No one wants to give up on something they’re really into. But things change, and life goes on. So, you have to choose whether to give up and let go or keep going and make it work. Could you get a first-generation Ford Bronco? What do you think I meant? Pogs? What is a Tamagotchi? Boost up? Who was my ex-partner? No. That’s not what I mean, family. I mean old Broncos. The first group, which was born between 1966 and 1977, was phenomenal and still is. I don’t want a new Bronco, even though Ford fixed up the old one and made it look like the original GOAT, not even in the Heritage type. There is way too much technology, beeps, and chimes in modern cars, and I’d rather have a more traditional experience. Even though I wouldn’t say I like roll-up windows, I think they look great. People also say that there is an app for that. Or, in this case, a place for that. Vintage Broncos, which opened in 2018, specializes in making beautiful repairs to Broncos from the first generation. The company in the Atlanta area only does hand-built restorations, which range from modernizations that are built by hand to frame-on restorations, which are a less time-consuming way to make something look better that may or may not include new parts. You can start from scratch and build your dream home, or you can pick one from a list of already-built homes. Vintage Broncos has four different models, with prices starting at $169,000. At first glance, it needed to be clarified if the price included the car or just the parts and work. It’s still a lot of money. The company’s website has been updated, but the FAQ page from 2023, which the Wayback Machine saved, gives you an idea of what to expect. You can build a Bronco with two doors and a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, a 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine, or an all-electric motor. There is also a Bronco type with four doors that can fit six people. From here, you can choose how much you want to change things—everything: color, trim level, body style, and engine. The prices of the cars on the last inventory list ranged from $219,500 to $349,500. This much isn’t too much for a used-painted SUV. Velocity Restorations in Florida is selling a 1970 Bronco that has been fixed up for about $300,000. Yes, this dream of a first-generation Bronco costs a lot of money. Hagerty says that the price of a first-generation Bronco can be anywhere from $5,000 to $650,000. The fair price for a well-kept model is around $50,000, and prices have stayed the same for a year. Broncos from the past are popular with rich and famous people. The company has sold cars to Jennifer Lopez, Mark Wahlberg, and LeBron James. The finished cars look great, even though some of them are a little strange, like the open tops. The front and back fascias are clearly from the first generation, but the Bronco looks like something from Micro Machines because of its square-peg shape and cover that can be taken off. It has all the safety tech you need, like traction control and six airbags, but it doesn’t have any nanny monitors that are too sensitive. How about the window that opens? Haha! The handle even works as a power window switch. That’s it, the best of both worlds? Before delivering a Vintage Bronco, they do a full check that includes a 400-mile break-in. After that, regular upkeep can be done at your local Ford dealership. However, if you need to make a warranty claim, you need to go to Vintage Broncos. Of course, you can drive your brand-new, old Bronco every day if you make the right changes. I would, yes. I can’t leave a nice six-figure SUV in the garage to remind myself of how much money I lost. What a terrible dream.
