Ford Celebrates the 55th Anniversary of the Bronco With a New 2021 Bronco

Back in 2016 we here at the Four Wheeler Network and Truck Trend celebrated the 50th anniversary of the revered and loved Ford Bronco, and now that the Bronco is reaching its 54th anniversary, the aura of the Bronco's legend continues with the impending release of the new 2021 Bronco. With the help of our own freelance expert historian Bruce Smith, and a little help from Ford and Stroppe Performance, let's look back on the history of this legendary 4x4. The Bronco has had a lasting impact on the off-road world, entering the fray at a time when just about everyone was jumping on the small 4x4 bandwagon. The Bronco was the first commercially available 4x4 with coil front suspension with radius arms and one of the first to see a factory available V-8 as an option. The front coil suspension that was ahead of its time (and later adopted by most other manufacturers) and that rumbly and potent Ford V-8 etched an indelible mark in the off-road world, excelling in off-road racing and in within the off-road enthusiast market place.

Golden anniversaries are special. Unlike a 50th birthday, which is congratulatory celebration making it to a certain point after a born-on-date, a golden anniversary evokes a much deeper and reflective look at the most memorable highlights of the journey to reach such a benchmark. The Bronco's golden anniversary this year certainly garners that respect.

Like a couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, off-roaders who have one (or more) Broncos in their stable have a true passion for this unique 4x4. Brought to market in August 1965 as a 1966 model to compete against the Jeep CJ-5s and International Scout 800s of the time, Ford advertised it quite simply: Bronco All-Purpose-Vehicle.

Ford's new offering was love at first sight for those seeking a more civilized, smoother riding, more powerful, two-door alternative to the CJ-5s and International Harvesters of the day. Ford sold more than 35,000 Broncos during the first two years.

Brochure advertising the 1966 Ford Bronco line evokes the new 4x4 offering's outdoor appeal. (Photo Courtesy Ford Motor Company)

Ford touted the compact 4x4's maneuverability, ride, comfort, and outdoor appeal, but it was the push in the off-road racing circles that really heated up the romance with the "little" Bronco - a romance that still remains strong today. The most popular model was the wagon, followed by the half-cab with its short bed, and a rag-top roadster. Although the basic models came with a 170cid straight-six and three-speed, it was the optional 289-cid V-8 (and a long list of other accessories) that excited the off-road enthusiasts and four-wheeling crowd.

The popularity of the Bronco kick-started the advent of the sport-utility vehicle (SUV). By the early '70s SUVs such as the Chevy Blazer, International Scout II, and Jeep Cherokee were all trying to get their piece of a new, fast growing automotive niche.

Off To The Races

But it was the off-road racing scene that really put the spotlight on the early Bronco. The Ford-backed Holman-Moody-Stroppe (HMR) racing team started winning races with the bobtails in 1965, even before some dealers had them on the lot.

1977 was the last year of the "bobtail" Bronco. It was offered in 18 different colors, with either a 3spd manual or 3spd automatic behind the 302 V-8. It was the classic Bronco's best sales year.

Stroppe's early race-winning Bronco was powered by a 200cid straight-six topped with a supercharger designed for the Cobra 289. It made 315hp and sounded like "the high-pitched whine of a bumblebee in flight" according to a 1968 Ford press release. By 1969 however, the team's entries were running V-8s.

The publicity garnered from winning the longest and most prestigious off-road events of the time (Mint 400, Baja 500, Mexican 1000/Baja1000) with legendary drivers like Larry Minor, Rod Hall, Parnelli Jones and Bill Stroppe leading the charge, cemented the Bronco name in automotive history books.

That early racing glory also lead to Stroppe offering a very limited-production, special-edition "Baja Bronco" through Ford dealers from 1971-'75. The Broncos came right from the Ford plant to Stroppe's Southern California shop where they were customized with double shocks at all four corners, fender flares, roll cage, heavy duty suspension, swing-away tire carrier, auxiliary fuel tank, extra cooling, and off-road tires on wide wheels.

