This is a beautiful example of a 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT. In 1979 the bronco came in one of two trim packages:
- Custom
- Ranger XLT
It’s strange that the stock base model was called ‘Custom’ when there wasn’t anything custom about it. The upgraded package was the Ranger XLT. This was back before the Ranger became it’s own truck for the 1983 model year.
According to the 1979 Ford Bronco Brochure:
“Ranger XLT exterior features include bright bumpers, bright molding around windshield, rear side windows, roof drip rail, wheel lips and upper / lower section of tailgate, and a bodyside molding with black vinyl insert.”
The graphics you see here were part of the ‘Free Wheeling Bronco’ package:
“The striking Bronco Free Wheeling Package features great looking tri-color tape striping in Orange / Tan / Creme or Blue / White / Green depending on the exterior color you select. A new chromatic tape stripe, shown here, is now available in place of the tri-color tape. Free Wheeling also includes black bumpers (standard with Custom), dual black low-mount western mirrors and five 15×6 painted styled steel wheels in white or chrome yellow with L78 x 15C Raised White Letter (RWL) tires.”
(1979 Ford Bronco with Free Wheeling Package)
This Bronco is powered by a 351 Modified backed by a C6 automatic transmission and NP205 transfer case. Power is transferred to the Ford 9-inch rear and Dana 44 front axles.
This Bronco was modified with a Rough Country 4-inch suspension lift that makes room for 35/12.50R15 BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires in 15-inch polished aluminum wheels.
Behind this Bronco’s doors, an attractive cockpit features original, Ranger-spec upholstery that was commonly paired with the Free Wheeling appearance package. Houndstooth bucket seats in the front and rear bench provide enough comfort for you and at least three of your friends. A factory-fresh dash stretches crisp, Ranger-spec wood around clean telemetry, retro AM/FM audio and factory air conditioning. The driver spins a simple, ‘Ford’ branded steering wheel around a polished shifter. Ranger-spec side panels flow all the way to the truck’s hatch. And safety is greatly enhanced by a factory roll bar.
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