18k-Mile 1974 Ford Bronco Sport Survivor

This 1974 Ford Bronco Sport is an unrestored example with just 18k miles and three owners from new. Sold new in Globe, Arizona at McSpadden Ford, the truck remained in the dry Arizona climate with the original owner for almost 40 years before being sold to its second owner, a relative and also Arizona resident, in 2013. In 2014 the seller became its third owner when he added it to his collection, soon transferring it to Las Vegas. This Bronco is powered by its original 302 cubic inch V8 backed by a 3-speed manual gearbox and is equipped with factory power steering. The factory Candyapple Red paint is nearly all original, and the truck has been preserved in remarkable unrestored condition. The seller has comprehensively serviced the truck during his ownership and states that it needs absolutely nothing. The sale includes the original ownerâ??s manual and a Deluxe Marti Report.Built on February 14th, 1974 this Bronco Sport was well optioned from the factory. As noted on the attached Marti Report, this truck is equipped with a stock swing-away spare tire carrier, auxiliary fuel tank, factory side moldings, skidplates under the fuel tanks and transfer case, and a remotely operated left exterior mirror. Consistent with its low mileage and gentle weekend use, this Bronco retains all of its factory equipment. The original owner added a ball hitch to the rear bumper, and had the spare tire carrier chromed. There are no other modifications.The seller notes a slight color variation between the front clip and the rest of the truck, appropriate for an original-paint Bronco as the front clip was painted separately prior to assembly. The only non-original paint is the grille shell and hood, which were expertly color matched and blended to remove stone chips. New Goodyear Wrangler tires are fitted to all five original wheels, which also wear their original factory wheel covers.With the spare tire carrier swung out of the way, the preserved tailgate can be seen.Knowing they would use the truck on the gravel roads near their home in Arizona, the original owner had the truck undercoated by the dealer when new. Most importantly, this Bronco has never been given the opportunity to rust given its low mileage and life in the desert Southwest. It remains completely rust-free as evidenced in the detailed photographs provided. Additionally, retaining its factory original paint and finishes throughout also leaves little doubt as to the condition of its body and components.Some light stone chipping is evident on the leading edges of the rear wheel openings and on the bottom of the rocker panels. Similar chipping has been professionally refinished on the forward edge of the hood and on the grille, and the repairs are not apparent. Under a digital paint thickness gauge the touched up areas show similar readings to the original paint elsewhere on the truck.According to the seller, the original hardtop has never been off, and as a result the interior has been kept in excellent unrestored condition. The irreplaceable original front and rear rubber floor covering is still in place in a condition rarely seen, as are the dash cap, instrumentation, radio, and switchgear. The optional hand throttle is just to the left of the speedometer.The Parchment colored upholstery is also in excellent condition apart from a small tear on the outer edge of the driverâ??s seat that is detailed in the gallery below. The door panels show no discoloration or sagging, and interior materials all appear taut.The rear bench seat appears to be very little used, and the aforementioned stock rubber floor mat is also in excellent condition in the rear cabin and cargo area.The headliner and sun visors in the removable hardtop remain in excellent condition and free of discoloration or staining.The original 302 cubic inch V8 and 3-speed manual gearbox are in perfect working order and the seller notes that the truck will happily cruise at 75 mph. The truck has been serviced with all new brake flex hoses, ethanol safe fuel lines, and new radiator hoses, while the gas shocks are new premium items from NAPA. The front hubs have been fully disassembled, cleaned, had their bearings re-packed, and were fitted with new seals. Additionally, all of the fluids, brake hydraulics including the wheel and master cylinders, and battery were replaced. The radiator and alternator are factory heavy duty items.Original stickers and inspection marks are still present throughout the truck, including the engine bay and on the underside of the dash below the speedometer.The undercoating appears to have done its job admirably preserving the chassis and floors. The exhaust system is reportedly original to the truck and remains in excellent condition.The Deluxe Marti Report verifies the factory specification and build info. The seller is a Ford/Shelby aficionado and collector who notes that this particular example drives better than any restored Bronco he has driven, and that every aspect of the truck works and performs as new. The seller has provided numerous detailed images in the gallery which demonstrate the impressive level of preservation on this low-mile, well cared for Bronco.