Antique vehicle prices are a good indicator as to how popular and culturally esteemed a vehicle has become over the decades. While Ferraris, Porsches, and other exotics can pull seven-figure bids at auction, they’re old news. These days, classic pickup trucks and SUVs are exploding in value – especially those with exceptionally low miles and all its factory-supplied parts. A perfect example of this just rolled across the Barrett-Jackson stage in Vegas this past weekend. Check out this 1989 Ford Bronco.

This two-door SUV didn’t need a reserve to push its price skyward; it saw an organic auction end with the winning bid of $40,700. That’s a 146-percent increase over its original MSRP of $16,526! That same money would have bought 2.5 Broncos back in the day.

There are two factors for this Bronco’s high bid: one, yes, SUV and pickup prices are beginning to rise dramatically and two, this Bronco was practically perfect. It only has 1,606 actual miles, still rides on the original Goodyear Wrangler tires, has zero damage, and has tons of factory options. Making it even more special is its listing as a “promotional vehicle.” It was likely used by Ford for marketing purposes, perhaps at auto shows or advertising, and bought by a collected rather than being sold to the general public. We’ve got more information on this true survivor down below.

Continue reading for more information.

1989 Ford Bronco XLT

This special Bronco is fitted with the XLT trim package, which in 1989 was a near-luxury trim. It has its original Raven Black paint and Dark Charcoal cloth interior. Outside, the Bronco has the wagon-wheel-style, 15-inch steel wheels wrapped in the original Goodyear Wrangler AT tires with outline white letters. It also has the removable fiberglass roof with privacy glass. The power-operated, tailgate-mounted rear glass is also tinted and has the optional defrost feature. The rear bumper has the center step with a ball mount for towing.

Inside, this Bronco has front bucket seats with the center console and rear bench seat. It’s got tilt steering, the factory tachometer, electric shift 4WD, cruise control, A/C, an AM/FM/cassette radio, power locks, and power windows.

Under the hood is Ford’s classic 5.0-liter V-8 with fuel injection. A four-speed automatic with overdrive sends power to the two-speed transfer case and then to the rear axle, which has a 3.55:1 gear ratio. The Bronco also came equipped with the heavy-duty battery and “super engine cooling” system. The Windsor V-8 was good for 185 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque back in 1989, which was pretty good for those days.

A Future Collectable Today

It’s somewhat common for someone to store a Corvette, Camaro, or Porsche in a garage for 30 years hoping to get a big return on their investment. Not too many folks were thinking SUVs and pickups had that same potential value, so there are considerably less factory-fresh examples floating around. That, combined with the rise in popularity of the category, has antique examples in Concourse quality condition to go for top dollar.

Needleless to say, if an automotive investor is looking for something besides muscle cars, imports, or exotics, the American workhorse might be a great place to look.

References

Ford Bronco

Read our full speculative review for the 2020 Ford Bronco.

Read more auction news.