1978 Ford Bronco Custom, 351M and 4-speed, Arizona, top included
Dry-state 1978 Bronco with a manual for $14,500; the listing is thin, so inspect before buying.
1978 Ford Bronco
Why we picked it
Why we picked it: A private seller in Arizona is asking $14,500 for this 1978 Bronco Custom with a 351M, a 4-speed manual and the removable top. Driver 1978-79 Broncos have sold between about $14,000 and $26,500 recently, and an Arizona truck should have less rust than most.
The seller's description is short: 351M, 4-speed, top included and "runs great." The listing is labeled a project and does not mention rust, title or service history, so ask for detailed photos of the body and underside before you go. The specs say 351 Windsor while the description says 351M, so confirm which engine it has.
The value check
The seller is asking $14,500. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $14,000–$26,500, so the middle of the market is about $20,250. That put this car 28% under.
Driver-grade 1978-79 Broncos sold between $14,000 and $26,500 at BaT and Barrett-Jackson in July to October 2026.
- 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT, BaT $14,000 (Oct 2026)
- 1979 Bronco, Barrett-Jackson $17,600 (Sep 2026)
- 1978 Bronco, BaT $22,750 (Jul 2026)
- 1978 Bronco Ranger XLT, BaT $26,500 (Sep 2026)
What to check
- Check the rear quarter panels, rocker panels, floor pans and the tailgate. Even Arizona trucks can rot where the top seals leak.
- Look at the top-to-body seal and the hard top for cracks.
- Inspect the Dana 44 front axle, radius arm bushings and the NP205 transfer case.
- The seller gives no title or rust information, and mileage is TMU.
- Confirm whether the engine is a 351M or a 351 Windsor.
Making it drive like new
Popular builds swap in a Coyote or a fuel-injected 351W with a ZF5 or modern overdrive manual, keep the NP205, and add hydroboost disc brakes, a modern steering box, a radiator with electric fans and aftermarket A/C. A 2-4 inch lift with quality shocks keeps it civil on the road.
What 1978–96 Full-size Bronco cars sell for
| Condition | Sales | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Driver | 34 | $7,500 | $36,150 | $191,000 |
| Collector | 1 | $36,000 | $36,000 | $36,000 |
Recent sales
| Car | Condition | Result | Date | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT Free-Wheelin | Driver | $50,000 | Oct 17, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1978 Bronco Custom | Driver | $36,000 | Oct 17, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT Free-Wheelin | Driver | $50,000 | Oct 17, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT | Driver | $60,000 | Oct 17, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1978 Bronco Ranger XLT Free-Wheelin | Driver | $34,000 | Oct 17, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1982 Bronco XLT | Driver | $26,000 | Oct 16, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT | Driver | $81,500 | Oct 5, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
| 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT | Driver | $14,000 | Oct 2, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
