It wasn’t too terribly long ago that one could go out and find older Ford Bronco models for reasonable prices, but much has changed as of late. These days, pretty much any Bronco made before the current sixth-generation is going for big money, and that’s especially true of the second-generation SUV, which was only produced for two model years. That full-size model is incredibly popular and valuable these days, and modified examples aren’t exempt, either. Thus, we fully expect this very nice 1979 Ford Bronco to command big bucks, too.
This 1979 Ford Bronco is scheduled to cross the block at Barrett-Jackson’s upcoming 2025 Scottsdale Fall auction, taking place in October. It has spent the past two years receiving a full redo by Vivid Retro Customs, based in Lakewood, Colorado, leaving it in fantastic condition. That process involved removing the body from the frame, media-blasting those panels, and refinishing them in Candy Apple Red with Free Wheeling decals, joining a black removable hard top, matte black bumpers, and Hella fog lamps.
Inside, one will find a revamped interior with red leather bucket seats featuring patterned inserts, Vintage Air HVAC, Dakota Digital gauges, a tilt steering column, and a RetroSound stereo system linked to AudioFrog speakers, a Kenwood amp, and a JL Audio subwoofer.
Power for this Ford Bronco comes from a second-generation 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, which has been upgraded with a PBH Performance accessory drive system, PBH Performance ECM and harness, a Champion aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, and dual exhaust. It sends power to the rear or all four wheels via a 6R80 six-speed automatic gearbox. Underneath, one will find a four-inch BDS suspension lift kit, while the SUV rolls on a set of 15-inch ProComp wheels wrapped with 33×12.5-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires.
It was just this past July when we spotted another Coyote-swapped second-generation Ford Bronco, though that one was finished in green and white on the outside. It wound up selling for $54,000, and we wouldn’t be surprised if this one ultimately topped that hammer price, given its many positive attributes.
Another reason you should absolutely do your own research.
Not much of a looker, but it runs and drives.
The previous owner sunk $310k into the build.
Bronco and Bronco Sport moved more than 39K units.