Stroppe's Baja Broncos were also available with a C-4 automatic and power steering, which Ford didn't offer until 1973, along with the option of competition racing harnesses, high-performance 302 and a Detroit locker in the rear. Today Baja Broncos are rare and very coveted by Ford Bronco aficionados.

Lydia Maine's 1967 "roadster" is rare as Ford only offered the ragtop during the first two years of the Bronco's production.

Winning such high-profile off-road events also had another effect that's still going strong 50 years later: Bronco owner clubs. A Ford press release in 1970 says: "Burgeoning interest in off-road vehicles such as Ford's Bronco created an entirely new field of enthusiasts who wanted to enjoy their sport more fully as members of an organized group."

A Strong Lineage

By now sales of the little Bronco were being overrun by the Blazer and Cherokee, which appealed to a broader range of 4x4 buyers seeking even more power, room and comfort than Ford's two-door bobtail offered.

The classic first Gen Bronco had a good 12-year production run. Even though total sales only topped 230,00, it played a big role in blazing the trail for not only the SUV market but also the compact SUV market of today. Ford hadn't made any major changes to it other than upgrading the V8 and automatic, so big changes were made to keep the Bronco competitive in the ever-changing SUV market.

In 1978-'79 a new 106-inch-wheelbase Bronco emerged, sitting on a shortened F-100 chassis and sharing its drivetrain. A dozen years later one of these Broncos, a '79 called "Project Deepwoods," was one of Off-Road magazine's project truck builds in 1991. Deepwoods generated more interest from readers than any other project build up to that time.

Future Off-road Hall of Famers Rod Hall and Larry Minor on their way to a first overall in the 1969 Mexican (Baja) 1000 driving in a Stroppe-built Bronco in the production 4x4 class. (Photo courtesy Stroppe Performance)

Ford kept to the same game plan from then on, staying with a bigger body based on whatever they did to the F-150. In 1980 the 3rd generation Bronco emerged, sharing the 104-inch platform and looks of the F-150. The Bronco was growing up and becoming a lot more sophisticated and refined.

The short wheelbase, roomy interior, and better suspension made the full-size Bronco popular for Ford-living families and those who wanted a very capable 4x4 truck with an enclosed cargo area. Off-roaders and outdoorsmen took to modifying the big Broncos in the same way they did the F-150s.

In 1987 Ford made another big facelift, still following the changes made to the F-150. More safety features are added and more bells and whistles to meet the demands of consumers. That 4th Gen Bronco lasted through 1991 when Ford once again made a major facelift to the 1992 F-150, and hence, emerged the 5th generation Bronco.

On June 14, 1996 the last Bronco rolled off Ford's Wayne, Michigan, assembly line - accompanied appropriately by a 1970 Bobtail. The two-door Bronco was put out to pasture, replaced by the four-door Expedition.

Bill Stroppe and Parnelli Jones at speed during the 1970 Mexican (Baja )1000. The Holman-Moody-Stroppe racing team of Broncos were hard to beat in the desert in the late '60s, early '70s. (Photo courtesy Stroppe Performance

Gone, Not Forgotten

Even though the Bronco is no longer in production, its legacy stands strong: Broncos from every generation still run the streets and trails. Those who own Broncos, especially the classic first-generation models, are loathe to let them go. When they do it's often passed down to a son, daughter, family member or close friend.

Hundreds of Bronco related how-to articles and feature vehicles have graced the pages of this magazine, its predecessor Off Road, and other four-wheel-drive publications during the last 50 years. Such articles will continue to flow just as the love of the classic bobtail, and its full-size off-spring, keep owners engaged customizing them for all types of dirt sports and off-road pursuits.

Thankfully there're a number of Bronco-specific and other aftermarket suppliers that have all the parts and accessories to restore and customize every model from every generation. We'll be highlighting many of those products in buyer's guides, how-to's and features in coming issues this year.

