- Amazingly preserved, unrestored, and highly desirable 4x4 Sport Utility
- Just 15,100 miles from new
- Rare special-order paint and trim; well-appointed example with numerous accessories
- Original window sticker still affixed; Elite Marti Report verifies original equipment and appearance
- Factory MAG style wheel covers, power steering, and power brakes
- Excellent mechanical condition; Lovingly cared for with many items undisturbed since assembly
LOT 309
Selling on Saturday
1977 Ford Bronco Ranger
Just as Ford had caught Chevrolet and other competitors asleep at the wheel when they debuted the sport compact Mustang in 1964, a little over a year later, Ford's Vice President Donald Frey shocked the automotive world when he announced another all-new model, or as he put it, "another pony added to the stable!" Creating a new market niche for Ford was the introduction of Bronco. Now, Ford wasn't first with a compact four-wheel-drive vehicle; Jeep had been marketing the CJ-5 since the mid-1950s and International had unleashed their rather popular Scout in 1960. While it appeared that the Big Three were going to let these two independents rule this sport utility market, Ford was working behind the scenes to create a totally new concept with the Bronco. Eventually, Chevrolet would release the Blazer, based on the full-size C-10 1/2-ton pickup and it wouldn't be until 1974 before Dodge brought out the Ramcharger. Unlike the Blazer, the Bronco was a model unto itself with its own purpose-built chassis. Only the engines were shared with other Ford products. It didn't take before this rugged, somewhat cute vehicle became a sales success. For the next 11 years, the first generation Bronco maintained its basic compact dimensions. In the early models, it was a fairly bare-bones vehicle aimed for buyers who needed to go off the beaten path for utilitarian purposes. As the popularity of the Bronco grew, so did the list of accessories and amenities. During the life of the first generation from 1966 to 1977, Bronco did not set any sales records with just 225,585 units produced during those 11 years hitting a high point of 25,824 for 1974. However, competition and market saturation were taking their toll.
People who bought Broncos usually couldn't wait to get them off the dealer's lot and on to an exciting off-road adventure. Not so with this very special Bronco. In May of 1977, Lloyd Meredith who owned and operated Country Motors in Elizabethton, Tennessee, wanted to do something for his younger brother Kenneth. Knowing that an all-new second generation Bronco was about to be released for the 1978 model year, he decided to order a memorable example of the first generation of these popular vehicles. According to the Elite Marti Report, which is based on actual factory records, the order was received at the Michigan Truck assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan on May 31st. Apparently, the Bronco's body was diverted for over a month before it started toward final assembly the 12th of July. Two days later it was completed, released from the factory, and shipped to Country Motors. When received at the dealership, and for an unknown reason, Kenneth Meredith decided to put his Bronco on display in the showroom where it would remain for over three years. On December 5, 1980, young Mr. Meredith reportedly gifted this attractive nearly new Bronco to one of his friends, James Stevens. This pristine Bronco was used very sparingly and retained by Mr. Stevens until December of 2014 when it was sold to Brian Mathes who continued to baby and shelter it for the next couple of years before it was sold to a local doctor who also cherished this Jade Glow Green beauty until 2022 when our consignor acquired the low mileage off-road treasure.
We believe this to be one of the finest examples of an unrestored 1977 Bronco Ranger we have ever seen. Today its special-order Jade Glow Green paint, which was ordered with the striping package deleted, reflects the protection and maintenance that has helped keep the original paint silky smooth, retaining depth and luster. With the Ranger package, comfortable front bucket seats are upholstered in a color-keyed matching green vinyl with coordinated fabric inserts, along with the similarly trimmed rear seat, both of which conceal its 48-year-old history harkening back to the era of wild disco colors and fashion designs. Under the hood, the 230-HP, 302-cid V-8 engine looks much as it did when delivered, with gear selection via the standard three-speed column shift transmission. The original window sticker was never removed and still shows a long list of special features and the bottom-line price of $7,329.85. Factory-installed equipment includes Mag style full wheel covers, power steering, power brakes, plus several "Heavy Duty" items such as 60-amp alternator, 68-amp battery, and heavy-duty front springs plus front and rear shock absorbers. One dealer accessory installed in the Bronco is an original vintage AM radio mounted in the dashboard. The original spare tire is still mounted on the swing-away holder and protected by the ivory vinyl cover emblazoned with the Bronco Ranger design. Several items appear to be untouched since they were installed at the factory including the lift-off top, fold-down windshield and tire jack with service tools stowed neatly on the left fender apron under the hood. Today the car shows just over 15,100 miles on the odometer and they are from new. One update was the recent installation of a fresh set of Uni-Royal Laredo off-road style tires. Maybe it is the simplicity of design, or just the basic good looks that Ford gave to these vehicles, which today makes these first-generation Broncos so endeared, sought-after and ready to perform. Amazingly original, well-optioned, and low mile, this Bronco Ranger is surely one of the finest.
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