Ford Broncos for Sale

Is it coincidence that two of Ford?s biggest icons use...

Is it coincidence that two of Ford?s biggest icons use equine names? Probably not, as the Bronco?s launch in 1966 positioned it as the off-road counterpart to the popular Mustang: fun and stylish but also capable. Compared to competitors like the Jeep CJ and International Scout, the Bronco used coil springs for the front axle instead of stiffer leaf springs. That, and the addition of Ford?s 289 cubic inch V-8 (later enlarged to 302 cu. In.), made the 4x4 Bronco popular with both recreational and professional off-roaders. Today, the simple design and upgradability has made the first-generation Bronco hot in the collector market, in every form from rare unmodified original examples to full restomod treatments with upgraded frames and modern fuel-injected engines. Initially offered in wagon, roadster, and pickup body styles, by 1972 the wagon was the only configuration left.

In 1978, the redesigned Bronco shared hardware with the F-Series truck, a significant change that essentially divides Bronco history in two. While the later, larger Bronco is a different beast, it?s also much more comfortable. The second generation came in one style: A two door with a single-piece removable hardtop. Two V-8s were offered, a 351 or 400 making the same 158 hp.

A mere two years later, in 1980, Ford brought out a new model based on the F-150. It retained the removable roof and added Ford?s Twin Traction Beam independent front suspension. Engine choices now ranged from a inline-six, 302 V-8, and the 351. In 1985 the 302 (also known as the 5.0) added electronic fuel injection. That year also introduced the Eddie Bauer edition, which would spread across Ford?s SUV lineup as the most luxurious trim level.

Ford added to the Bronco stable in 1982 with the Bronco II, based on the compact Ranger pickup truck. Production ran until 1990 before being replaced by the Explorer. Bronco IIs are rare today, but lack the collectible status of the main Bronco lineage.

The fourth generation came in 1987, again following the styling theme of the F-150 with a more rounded, aerodynamic look. These Broncos also upped the luxury quotient with push-button four-wheel-drive. They also featured the Bronco?s first five-speed manual transmission. Finishing out the run in 1991 was a special Silver Anniversary Edition featuring leather seating for the first time.

Generation 5, which ran from 1992 to 1996, still used the same basic underpinnings as the 1980 model but finished out the Bronco?s initial production run as the most luxurious Bronco yet. While the hardtop was still technically removable, Ford made it more difficult to remove in the interest of safety. These last Broncos came in a number of special editions and paints, but is perhaps best known for the unofficial ?OJ Simpson? combination of white body and roof.

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