For obvious reasons, classic Ford Broncos that have been modified or restored have been getting a lot of attention over the last year or so. Several are also powered by burly V8 engines, a powerplant that can't be had with the brand new model. The latest custom Bronco is a 1972 model that's currently up for auction at RM Sotheby's. Finished in blue and described as a "freshly refurbished, rust-free original Bronco," this model was made for a Shelby collector. That would explain why there is a 331-cubic-inch V8 engine with a Holley four-barrel carburetor lurking under the hood.

Packing a mean 421 horsepower, it's easily more powerful than the new Bronco which makes up to 310 hp from its available 2.7-liter turbocharged V6. Then again, it's not quite as ballistic as Jay Leno's 760-hp classic Bronco, which uses the Shelby GT500's V8. The blue Bronco boasts a four-wheel-drive transfer case and a five-speed manual gearbox. Without the insulation and heavier safety gear of modern alternatives, this Bronco should be really quick off the mark. As the pictures prove, both the cabin and exterior have been refurbished to an exceptionally high standard.

The paintwork looks perfect and contrasts nicely with the black wheel arch flares. The new tires are wrapped around Fuelie wheels, and as with the new Bronco, it offers an authentic open-air driving experience that is ideal for exploring the great outdoors. By modern standards, the interior is as basic as it gets, with nothing but a blank slab of metal where you'd ordinarily expect to find a touchscreen. That adds to this old-school off-roader's charm, though. It does at least have a digital gauge cluster and a tilt-adjustable steering column.

Although we expect this Bronco to spend most of its life well-kept in a warm garage, it should be hugely capable off-road thanks to its heavy-duty suspension and a new lift kit. According to the listing, the Bronco has covered less than 300 miles since its restoration. The auction date has been set for January 22 with an anticipated selling price of between $120,000 and $160,000, far more than you'd pay for a new, fully loaded Bronco. In fact, that's around about what you'd pay for a brand new Mercedes G-Class. But for anyone with the money, it'll be hard to resist.