460-Powered, Lifted & Beautifully Restored
This 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT Free Wheeling Edition is a stunning combination of factory heritage and modern craftsmanship. Originally delivered to Natoma Motor Sales of Natoma, Kansas, this Bronco underwent a full refurbishment and custom build commissioned by the owning dealer’s shop in Statesville, North Carolina, in 2021.
Finished in Raven Black with chromatic Free Wheeling graphics, this two-door SUV captures the bold styling of the late 1970s while adding tasteful upgrades for today’s driving comfort and reliability. It’s powered by a fuel-injected 460 ci V8 paired with a C6 three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case.
This modified Bronco is offered by the selling dealer on behalf of the current owner and comes with a Deluxe Marti Report, build records, and a clean New Mexico title. The listing originally appeared on Bring a Trailer.
Classic Free Wheeling Style
From the factory, this Bronco was part of the Free Wheeling Edition, one of Ford’s most colorful and distinctive appearance packages of the 1970s. During the refurbishment it was repainted in its original Raven Black and finished with reproduction chromatic side stripes that sweep across the body in classic Free Wheeling fashion.
Exterior highlights include:
- Removable black fiberglass hardtop
- Low-mount Western-style side mirrors
- Swing-away rear spare tire carrier
- Black-finished front and rear bumpers
Every detail nods to Ford’s adventurous late-’70s style while benefiting from the precision and fit/finish of a modern restoration.
Suspension & Wheels
Underneath, the Bronco rides on a 4″ suspension lift, providing both improved clearance and an aggressive stance. It’s fitted with 15″ US Mags slotted aluminum wheels wrapped in 35×12.5″ BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KM3 tires. The combination gives classic looks with modern off-road performance.
Additional features include:
- Power steering for improved drivability
- Manually locking front hubs
- Front disc brakes and rear drums for confident stopping power
Interior: Vintage Feel with Modern Comfort
Inside, the cabin has been beautifully restored and upgraded. Front captain’s chairs and a folding rear bench seat are trimmed in black vinyl with patterned cloth inserts, maintaining a period-correct look with fresh materials.
Additional interior details include:
- Matching black dash pad, door panels, and carpeting
- Faux-woodgrain trim across the dash and doors
- Aftermarket air-conditioning system
- RetroSound stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity
- Three-point front seatbelts and rear lap belts
Instrumentation is fronted by a three-spoke steering wheel and consists of an 85-mph speedometer along with auxiliary gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, amperage, and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 12,000 miles (approximately 500 added by the current owner) — true mileage is unknown.
Engine & Drivetrain: 460 Cubic Inches of Fuel-Injected Power
Under the hood lies a replacement 460 ci V8, equipped with a Holley Sniper fuel-injection system for improved reliability and throttle response. A CVF Racing serpentine accessory drive system and tubular exhaust headers further modernize the setup while enhancing performance.
Power is transferred through a C6 three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case, providing traditional four-wheel-drive capability. The engine bay has been meticulously detailed, and an oil change was performed in preparation for the sale.
The Ford “Free Wheeling” Package: A 1970s Icon
The Free Wheeling package was Ford’s way of capturing the vibrant, adventurous spirit of the late 1970s. Introduced in 1977 and offered through 1981 on vehicles such as the Bronco, F-100, F-150 and Econoline vans, it combined bold styling with a sense of youthful freedom that reflected the era’s off-road and outdoor culture.
Key elements of the Free Wheeling package included:
- Multi-color “chromatic” reflective stripe graphics, typically featuring red, orange and yellow tones
- Black or contrasting body paint to make the stripes stand out
- Bright-painted wheels or styled steel wheels
- Optional roll bars, fog lamps and blacked-out trim
- Special “Free Wheeling” badging on select models
While mechanically similar to their standard counterparts, Free Wheeling models stood out visually — and today they’re among the most sought-after vintage Fords for collectors and enthusiasts. By blending this unique package with a professionally restored, fuel-injected 460 build, this 1979 Bronco embodies the best of both worlds — retro personality and modern reliability.
Final Thoughts
This 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT Free Wheeling is a high-quality example of how a classic off-roader can be tastefully modernized without losing its original charm. From the fuel-injected 460 V8 to the Bluetooth stereo and vintage chromatic stripes, it’s an ideal mix of period-correct aesthetics and contemporary upgrades.
For collectors, enthusiasts or anyone who loves the Free Wheeling style of the late 1970s, this Bronco is a show-stopper that’s ready for both the trail and the car show.
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Welcome to the Bronco Corral. As a long time Ford Truck enthusiast, I've been a fan of the Ford Bronco and Bronco II. In fact, I've completely rebuilt a Bronco II of my own. The Bronco Corral originally started as the Bronco II Corral, but in 2020 I decided to expand it to include all Ford Bronco's, and welcome the upcoming 2021 Ford Bronco. Thanks for stopping.
