, and New 31 x 12.5 R15LT Tires! It even comes with a new Owners Manual and a framed Deluxe Marti Report. They don’t get much nicer and you definitely can’t build a twin for under $50k anymore. This is a true find you need to add to your garage!

For the full listing and photo set, please visit txclsx.com.