Photo: courtesy Ford
During its five-generation production history—1966 to 1996—terms ascribed to the ways in which Ford Bronco owners enjoyed their beloved vehicles include “used and abused,” “battered,” “rusted out” and “highly modified,” to name a few.
Designed and built by a famous automotive trio—Donald Frey, Mustang product manager; Lee Iacocca, company president from 1970-1978; and structural designer Paul G. Axelrad—these Ford employees put their considerable talents together to design and engineer the 1965 Bronco off-road truck/SUV concept to compete with off-road rivals Jeep CJ and International Harvester Scout.
Prior to the Bronco, Ford’s launch of its iconic Mustang—hot off the production line in 1964—had already captivated the hearts and cheque books of the booming, sports performance market. The 4×4 Bronco, with its own optional inline V6 or V8 engines, gained traction from Mustang’s spillover publicity, ensuring a fast-paced sales launch.
History
First generation: 1966 Ford Bronco
First-generation Bronco models could be ordered in either station wagon, half cab or roadster version, with the 3-door wagon becoming the most popular. Ford’s GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) promotion of the vehicle was an effective one that produced sales of more than 24,000 vehicles from 1966 to 1977. The 1974/75 models had the most options and are the most collectible today.
Very rare 1966 Ford Bronco U13 Roadster.
A special-edition U13 Roadster model, built for fun rather than utility, was introduced in 1966. From a total production of 5,000, only 250 of these U13 roadsters are believed to still exist, so if you find an original, buy it
Following its launch, highly modified Bronco models were used to compete in many off-road races and in 1971, when competitive race car driver Parnelli Jones won the Baja 1000 desert rally in a specially prepared Bronco called the ‘Big Oly’, a limited edition Baja Bronco was born.
Second Generation: 1979 Ford Bronco
The second-generation pick-up version was introduced in 1978. It was wider, taller, had all-wheel drive and a 3- speed automatic transmission with an innovative rear widow that lowered into the tailgate, which allowed it to fold out like a pickup.
Third generation: 1983 Ford Bronco
This was followed in 1980 by the smaller, lighter V6 model based on the F-150 pick up truck. This third generation, energy-saving model was produced until 1986.
Fourth generation: 1987 Ford Bronco
In 1987, the fourth-generation model hit the streets with more F 150 updates—V8 fuel injection engine, ABS brakes and a smoother body design, culminating with a top-of-the-line Eddie Bauer luxury trim level edition.
In 1991, the very collectable Silver Anniversary Special Edition was introduced. Featuring an exclusive Currant Red paint finish and a grey leather interior—the first time leather upholstery was used for the Bronco—Silver Anniversary production was estimated at approximately 3,000 vehicles for the 1991 anniversary year.
Fifth generation: 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer
The fifth-generation model had a five-year production run from 1992 to 1996, before luxury, family- oriented four-door SUVs that emphasized safety began to dominate the market. As a result, sales of the Bronco declined, leading to production ending in 1996, but not before benefiting from a sales boost in 1994, when the most famous production Bronco of all was chased by an armada of police cars down an L.A freeway with OJ Simpson at the wheel.
Welcome to the sixth generation
2021 Ford Bronco ‘Outer Banks’ Sport
Touted as the most anticipated release in automotive history, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is now in dealer showrooms, 55 years after it’s initial launch and some 30 years since the last production model was discontinued. Note this is not the full-bore, 2021 Bronco version which is still in production and available later this year.
2021 Ford Bronco ‘Outer Banks’ Sport
Ford describes the Bronco Sport “as tough as a F150, with the spirit of a Mustang,” and that’s quite the legacy to draw upon.
At the Detroit Auto Show in 2004, the prototype debuted as a futuristic, chunky retro SUV, designed to compete with the then-popular Jeep Wrangler model.
The 2021 production Bronco models have stayed close to the prototype’s distinctive retro design with a slight hint of Land Rover. It’s a good-looking SUV with a commanding presence, authoritative road stance and just the right emphasis on what made the original 1966 Iacocca/Frey/Axelrad creation so successful.
Not unlike the early models, the 2021 Broncos come in two-door and four-door versions, along with a dizzying number of standard options in six-model choices—all with adventuristic names like Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands and top-of-the-line Wildtrak.
The Bronco Sport Outer Banks model (as shown) has no less than 12 Exterior Standard features, 12 Interior Standard features, 15 Functional and 8 Safety/Security Standard features, all for a base MSRP of around $40,000 Canadian.
Two EcoBoost engines are offered—1.5L/181-horsepower/3-cyclinder Turbo or 2.0L/245-horsepower/4 cylinder, both with 8-speed automatic transmissions that come with GOAT settings.
Just like the previous generation Broncos, the sixth-generation model is already being given the worthy designation of “future classic.”
For model choices and a complete list of options connect to www.ford.com/bronco
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Hagerty Bronco values for collector enthusiasts (prices in US$ as quoted Sept 2021):
#3-Condition = VERY GOOD
Completely operable original or “older restoration” showing wear; also, a good amateur restoration, all presentable and serviceable inside and out. Plus, combinations of well-done restoration and good operable components or a partially restored car with all parts necessary to complete and/or valuable NOS part.
First generation: 1966-1977; average #3-condition, valued $40K. Most popular model with the V-8 engine can go for $80K plus, or double today’s price of the 2021 Base Bronco
Second generation: 1978-1979; average #3-condition, valued $25K
Third generation: 1980-1986; average #3-condition, valued $11K
Fourth generation: 1987-1991; average #3-condition, valued $10K
Fifth generation: 1992-1996; average #3-condition, valued $13K—experiencing a surge in popularity, with prices increasing.