The Ford Bronco turns 60

In the automotive industry, there are many names that endured over time, and if we focus on Fordthere are several of them, such as Mustang, Ranger, series F, and the protagonist of this note: “Bronco”.

In August 1965, Ford launched El Broncothe second model of his range with a “horse” (the first was the Mustang), and remained over the years, offering in Six generations Until today, and even becoming a family. Next, we tell you its story.

Ford Bronco: The birth of a legend

To talk about Bronco originsyou have to go back to the Second World Warsince Ford was one of the three companies that worked on the development of the Jeep, (together with American Bantam and Willys-Overland), and produced 250,000 units.

After the war, the Jeep Willys It was the vehicle chosen by veterans and “adventurers”, next to the International Scout (Bronco precursor off -road), but Ford He wanted to explore a new market and made a analysis asking the owners of the vehicles mentioned their experiences.

The survey ended in 1963and revealed that the owners of Jeep y Scout They complained about several aspects:

• comfort
• The size
• The power
• driving
• The noise
• The vibrations

Taking into account the results of the analysis, on October 23, 1963, Ford presented the project of a utilitarian vehicle SUV With the internal code “Bronco”, which was then called “1966 GOAT”.

Important data: The word GOAT In English it is translated as “goat”, although in the case of Fordthey made a word game with the initialism of “Goes Over Any Terrain” (In Spanish, “it goes on any land), highlighting the off -road capabilities of the Bronco.

The first generation of Ford Bronco (1965 – 1977)

After a few years of development, the Bronco The August 11, 1965resulting in a vehicle that combined the qualities of a auto with those of a van. Its design was straight lines And I had two doorsand next to the lights Round frontthey are characteristic elements that are maintained today.

In principle, the Bronco It was offered in Three bodies:

• Roadster (convertible)
• Sports Utility (With pickup box)
• Wagon (Complete roof and rear portal)

Each of the three bodies stood out, for example, Roadster It was the most economical, and I had no serial roof or roof (They were optional), while the Sports Utility It was a simple cabin and could carry two or three people, and the Wagon It was the most chosen, with capacity to even five people Thanks to a rear seat.

Mechanically, the Bronco first generation It was offered with the following options:

• “170”: Six online cylinders of 2.8 liters and 105 hp
• “289”: V8 of 4.7 liters and 200 hp
• “302”: V8 of 4.9 liters and 205 hp (replaced 289 in 1969)
• “200”: Six online cylinders of 3.3 liters and around 120 hp (replaced 170)

The transmission In principle it was three -relationship manualalthough in 1973 -together with the incorporation of the assisted address-, the buyers of the Bronco 302 They could choose the Automatic box “Selectshift Cruise-O-Matic” of three changes.

The second generation of Ford Bronco (1977 – 1980)

While it was scheduled to 1974the oil crisis made the arrival of the Second Bronco generation It will take until 1977although the wait was worth it, resulting in a evolution important, partly thanks to the use of the Platforma de la Serie F de Fordthat allowed the dimensions to grow and improve capacities.

In matters mechanicsthe second generation left behind six -cylinder engines and only used V8 drivers:

• “351M” 5.8 liters and 156 hp
• “400” 6.6 liters and 158 hp

On the other hand, the interior of the Bronco It was more spacious than the previous one and had more equipment, such as Air conditioning and AM/FM radioboth optional.

The third generation of the Bronco (1980 – 1986)

In 1980came the Third Bronco Generationwhat was it smaller and light that the previous one, and used the F-150’s shortest platform. In addition, its arrival was key after the second oil crisis, since fuel prices had risen a lot, and this Bronco It was much more efficient than the previous one.

Mechanicallyvarious options were offered throughout the six years in which it was marketed, although the novelty was in the reinstatement of a Six online For the most economical variants. The options were as follows:

• “300”: Six online of 4.9 liters and 150 hp
• “302”: V8 of 4.9 liters and 190 hp (thanks to electronic injection)
• “351M”: V8 of 5.8 liters and 156 hp
• “351 Windsor”: V8 of 5.8 liters and 210 hp

One of the novelties of the Third Bronco Generation It was the incorporation of the Independent front suspensionwhich replaced the rigid axis, and which was well received by customers.

The fourth generation of Ford Bronco (1987 – 1992)

The Fourth Bronco Generation arrived in 1987maintaining the platform of the previous one, and adopting a design that the brand defined how “More aerodynamic”aligned with the Eighth generation of the F series.

Among the novelties of the Fourth Bronco Generationthe incorporation of the Electronic injectionhe Rear ABSin addition to the Manual transmission of five relationships of origin Mazda and an automatic four (which arrived in 1990). There were three motor options: the L6 “300”, and the V8 “302” y “351 Windsor”.

The latest generation of the classic Bronco (1992 – 1996)

The Fifth Bronco Generation debuted in 1992again, following the guidelines of the Serie F At that time, in this case, those of the Ninth deliverywith rounded lines, very large front lights, and very generous proportions.

Among the Innovations of the fifth installment of the Broncoprogress can be mentioned in securitybeing the first of the family to have side airbags, four -wheel ABS, three -point beltsand more. In addition, from 1996was the first Ford In having Giro lights in the mirrors.

Mechanically, this Bronco kept the motor trains of the previous generationalthough from 1994 the Six online and only offered with the V8.

Finally, the fifth generation of the bronco He was discontinued in June 1996but its story does not end there.

The return of Ford Bronco as a family (2020 – News)

In 2020after almost 25 years of absencehe Bronco He returned to life, with a Sixth generation that arrived to relive an icon and battle the Jeep Wrangler.

Using the Plataforma T6the SIXTH BRONCO GENERATION He arrived with a design that honored the first deliveries and has many “Easter Eggs” hidden. In addition, in other markets options are offered three or five doorswith several pieces such as Dietless doors and roof.

Ford Bronco Raptor, the most extreme variant of the sixth generation of the SUV

Level mechanicalthough the options of Eight cylindersthe SIXTH BRONCO GENERATION It offers interesting options:

• Four online cylinders, 2.3 liters turbocharged 304 hp and 441 nm
• V6 2.7 -liter gasoline biturbo, 334 hp and 562 nm

The transmission could be Automatic Ten Relationships In both cases, while the 2.3 liters It can be associated with a Seven Changes Manual Box. In Chile, the Bronco is offered since 2024 with the V6 EcoBoost Biturbo, in principle in version Wildtrakwhich this year was replaced by the “Badlands.”

On the other hand, it is important to mention that in other markets the Bronco Raptorthe most extreme version, which has a V6 Biturbo de 3.0 Litros that delivers 424 CV y 597 Nmassociated with a ten -changes automatic box, and has many Technical improvements To be able to increase your off -road capabilities.

Finally, we must mention that, with the arrival of the sixth generation, the name Bronco became a familyand in addition to the “to dry” model, the Bronco Sportand SUV with self -supporting structure more oriented to recreational use (which in Chile is sold in two versions since 2021), and in China the Bronco New Energy is to be launched, a larger and more onerous model, with electrified motor trains.

The history of Ford Bronco is still written after 60 yearsand both his name and his horse are already part of the books of the automotive industry. Happy birthday, Bronco!