All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.
1978 Ford Bronco Custom
2dr Wagon 4x4
8-cyl. 351cid/156hp 2bbl
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$36,100*
+4.9%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Jan 2025
Let us watch the market for you
We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.
1978-1979 Ford Bronco stats
Highest sale
$325,000
Lowest sale
$320
Most recent sale
$31,762
Sales
351
Photos
2 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.
Past sales
$31,762
1978 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT
83000 M
Automatic
North America
Feb 25, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$34,650
1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT
61000 M
Automatic
North America
Feb 11, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$47,250
1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT
92000 M
Automatic
North America
Feb 4, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$49,500
1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT
Automatic
North America
Jan 23, 2025Barrett-Jackson
View details
$46,200
1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT
Automatic
North America
Jan 16, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
$25,300
1979 Ford Bronco Custom
10736 M
Standard
North America
Jan 15, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
Insurance
Protect your 1978 Ford Bronco from the unexpected.
Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy
More 1978 Ford Bronco Custom values
Model overview
Model description
While the Ford Bronco may have started out as an appealing competitor to the Jeep CJ and International Scout in 1966, by 1977 it was not only were getting long in the tooth but the target had also changed. The Multi-Purpose Vehicle market was by this time dominated by pickup-truck based vehicles, namely the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy. Even Chrysler joined in with their own Dodge Ramcharger and Plymouth Trailduster, both introduced for 1974. These short wheelbase pickup based wagons impressively offered four-wheel drive as well as a level of equipment and features that matched or even exceeded most cars.
As the sales of their Bronco plummeted, Ford recast it in 1978 to match the mild restyling of their F-series pickups. Essentially an F-100 from the doors forward, the Bronco was now all grown up. Like its rivals, it had a removable Fiberglas rear top, and it also packed more of a punch that its stablemate pickups with a 49-state standard 400 cubic inch V-8, partially because it was only offered in four-wheel drive. Also like the pickups, it was offered in a number of trim packages, namely the Custom, XLT and Ranger XLT.
Just like when Ford went from two-passenger to four-passenger T-Birds, the purists decried the change to the big Bronco. The bean counters made the right gamble, though, as sales of the new Bronco soared over the previous model.
Changes for 1979 were minimal. Entry-level Customs now had rectangular headlights (like all other trim lines did) and the base engine was now a two-barrel 351M for all 50 states. The F-series-based Bronco was a good enough of a seller that it not only remained in Ford’s inventory when the all-new 1980 F-series debuted, but also stayed until that platform was retired in 1996.
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Common Questions
The value of a 1978 Ford Bronco Custom can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $36,350 for a 1978 Ford Bronco Custom in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1978 Ford Bronco Custom at auction over the last three years was $325,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1978 Ford Bronco Custom at auction over the last three years was $19,800. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 18 1978 Ford Bronco Customs sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1978 Ford Bronco Custom was $117,700 on January 24, 2025 by Barrett-Jackson.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.