For off-road enthusiasts, Bronco is a very unique 4×4 off-road model. Since its official launch in August 1965 as a 1966 model, the model has put a lot of pressure on its contemporary rivals, the Jeep CJ-5 and the International Scout 800, selling 35,000 in its first two years of debut Desk Bronco. Today we will take a look at the growth history of this hard-core SUV, and see if it is a wise choice for Ford to plan to bring it back, and whether it has a chance to recreate the glory of the year.
Pictured: 1966 Ford Bronco ad: Defining a new life outdoors
When Ford first launched this Bronco, it advertised more on handling, comfort and versatility, and the slogan was “All Purpose Vehicle”. But in reality, Ford arranged for this model to go to various off-road events, and the excellent race results also promoted the sales of this model. The most popular model is the wagon version, followed by a short-wheel pickup with a single cab and a version with a removable roof. However, all of these models come standard with a 2.8-liter inline-six engine and a 3-speed automatic transmission, but Ford offers a 4.7-liter V8 engine as an option. Of course, it also comes with many optional configurations, which also makes many off-road Enthusiasts love this model even more. The Bronco’s best-selling also promoted the development of SUV models. In the 1970s, Chevrolet Blazer, International Scout II and Jeep Cherokee and other models began to accelerate their upgrades.
game career
Speaking of competitions, the Bronco model was born for competitions, because almost at the same time this model was on the market, even when many dealers did not get the car, the HMR team sponsored by Ford had already won in 1965 with short The tail-end Bronco models started winning races. 1977 was the last year of the short-tailed model. Ford offered 18 different paint colors and adopted a 4.9-liter V8 engine, matched with a 3-speed manual and 3-speed automatic transmission. This year was also the sales volume of Bronco models. Highest year.
The early models of the HMR team used a 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and a supercharged method was used to further increase the power. The power output of 315 horsepower was very good. Then in 1969, the team upgraded the power, all using V8 engines. With high-performance cars and top-notch drivers such as Larry Minor, Rod Hall, Parnelli Jones and Bill Stroppe, the Bronco has won a variety of tough races, including classes such as the Mint 400, Baja 500 and Baja 1000 It has also become a classic model that has to be mentioned in the history of automobiles.
Early success also led manufacturers to expand their influence in the civilian market with very limited special edition models, such as the Baja Bronco. This special edition model adopts many targeted off-road upgrades, such as double-shock off-road suspension, roll cage, fenders, external spare tire, auxiliary fuel tank, off-road tires and an additional auxiliary fuel tank. In addition, this model also uses a power steering system. You must know that Ford did not provide this configuration until 1973 on the regular version of the model; there is also a rear axle differential lock. Originally limited and with so many years of wind and rain, it is really difficult to find a Baja Bronco model today. With this effort, you can find a classic Ferrari.
Pictured: The 1967 roadster model was produced in very small numbers and was only sold in the first two years of Bronco mass production
The success of the Bronco model in off-road competition also affects another group: the Bronco rider club. Ford said as early as 1970: “The fans interested in off-road vehicles will quickly become a unique group, and will quickly develop into a powerful organization.” Yes, they said that today The owner’s club obsessed with Bronco models.
Inheritance of lineage
Although the sales volume of Bronco model was good in the few years after it was launched, the momentum of continued growth was not as good as that of rivals Jeep and Chevrolet. The two-door short-tail models obviously do not meet the needs of consumers.
The first-generation Bronco has been produced for 12 years, and the year with the highest sales volume was only 30,700 units. Of course, it is undeniable that this Bronco has had a considerable impact on both the SUV market and today’s compact SUV market. Ford hasn’t upgraded it drastically in 12 years.
Between 1978 and 1979, Ford launched a new long-wheelbase version of the Bronco model, which was based on the short-axle F-100 pickup truck, and the power system also directly adopted the configuration of the pickup truck model. Yes, this is the first The second-generation Bronco model. The life cycle of this generation of models is very short, but the influence is not small. In 1991, 12 years later, an off-road magazine introduced a Bronco modification case, and attracted many Bronco enthusiasts. A 1979 Bronco model.
Pictured: Bronco competing in the 1969 Baja 1000
Subsequently, Ford continued to use the plan to build new cars based on pickup trucks, so in 1980 it launched the third Bronco model based on the F-150 pickup truck. The SUV shares the same wheelbase as the F-150 and even looks very similar, although it’s certainly a step up from the previous two generations.
A shorter wheelbase, more room, and better suspension make this full-size SUV one of the best-sellers on the market, and it’s more practical than the old model for families, And for those who like outdoor and off-road enthusiasts, with the experience of modifying F-150 pickups, it is no problem to get this Bronco.
In 1987, Ford made a major facelift to this car, which is the fourth-generation model, and of course it followed the facelift of the F-150 pickup. The fourth-generation Bronco pays more attention to customer needs and adds more safety equipment. The fourth-generation model was produced until 1991, and the Ford F-150 pickup underwent a major facelift, so the Bronco also launched the fifth-generation model.
On June 14, 1996, the last Bronco model was driven out of Ford’s Wayne, Michigan plant. This Bronco is not the latest model, but a 1970 short-tailed model.
Picture: Bronco participating in the Baja 1000 race in 1970. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ford’s HMS team was almost invincible
Discontinued does not mean extinct
Although the Bronco was discontinued in 1996, there are still many Bronco models on the market, and owners love this model very much, especially those who own the first generation models. For them, Bronco means more than just a means of transportation, and even allows their children to continue to take care of this “family member”.
