You see them everywhere now. Gleaming in the parking lot of a high-end grocery store or kicking up dust in a Montana sunset on Instagram. The boxy silhouette of an early Ford Bronco is basically the universal symbol for "I have good taste and a healthy bank account." But if you’re actually looking to put one in your garage, the price tag is a moving target that frustrates even the most seasoned collectors.
So, how much does a vintage bronco cost in 2026?
Honestly, it’s the difference between buying a used Honda Civic and a literal house. You can find a "rolling basket case" for $15,000, or you can watch a world-record restomod cross the auction block for $650,000. Most people get stuck in the middle, and that middle is getting expensive.
The Reality of the First-Gen (1966–1977) Market
This is the era everyone wants. It’s the "Early Bronco." When these launched in 1966, they were utility tools meant to compete with the International Scout. Ford sold them for about $2,200. Today? That wouldn't even buy you a rusted-out tailgate.
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The market has split into three distinct lanes.
The Project Truck
If you aren't afraid of a wrench and some tetanus, you can still find projects. These are trucks with "patina" (read: holes in the floor) and engines that haven't turned over since the Bush administration. Expect to pay $15,000 to $30,000 for something that needs a total rebuild.
The Clean Driver
This is the sweet spot. It’s a Bronco that looks good from ten feet away, runs reliably, and hasn't been cut up for massive tires. According to recent Hagerty valuation data, a 1977 Bronco in "Good" condition—meaning it's a solid, attractive driver—averages around $58,200.
The "Coyote" Restomod
This is where the numbers get stupid. Companies like Gateway Bronco or Velocity Restorations take an old frame and drop in a modern 5.0L Coyote V8, leather interiors that belong in a private jet, and air conditioning that actually works. You’re looking at $150,000 to $350,000. At a Mecum auction in early 2026, a 1966 base model with a high-end build sold for $91,300, while more extreme custom SUVs are regularly clearing the $125,000 mark on Bring a Trailer.
Why the Year Matters More Than You Think
Not all vintage Broncos are created equal.
Specific years carry "tax" because of the mechanical upgrades Ford added. For example, 1976 and 1977 models are often the most expensive because they came from the factory with power disc brakes and a better rear axle (the Ford 9-inch).
- 1966–1968: These are the purist's choice. Often have the "eyebrow" grille. Prices are high for original survivors, often hitting $60,000+ if they haven't been modified.
- 1973–1975: These saw the introduction of power steering and automatic transmissions. A 1973 model recently sold for $35,750, which is actually "cheap" for this market, likely due to higher mileage or a less-desirable color.
- 1977: The holy grail of the first gens. It’s the final year. The fuel doors are different, and the hardware is the best it ever got. You’ll rarely find a clean one under $65,000.
The Forgotten Generations: 1978 and Beyond
If you want the look but can't swing the six-figure price of a first-gen, look at the "Big Broncos."
The 1978 and 1979 models (Generation 2) are massive. They’re based on the F-150 frame. For a long time, collectors ignored them. That’s over. A mint 1978 Bronco Freewheeling edition can now fetch $40,000 to $55,000. Still, a rougher but drivable Gen 2 can be had for $18,000.
The 1980–1996 models are even more affordable. You’ve probably seen the "OJ" style Broncos from the 90s. These are finally becoming "vintage." A clean 1994 XLT with 200k miles recently listed for about $31,000. It sounds like a lot for a 30-year-old truck, but compared to the early ones, it’s a bargain.
What Drives the Price Up?
- Originality: If it has the original 302 V8 and the factory paint, the price jumps by 30%.
- The "Uncut" Look: Many owners in the 80s cut the rear fenders to fit bigger tires. "Uncut" Broncos—where the sheet metal is original—are significantly more valuable to collectors.
- Rust: This is the Bronco killer. They rust in the floorboards, the kick panels, and the door pillars. A rust-free California truck commands a $10,000 premium over a Midwest truck.
Is it a Bubble?
People have been saying the vintage Bronco market is a bubble since 2015. It hasn't popped yet.
Demand is fueled by nostalgia and the fact that the new 2024-2026 Broncos have made the nameplate "cool" again. Even a brand-new 2026 Bronco Raptor starts at roughly $95,000, which makes a $60,000 vintage truck feel almost reasonable. Almost.
If you're buying one as an investment, be careful. The cost of parts has skyrocketed. A full professional paint job on one of these can easily run $15,000, and a replacement crate engine is $10,000 before labor.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
If you’re serious about finding out exactly how much does a vintage bronco cost for your specific budget, don't just look at local Craigslist ads.
Check the "Sold" Listings
Go to Bring a Trailer or Classic.com. Look at what trucks actually sold for, not what people are asking. Asking prices are often fantasies; sold prices are reality.
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)
Spend the $500 to have a vintage 4x4 specialist look at the truck. They will find the hidden rust in the cowl or the "shaved" VIN numbers that could make the truck impossible to register.
Decide on Your "End State"
Do you want a show car or a beach cruiser? If you want a beach cruiser, buy a "scruffy" one for $40,000. If you try to turn a cheap truck into a show car, you will spend $100,000 and two years of your life doing it. It’s almost always cheaper to buy someone else's finished project than to build your own.
Start by narrowing your search to a specific generation. If you have $25,000, look at 1980-1996 models. If you have $60,000, start hunting for a 1973-1977 driver. If you have $200,000, call a boutique builder and pick your leather color.