Here is a rear shot as well as a few more I dredged up...
The bumper was one which he had custom made for the Bronco and he also still has the original.
I don't know an incredibly detailed history but I do know a few things. He ordered the Bronco is September of 1978 and it was delivered in November of the same year. The sad part of the story is my dad tried to sell him his 1967 Shelby GT500, yes you heard that right! Dad was getting ready to head off to college and needed a little extra money but Grandpa thought his best investment would be to buy a new Bronco. Well, dad sold the Shelby for around $11,000 if I remember correctly and they now sell routinely for over 200k!
Anyways, Gramps bought the Bronco and what he intended to do with it at the time I don't really know but I can tell you what he has done with it ever since: baby it! He lives in the U.P. of Michigan and although that area is notorious for its harsh winters I can guarantee the truck has never once seen a winter, a snowflake or possibly even a raindrop (although I can't 100% vouch for that last part). Him and my Grandma now winter in FL and the Bronco is stored over the winter out and away from the elements. As one person has commented, "Where has that thing been hiding? Someone's air-conditioned living room?" Well, it would seem so wouldn't it?
I have seen this car thousands of times, seen grandpa washing it and glowing over just as often, and ridden in it about 10 times. If it is a bright sunny and warm day with low humidity, no rain in a one hundred mile radius, and no rain in the forecast for the next 48 hours, only then does Grandpa begin to ponder taking it out for a quick spin. It is a beautiful Bronco and as someone else commented recently it could be the lowest mileage Bronco of that year that is completely original anywhere in the country.
I have also been informed recently by people in the know that it is a "FreeWheeling" Bronco...apparently a much coveted and fairly rare truck.
I will be sad to see it go, but my grandparents are downsizing and moving in closer to the city so he has finally decided he just won't have a whole lot of room left for it anymore. He has considered taking it to an auction but is a bit worried it won't get it's proper due depending on if there are any Bronco enthusiasts there or not. It is definitely going to take the right person as he won't be giving it away, as you say. We just hope to find someone who won't lift it and start jacking it up (no-pun intended) but rather who appreciates the history and quality of the truck.
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--'00--Red--295k--Auto--SOLD
--'99--Green--204k--5spd--TOTALED
--'00--Black--165k--Auto--TRADED
--'14--Blue--250k--Trail Edition