The Ford Bronco holds a special place in automotive history, and its classic models from 1966 to 1977 are the heart of that legacy. These vintage Broncos, starting with the 1966 Ford Bronco and ending with the 1977 Ford Bronco, defined the Ford Bronco SUV as a rugged, versatile icon. At oldbroncos.com, we’re diving into the Ford Bronco 1960s and 1970s Ford Bronco lineup—think 2 door Broncos, Ford Bronco Rangers, and more. Whether you’re a fan of the Ford Bronco Ford originals or curious about the Bronco Ford car evolution, this guide explores the classic Bronco models that started it all.
The Birth of a Legend: 1966 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco debuted in August 1965 as a 1966 model, a compact Ford Bronco 2 door built to rival the Jeep CJ-5. Known as the 66 Ford Bronco, it came in three configurations: the Ford Bronco Wagon, Ford Bronco Roadster, and Ford Bronco Half Cab. With a boxy Ford Bronco square body and a Ford Bronco 4×4 drivetrain, the 1966 Bronco offered simplicity and toughness. The Ford Bronco USA market embraced this Ford Bronco Ford Bronco, kicking off a legacy that’s still alive in the 2023 Ford Bronco.
Refining the Classic: 1967-1969 Ford Broncos
The 1967 Ford Bronco and 1968 Ford Bronco built on the debut, tweaking styling and options. The 1969 Ford Bronco introduced the Baja Bronco, a limited-edition trim inspired by off-road racing, making it a prized Ford Bronco 2door. These Ford Bronco 60s and 70s models kept the Ford Bronco full spirit alive, with the Ford Bronco Roadster fading out by ’68, leaving the Ford Bronco two as a staple.
The Full-Size Shift: 1970-1974 Ford Broncos
The 1970 Ford Bronco marked a turning point, growing into a full size Bronco to compete with larger SUVs. This 1970 Bronco paved the way for the 1971 Ford Bronco, 1972 Ford Bronco, 1973 Ford Bronco, and 1974 Ford Bronco. The 1974 Bronco debuted the Ford Bronco Ranger, a luxury trim with unique styling, cementing the Bronco truck as a versatile Ford Bronco car. These 70s Broncos balanced ruggedness with refinement, appealing to a broad Ford Bronco USA audience.
The Pinnacle of the First Gen: 1975-1977 Ford Broncos
The 1975 Ford Bronco, 1976 Ford Bronco, and 1977 Ford Bronco capped the classic era with bold updates. The 1977 Bronco offered a Ford Bronco full size frame with improved engines, while the Ford Bronco Ranger continued as a standout. The Ford Bronco 1970 lineage evolved into a Ford Bronco styles showcase, with Ford Bronco 2 door and Ford Bronco two door options dominating the Ford Bronco Ford lineup. These Ford Ford Broncos bridged to the next generation in 1978.
Beyond 1977: A Nod to the Modern Era
While this guide focuses on 1966-1977, the Ford Bronco legacy lives on. The 1978 Ford Bronco and 1979 Ford Bronco grew larger, followed by the 1980s Ford Bronco and 1990s Ford Bronco—think 1996 Ford Bronco with the Eddie Bauer Bronco. Today, the 2020 Ford Bronco, 2021 Ford Bronco, 2022 Ford Bronco, and 2023 Ford Bronco echo these classics, with the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Bronco 4 door nodding to the past. The Ford Bronco two remains a fan favorite, proving the Bronco automobile endures.
Why the 1966-1977 Broncos Matter
These Ford Bronco models—from the 1966 Ford Bronco to the 1977 Ford Bronco—are the Ford Bronco 60s and 70s classics that built the brand. Whether it’s the Ford Bronco Half Cab or the Ford Bronco Ranger, they’re the Ford Bronco Ford originals that inspire today’s Ford Bronco 2023. Visit oldbroncos.com to explore these Ford Bronco styles and find your own Ford Bronco 1970 or Ford Bronco two door classic!