In addition to daily household use, some car owners are still trying to conquer various difficult roads and even participate in competitions with their cars. In the years after the suspension of production, Bronco’s exposure in off-road modification magazines has not been due to the suspension of production. And reduce. Passionate enthusiasts and a huge fan base may be one of the reasons Ford decided to bring it back for its 50th anniversary.
Picture: Baja Bronco models with limited edition
Quick Interpretation of Past Models
The first generation (1965-1977)
Model: Wagon/single row/soft top convertible/Baja
Power: 84 hp 2.8 liters, 89 hp 3.3 liters, 150 hp 4.7 liters, 137 hp 4.9 liters
Transmission: Ford 3-speed manual, automatic (1974 model)
Wheelbase: 2337mm
Introduction: Sport version introduced in 1967; convertible version discontinued in 1968; 4.9-liter V8 replaced 4.7-liter V8 in 1969; Dana 44-shaft replaced Dana 30; Baja Special Edition introduced in 1971; 3.3-liter replaced 2.8-liter engine in 1973; 1974 Automatic transmission and power steering added in 1976; Brake booster system upgraded in 1976
The second generation (1978-1979)
Model: Standard Edition/XLT/Lariat/Ranger
Power: 156-hp 5.8-liter, 158-hp 6.5-liter
Transmission: 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2692mm
Introduction: size increase, power upgrade, interior upgrade; shared F-150 chassis; part-time four-wheel drive; optional off-road kit
Pictured: The 1970 Baja racing car, known as the “Big Oly”, is the most recognizable car with a tube frame structure and set multiple race records
The third generation (1980-1986)
Model: Custom/XL/XLT/Lariat/Ranger/Eddie Bauer
Power: 119 hp 4.9 liters, 137 hp 5.0 liters, 210 hp 5.8 liters
Transmission: 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2659mm
Brief: shortened wheelbase; upgraded transmission and engine; increased configuration levels
Fourth Generation (1987-1991)
Model: Custom/XL/XLT/Nite/Eddie Bauer
Power: 150 hp 4.9 liters, 185 hp 5.0 liters, 210 hp 5.8 liters
Transmission: 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
Wheelbase: 2659mm
Introduction: The new F-150 chassis is adopted, and the power matching is upgraded; the EFI electric fuel injection system brings the power upgrade; the rear axle has been strengthened and upgraded; the 25th anniversary special edition model was launched in 1991
Fifth generation (1992-1996)
Model: Custom/XL/XLT/Nite/Eddie Bauer
Power: 150 hp 4.9 liters, 195 hp 5.0 liters, 210 hp 5.8 liters
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2659mm
Introduction: The 4.9-liter engine was abandoned in 1993 and ABS became standard; production was discontinued in 1996
Various Bronco
Bronco models are a common entry in the off-road racing scene, even after the Big Oly retired for many years. The car in the picture is the Bronco that competed with the buggy car in the 1991 Mint 400 race.
1969 Bronco, participated in an off-road competition in 1991, the custom modification is very beautiful, and the off-road performance is also very good.
At the time of its introduction in 1966, Ford offered three different body styles: convertible, single-row, and wagon. The convertible model was discontinued in 1968, and the single-row version four years later.
From the configuration description of the 1966 model on this page, we can see the specific configuration of the Bronco when it was launched.
The base 2.8-liter inline-six engine is too weak today, but at the time the engine’s outstanding reliability set the stage for its off-road use. A 4.7-liter V8 is optional on the Bronco, and it’s also used in the Ford Mustang.
The Bronco has made a big impact on outdoor enthusiasts, such as this short-tailed model with a “tiny house”.
A set photo of a 1966 Ford Bronco.
The deeply modified 1972 Bronco has a power output of 425 horsepower, and its performance is evident.
In 1977, Ford upgraded the Bronco with power steering and an automatic transmission. The exit of six-cylinder power leaves the 4.7-liter V8 as the sole power configuration.
The 1978 Bronco was built on the basis of the F-150, and the wheelbase was increased accordingly, with more space, more equipment and better comfort.
Ford’s promotion of this car focused more on off-road performance. The 5.8-liter V8 engine and rich off-road optional configurations were completely beyond the reach of rivals at the time.
The modified Bronco that appeared in off-road magazines in 1991, Liu Yingcun’s elevated kit and upgraded differential lock made this car a sought after object by many players.
The third-generation model progresses with the F-150’s upgrade pace, and its power and interior configuration also refer to the F-150. Three engines, including an inline-six and two V8s, provide consumers with a wealth of choices.
In the early 1980s, Bronco was a popular choice for outdoor players. The raised chassis and oversized mud tires looked very tasty.
The fourth-generation Bronco has upgraded EFI and added a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. In addition, targeted upgrades have been made for safety configuration and emissions.
The fourth-generation Bronco has a large number of fans and is also a frequent visitor on the racing circuit. This 1988 Bronco pictured was also featured in off-road magazines.
Many Bronco players drive through the forest after washing, such as Jim Jackson and his 1990 Bronco.
The bogs are also a paradise for Bronco players.
The last Bronco, and then Ford used the Expedition model as the Bronco’s successor.
This 1990 Bronco was also an off-road magazine star, with a six-inch lift, Warn winch, 35-inch M/T tires, and front and rear differential locks to handle any terrain with ease.
A custom modified 1970 Shorttail Bronco.
The 1973 soft-top model also had a lot of potential for modification.
The Bronco in another off-road magazine in 1988.