The winning notoriety of the Stroppe racing Broncos lead Bill Stroppe to offering limited-edition Baja Broncos like this one from 1971-1974. (Photo courtesy of Andy Gouge)

Stock or custom, early model bobtail or full-size, the Bronco still fits right in with the off-road crowd it appealed to a half-century ago when Ford brought it to life. So to all those who own, work on, make or supply parts for Broncos, be they bobtails or full-size, a toast: Happy Golden Anniversary, Bronco!

Quick Look: Broncos by Generation

1st Gen (1965-1977)

Models: wagon; half-cab; roadster; sport, Bill Stroppe Baja Bronco

Engine(s): 84hp 170cid (2.8L); 89hp 200cid I-6; (3.3L); 150hp 289cid (4.7L) Windsor V8; 137hp 302cid (4.9L) Windsor V8

Transmission(s): Ford 3-spd manual; C-4 auto ('73)

Wheelbase: 92 in.

Highlights: A lot of changes; Sport model offered in 1967; roadster dropped in 1968; the 302 V8 replacing the 289 in 1969; Dana 44 replacing the Dana 30, Baja Bronco offered in 1971; half-cab nixed in 1972; little I-6 replaced by 200cid in 1973; C-4 automatic and power steering added in 1974: 200cid I-6 and Baja model were dropped for 1975; power-assisted front disc and bigger rear brakes added in 1976; and best annual sales of 30,700 in 1977.

2nd Gen (1978-1979)

Models: Custom, XLT, Lariat, Ranger

Engine(s): 156hp 351M (5.8L); 158hp 400 (6.5L)

Transmission(s): 4-spd New Process NP435; 3-spd C6 auto

Wheelbase: 106 in

Highlights: Bigger body; new engine/trans options; new trim levels; shared F-150 front sheetmetal, chassis and drivetrain on shorter wheelbase; part-time 4wd; off-road handling package an option

"Big Oly," a 1970 model, was the most recognizable of all the racing Broncos. Parnelli Jones and Bill Stroppe won the Mexican (Baja) 1000 in record time that year and went on to set numerous other desert racing records piloting the fiberglass-bodied, 400hp, tube-chassis 2wd racer that was originally called "Crazy Colt." (Photo courtesy Stroppe Performance)

3rd Gen (1980-1986)

Models: Custom, XL, XLT, Lariat, Ranger, Eddie Bauer

Engine(s): 119hp 300 (4.9L) I-6; 137hp 302 (5.0L); 210hp 351W (5.8L)

Transmission(s): 4-spd New Process NP435; 4-spd BorgWarner T-18; 3-spd C6 auto; 4-spd Tremec RTS OverDrive

Wheelbase: 104.7 in.

Highlights: Wheelbase shortened; Twin-traction beam IFS; 351M replaced by 351W in 1982; 210hp 351W H.O. offered in 1984; first Ford truck EFI 302 in 1985; Eddie Bauer trim added in 1986

4th Gen (1987-1991)

Models: Custom, XL, XLT, Nite and Eddie Bauer

Engine(s): 150hp 300 (4.9L) I-6; 185hp 302 (5.0L); 210hp 351W (5.8L)

Transmission(s): 3-speed C6 automatic; 4-speed E4OD automatic; 4-speed AOD automatic; 5-speed M5OD-R2 manual

Wheelbase: 104.7 in

Highlights: Shares new body style with F-150; numerous trans changes/options; EFI added and engine horsepower up; Ford 9" replaced by 8.8" rear axle; 1991 25th Anniversary Edition and the E4OD auto available with all engines

5th Gen (1992-1996)

Models: Custom, XL, XLT, Nite (dropped in '93) and Eddie Bauer

Engine(s): 150hp 300 (4.9L) I-6; 195hp 302 (5.0L); 210hp 351W (5.8L)

Transmission(s): 5-speed M5OD-R2 manual; 4-speed E4OD automatic; 4-speed AOD-E automatic

Wheelbase: 104.7 in

Highlights: New body style reflecting changes in F-150; 300cid I-6 and Nite edition dropped in '93 while ABS becomes standard; 1996 model last year of production

Broncos remained popular in off-road racing long after "Big Oly" retired. Here Rothman's Class 3 battles a buggy during the 1991 Mint 400.

