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The new Ford Bronco goes on sale in early 2021. Excitement among off-road fans is already at a fever pitch. Meanwhile, fans of the classic Bronco have never stopped prowling used listings. The “old Bronco vs. new” question begs: Should you wait for the redux — or look for a vintage Bronco on eBay Motors?
New Bronco Power vs. Old Bronco Power
Ford let everyone know about the new Bronco, in July 2020. It delivers performance and off-road capabilities that the original can’t match. It’s a daily driver with the ability to tackle the most challenging trails.
By today’s standards, the first-generation Bronco seems underpowered. Its 170 cubic-inch straight-six base engine supplies only 105 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque. Compare that with the new base 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. That will deliver 270 HP with 310 pound-feet of torque. That’s twice the grunt.
Check out what an old Ford Bronco from 1967 looks like in the driveway and under the hood.
A Tale of Two Transmissions
Comparing the four-wheel-drive systems of an old Ford Bronco to the 2021 version is like judging the Flintstones or the Jetsons. The classic Bronco carried a three-speed manual or automatic. Meanwhile, the new version uses a seven-speed manual or ten-speed automatic. Ford built the new model to deliver “Go Anywhere Any Time (GOAT)” capabilities to everyone. It has push-button convenience and cruise-like Trail Control for the noobs.
Here’s the 2021 Bronco and a 1968 Classic Bronco.
Old Bronco Simplicity vs. New Bronco Comfort
When it comes to creature comforts and in-cabin technology, there’s a stark difference between vintage and modern Broncos.
The new Bronco offers:
- An available 12-inch infotainment system
- Off-road navigation
- and 360-degree cameras
When’s the last time you were stuck listening to an AM radio through a single 1960s-era speaker?
That said, the early Bronco has simplicity and style that makes the new generation look more like a smartphone than a rugged off-road vehicle. A brand new production vehicle can’t copy the pureness of an early Bronco. To be fair, that’s due to today’s safety and emissions rules.
An Old Ford Bronco Rewards Driving Skill
Take note, fans of the old Bronco: It takes skill to drive the original on the trail—and grit to drive it on the street. Heated seats? Fuggetaboutit. Freedom from the high-tech world? Oh yeah.
What Does an Old Ford Bronco Cost?
The first-generation early Bronco (1966 -1977) is the most desired. It’s also the rarest on a year-by-year basis, with production peaking at about 26,000 units in 1974. The price of classic Broncos has gone way up over the years.
When launched in 1966, Ford’s little ute carried a modest sticker price, starting at around $2,200. It’s a different story these days. Nice drivers fetch 15 times that amount. A soup-to-nuts restored Bronco can cost $80,000 or more.
A Restomod Bronco can cost more than $100k with ease. It’s very hard to predict future prices. Yet, it’s tough to see a nice, vintage Bronco losing value. This red 1967 Bronco restomod has a Buy-It-Now price of $79,500 today. What it’s worth in the coming years is anybody’s guess.
Here’s the game plan for folks with enough disposable income: Tuck the classic Bronco away in the garage for special events. In the meantime, drive the new Bronco. With a base price of $29,995, the new model begs to be built and driven—not parked and pampered.
Aftermarket Bronco parts are plentiful, and the choices for mods endless. The 2021 model delivers off-road competence right off the lot. Yet, Bronco suspension kits are (and will always be) popular.
Traditional Bronco Restoration vs. Bronco Restomod
Choosing between a traditional restoration and a restomod for an old Ford Bronco is a philosophical decision. Going the ordinary route can be less expensive.
But, restomods allow for endless customization. Swap out the original drivetrain if you’re not happy with a straight-six and a three-speed manual.
For inspiration, check out this tasty hot ginger metallic traditionally restored 1974 Bronco. It’s equipped with:
- The original carbureted 302 cubic-inch V-8 engine
- An automatic transmission
- All original sheet metal
The seller, Hanksters Hot Rods of Homer City, Penn., includes a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty.
They listed this early Bronco at US $54,900. (Again, unlike a depreciating new model, this restored Bronco could be worth more next year).
For comparison, Vintage Broncos had listed a 1974 Bronco restomod built from the ground up in its Atlanta shop. (The listing ended on Sept. 11.)
The ’74 Bronco uses almost all brand-new parts. This includes:
- Wilwood power disc brakes
- Vintage Air AC/Heat
- and Amp Research retractable power steps
Buyers could choose a fuel-injected 5.0-liter crate V-8, with either an automatic or five-speed manual.
Having a custom Bronco built to your specs makes sure that you get what you want.
Early Broncos are great project cars. Parts are easy to find, the options are endless, and they’re easy to work on.
Prices are high on first-generation, original Broncos. You can find deals on later model years. Sales shot up when the second-generation entered the fight in the 1978 model year. Production peaked at more than 100,000 units.
If you’re going to build a Bronco to bash, also think about a second-generation (1978 – 1979). Or, check out the third-generation (1980 -1986) model.
Shop classic early BroncosSee Ford Bronco Vehicles for sale on eBay.
