How much was a Ford Bronco in 1974?
The base price for a new 1974 Ford Bronco was roughly $2,800 to $3,000, with common configurations landing in the $3,000 to $3,300 range depending on trim and options.
In 1974, the Ford Bronco was in its first-generation run (1966–1977), positioned as a compact, rugged utility vehicle that appealed to both urban buyers and off-road enthusiasts. Pricing varied by trim, drivetrain, engine choice, and added equipment, and regional dealer practices could nudge sticker prices higher or lower. This article reviews historical price points and the factors that shaped them, drawing on era brochures and price guides to provide context for today’s readers and collectors.
Pricing snapshot from the era
Prices in 1974 reflected the Bronco’s trim levels and optional equipment. The following figures summarize common new-car sticker prices reported in Ford brochures and contemporary automotive price guides.
- Base Bronco: approximately $2,800–$2,950
- Bronco with automatic transmission and enhanced features: around $3,000–$3,100
- Four-wheel-drive configurations or higher-option packages: about $3,200–$3,500
Note: Dealers often added regional fees or optional equipment; actual out-the-door prices could vary by location and promotion.
What drove the cost in 1974
The sticker price of the Bronco in 1974 depended on mechanical choices, drivetrain, and comfort equipment. Engine type, transmission, four-wheel drive, and accessories such as enhanced suspensions or radios all played a role in the final tally.
Engine and drivetrain choices
Available engines ranged from inline-sixes to V8 options, paired with manual or automatic transmissions. Four-wheel drive added capability—and cost—beyond the base two-wheel-drive setup.
Regional pricing and dealer incentives
Regional taxes, dealer promotions, and the inclusion of popular options could shift the advertised price. Buyers often faced slight variation from one showroom to another.
Inflation-adjusted perspective
Using CPI-based inflation, a 1974 price of about $2,900–$3,300 translates to roughly $18,000–$20,000 in 2024 dollars, with higher-end 4WD and well-equipped configurations closer to the upper end of that range. The exact current-dollar equivalent depends on the specific year’s window and the option set chosen.
Summary
In 1974, a new Ford Bronco typically carried a sticker price around $3,000, with variations by trim and options. When adjusted for inflation, those prices align with roughly $18,000–$20,000 in today’s dollars, illustrating how the Bronco balanced practicality with rugged appeal even in its early years. For precise figures by year and configuration, vintage Ford brochures and automotive price guides remain the best primary sources.
How much is a 1974 Ford Bronco?
The value of a 1974 Ford Bronco varies significantly, with low-end values around $51,000$ 51 comma 000$51,000 for a good-condition vehicle and high-end values exceeding $226,000$ 226 comma 000$226,000 for restored or high-spec models. Factors like the vehicle's condition, originality, specific trim level, and the extent of any restoration greatly influence its price, ranging from a few thousand dollars for a project to hundreds of thousands for a show-quality build.
Value by condition
- Low: Expect to pay around $51,000$ 51 comma 000$51,000 for a vehicle in good, average condition.
- Average: The average retail price is approximately $74,700$ 74 comma 700$74,700.
- High: Pristine or expertly restored models can be valued at $187,200$ 187 comma 200$187,200 or more, with some top-tier restomods listed for well over $200,000$ 200 comma 000$200,000.
Factors affecting value
- Condition: The overall condition, including rust, mechanical soundness, and interior wear, is a primary factor.
- Restoration: A professionally restored Bronco, especially one with modern upgrades (restomod), will command a significantly higher price than an original, unrestored example.
- Originality: Originality can be a key factor, but many high-value Broncos have been modified.
- Trim and options: Specific trim levels and factory options can also impact the final price.
- Mileage: Lower mileage generally increases value.
How much does a 1970s Bronco cost?
A 1970 Ford Bronco's price varies significantly, from around $10,000 to over $100,000, depending on its condition, originality, and modifications. For a good, average condition Bronco, the price is roughly $46,125, while the highest auction prices can exceed $429,000 for exceptional examples. In contrast, poorly maintained or problematic ones might sell for as low as $8,505.
Price factors
- Condition: The primary factor is the state of the body and frame, especially the presence of rust.
- Originality: Broncos in original or well-documented condition are typically more valuable.
- Modifications: High-quality custom builds, known as "restomods," can command high prices, while poorly executed modifications can decrease value.
- Mileage: Lower mileage can increase the price.
- History: A vehicle's history, including any accident history or title issues, affects its value.
Examples of current prices
- Average condition: ~$46,125
- High-end custom builds: Can exceed $100,000, with some reaching $118,000 to over $188,000.
- Lower end: As low as $8,505 for vehicles needing extensive work.
- Recent auction sale: $126,000 on October 25, 2025.
What was the most sold car in 1974?
The best-selling car in 1974 was the Ford Pinto in the United States, with 360,688 sales. Globally, the Toyota Corolla took the top spot, becoming the best-selling car in the world for the first time that year.
- In the United States: The Ford Pinto was the best-selling American model in 1974.
- Worldwide: The Toyota Corolla was the best-selling car globally in 1974.
How much does a 1973 Ford Bronco cost?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $51,150 for a 1973 Ford Bronco in good condition with average spec.