This '69 Bronco of Mike Stockberger's was featured in a 1991 issue of Off-Road. The same types of customization on the classic era are still happening today.

Ford offered the Bronco in three basic styles when it debuted in 1966: Roadster; Sport Utility (half-cab); and Wagon. The convertible was dropped in 1968, the half-cab four years later. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

This page from the 1966 Ford Bronco specs shows the variations offered and a list of standard features available for the new four-wheel-drive. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

The base 105hp 170cid straight-six wasn't a powerhouse by today's standards, but it was reliable and fuel efficient back in the day. The option was the 289cid V8 that powered Ford's Mustangs and Fairlanes. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

Ford really went after the outdoor lifestyle, even showing the Sport Utility model with a slide-in camper in its short bed. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

Studio shot of a 1966 Sport Utility Ford Bronco. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

Mike Johnson's '72 half-cab Bronco looks and runs a lot different than the original. His frame-off-restoration included a 425hp 408 Ford stroker, built C4 and dual transfer cases. Custom parts and accessories abound for these old classics.

By 1977 Ford had upgraded the Bronco with power steering and automatic, and the six-cylinders were long gone leaving the 302 Windsor as the only engine choice. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

The big change. In 1978 Ford switched gears and built the Bronco on the F-150 platform, increasing wheelbase to 106 inches. It was the start of an entirely different era for the Bronco. More room, more options, more comfort. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

Ford advertised the new generation Bronco with heavy emphasis on its off-road, backcountry abilities, 351 V8 and off-road options that no other full-size SUV was offering at the time. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

"Project Deepwoods" was the author's project truck at Off-Road Magazine in 1991. The camo '79 Bronco ran a built 460 with a six-inch lift, 35s and ARB Air Lockers in both ends. The year-long build had a big reader following.

The 3rd Generation Broncos, 1980-'86, evolved step-by-step with the F-150s, sharing drivetrains and interiors. Three engine options, in-line six and two V8s, gave buyers a wider range of options than the previous model. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

Early '80s Broncos were a big hit with many outdoorsmen. These hunters in south Louisiana found a big lift kit and 44-inch mudders were just the ticket when heading deep into the bayous.

When the 4th Generation came out in 1987, Ford beefed up the rear differential with a nine-inch, brought in EFI, and added a four-speed-auto with overdrive, along with implementing a growing number of safety and emissions components. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

The popularity of the 4th Gen Bronco among off-road enthusiasts continued to drive creativity. This 1988 Texas Bronco, captured in action by the author, was featured in Off-Road Magazine in 1991.

Some Bronco owners totally enjoy taking their trucks deep into the woods. This 1990 Bronco was owned by Jim Jackson of ARB Air Lockers who left many a smaller SUV in the mud back in the early to late '90s.

Getting' down and dirty deep was (and still is) a popular Bronco activity on weekends for a lot of earlier generation full-size Broncos.

The last generation of Broncos were built between 1992 and 1996 when Ford put the name and truck out to pasture, ushering in the Expedition as the replacement. It was a good 30 year run that saw a lot of variety and changes in a vehicle marketed under the same name. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

Author's 1990 Bronco was part of an Off-Road Magazine project build in the early '90s. A six-inch lift, Warn winch, 35 BFG M/Ts and lockers front and rear made it quite trail ready.

This purpose-built trail rig of Jim Shrum found the transition from the rocks of Moab to the dunes of Florence, Oregon, an easy one. His '70 bobtail runs a custom, long-travel 4-link that he designed and fabbed.

Andy Hess's '73 ragtop shows how the aftermarket supports the rebuilding and customization of the first generation Broncos.

Author pushes across a designated low-water crossing during on a Bronco road test for Four Wheeler magazine in 1988.