By now you’ve all heard the news. Twenty years of hope, speculation, and wishes came true when the world learned that the infamous Ford Bronco is returning to production here in the United States. Here at Lamarque you can believe we love Ford cars and trucks as much as you do, and we’re thrilled that the Bronco is returning to our lot and to your garage (and some of our garages too!) To celebrate we thought we’d take a look back at the history of the Bronco and see what the buzz around the web is saying about this legendary machine.
The Ford Bronco was introduced to the United States in 1966, with a 92-inch wheelbase, an optional 200 HP V-8, and a base price of just over $2,000. Yeah, take a moment to let that soak in, $2,000. The first Bronco was built in Michigan and sold a little over 23,000 units in its first year. It came with a laundry list of optional extras, and was touted as an off-road vehicle that could compete with the, then current, Jeep CJ. The first incarnation of the Bronco was sold from 1966-1977 after which it was replaced by the second generation Bronco.
The second generation 1978 Bronco was larger, having been based on the F-100 pickup, and featured a 5.75L V-8 engine with an option for a larger 6.6L V-8. It also featured a rear glass panel that could be retracted into the tailgate. In 1979 a catalytic converter was added and the wheelbase was increased to a healthy 104 inches. While successful, the Bronco received another overhaul in 1980.
The third generation of the Bronco was in production from 1980-1986 and was shorter than the previous models, though it did retain the 104 inch wheelbase. Featuring a host of available options, and with more and more features being added, Ford eventually introduced a variant in 1983, the Ford Bronco II which was based on the Ranger pickup.
After receiving a major overhaul Ford introduced the 4th generation Bronco in 1987. Unfortunately, by 1987 all Bronco’s were being manufactured in Venezuela and would continue to be until the Bronco’s eventual discontinuation in 1996. With a slightly wider wheelbase, electronic fuel injection, and an optional 5-speed transmission the vehicle had come a long way from the first iteration. However, the 4th generation was not to be the end.
In 1992 the Bronco was redesigned for a fifth and (not quite!)-final time. The new Bronco added tons of new safety features and in 1995 it became the first car to integrate turn signals into the mirrors. Despite the popularity of the vehicle it was discontinued in 1996. SUV’s had become bigger and the Bronco was succeeded by the Ford Expedition in order to compete with vehicles such as the Chevrolet’s Tahoe.
It’s been almost exactly 20 years since the Bronco was discontinued and in the nearly fifth-of-a-century since then, a lot has changed. Ford has decided to invest $700 million into its Michigan plant to prepare it for the two new vehicles that will be produced there. The Ford Bronco and the soon to be reintroduced Ford Ranger will be built in the Motor City. Many speculate that the Bronco will share a body with the Ranger and will have a removable top. It is sure to be lightweight given Ford’s now extensive knowledge on how to build lightweight and sturdy trucks from recent F-Series overhauls. With a new lightweight body you can expect the Bronco to be fuel-efficient. The debut is speculated to be around 2020 though some believe it will be here a little sooner than that. What we can be sure of is that the new Bronco will offer drivers a capable off-road vehicle with everyday comforts and conveniences allowing you to conquer the mountains or your morning commute.
The future looks exciting for Ford fans and fans of the original Bronco. Whenever the new Michigan-built product arrives, it will surely create a splash! We can’t wait to get our hands on one and are thrilled that this classic will be making a return.