Description

1987 Ford Bronco II XLT

Rare to see in the UK; compact RWD Bronco II in XLT spec with 2.9 V6, auto 'box; scope for cosmetic improvement - ideal to use and improve

Derived from the Ford Ranger compact pick-up, the Bronco II closely matched the first generation of Bronco truck from the mid 60’s-late 70s in size and was designed to offer similar looks to its bigger 3^rd and 4^th gen brother in a neater 3-door package. It used an range of economical engines and was produced between 1984 -1990 - to compete with the 3-door Cherokee, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and GMC S-15 Jimmy, eventually being replaced by the larger Ford Explorer in 1991. 

Dating from 1987, this pre-facelift example has been in the UK since August 1988, almost since new, and has had 15 previous keepers to the current who had planned to restore it, but instead opted to use it ‘as is’ and let the next owner restore and bring it up to par.

Under the hood, we find a fuel-injected 2.9-litre Cologne V6 engine developing 140Bhp driving the rear wheels only via automatic transmission with O/D.  Inside, we find seating for two on ever-so-80’s burgundy velour seats with pneumatic lumbar control, wood effect trim, air conditioning, electric windows and cruise control. The odometer shows 47,356 miles which may or may not be accurate – the online MOT history dates back to March 2009 only showing the rise from 38,983 miles to the current with limited miles covered per annum.

Driven some 150 miles to the sale, it’s the most mileage the vendor has covered in a single hit and he says, it drove well proving capable and comfortable on the trip up to us.  Evidently in need of some cosmetic attention, there are signs of corrosion on the sill ends and wheel arches as pictured and paint fade/lacquer lift elsewhere as witnessed.  That aside, the chassis looks good from what we can see – the most recent MOT, valid until February 2022 confirming all looks ok with no advisories recorded. In addition, the history file includes the V5C, spare keys, an old MOT from 2020 and Haynes manual.

Starting with a turn of the key and push of a starter button under the steering wheel, it ran as it should, moving about with ease and lots of V6 growl.  A pick-up version, the tailgate is bolted closed to permit fitment and operation of the roll-top cover (removable) which reveals a loosely carpeted load area with spare wheel and shiny roll bar.  Behind the front seats the vendor has left a few spares including spare hub cap and starter motor.

Given the recent release of the new Bronco, the first 3-door Ford SUV since the Bronco II’s replacement in 1991, values are set to rise with demand and interest in the older, retro models increasing making this example look especially appealing at its £4,000 - £5,000 estimate. 

Documents: V5C; Haynes manual; 1 old MOT; current MOT Feb 2022 with no advisories

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com