These days, it isn't too often that you see a completely original first-gen Bronco, making this survivor quite the rare sight.
100% Original
These days, it isn't often you see a completely original, unrestored early Bronco. Mostly because they're just great vehicles to modify, modernize, and customize. But this '73 Bronco that recently crossed the block at Mecum Auctions isn't your average restomod. In fact, it's 100% original, right down to the last nut and bolt.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Bucking the Trend
We're not sure, in fact, how this Bronco managed to stay in such great original shape after all these years. Most similar models were left to rot out in fields or cut up and modified along the way, after all. But this one's still intact, original, and sporting just 32,000 miles on the odometer, which is believed to be the original mileage.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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Adding Character
Not that the old Ford is in perfect, museum, or Concours shape, of course. But personally, we're digging the patina and less-than-perfect panels. To us, it adds a bit of character to the Bronco and tells its story. And that story is one shrouded in mystery, at least for the most part.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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One of Many
From what we can gather from the auction listing, this particular Bronco was found as part of a larger Ford collection on a Montana estate. It was then sold off, along with the rest of the vehicles, as one giant series of lots. Surprisingly, despite the current explosion of the Bronco's popularity, this one netted just $34,650 when the hammer fell.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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Curious Trend
That price seems like a bargain in this day and age of $100k+ vintage Bronco sales, but there are likely a few valid reasons behind it. For starters, original and unmodified Broncos aren't quite as popular as restored examples. Which is surprising given the industry's current favoritism for survivors and untouched classic vehicles.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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Appreciating Asset
Still, we find it hard to believe that a solid, original, 32k-mile Bronco couldn't bring much more at auction than a new mid-size sedan. But chances are, the new owner will be raking in a large profit if they decide to resell the vehicle a few years from now, as the supply of original Broncos continues to dry up.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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Mostly Positive
Packing a 302 V8, this particular Bronco has certainly been equipped the way you'd want it. It also sports dual fuel tanks and even a factory gun rack, which has to be a rather rare option. But even though we're digging this Bronco's brown hue, this obviously isn't the most popular of colors in this day and age.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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Worth Remembering
There will most definitely come a day when original Early Broncos aren't as highly coveted as now. However, that day simply hasn't gotten here yet. We're not quite sure why this Early Bronco is so low in price but it was definitely someone's buried treasure. After all, it's worth remembering what this legendary 'ute was like before we started cutting them up and modifying them, right?
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this groovy 1973 Bronco right in Ford-trucks.com.
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