History of Ford Bronco in Timeline

The Ford Bronco is a series of SUVs manufactured by Ford. The original Bronco was Ford's first SUV, produced across five generations from 1966 to 1996. After a hiatus, the Bronco was revived for the 2021 model year as a sixth generation. The Bronco name has also been used on other Ford SUVs, including the Bronco II (1984-1990) and the Bronco Sport (2021-present). The Bronco is known for its off-road capabilities and has become a popular vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts.

1965: Special Bronco Roadster for Detroit Auto Show

In 1965, Ford constructed a special Bronco roadster for the Detroit Auto Show.

1966: Dune Duster Displayed at Detroit Auto Show

In 1966, a customized version of Ford Division's 1966 Bronco, called the Dune Duster, was displayed at the Detroit Auto Show from November 27 through December 5. The utility/sports-type vehicle was designed in Ford's Styling Center and built by Parris Kustom, featuring Golden Saddle Pearl exterior paint, an NHRA-approved roll bar, walnut appliques, chrome exhaust pipes, a walnut steering wheel, front bucket seats with russet suede bolsters and perforated leather cushions, suede padding on the instrument panel, walnut-trimmed control knobs, jump seats in the rear, and a tonneau cover.

1966: Ford Bronco first-generation

The Ford Bronco first-generation. (1966–1977) inspired the 2004 Bronco concept vehicle.

1970: Dune Duster Re-dressed as the Wildflower

In 1970, Ford re-dressed the Dune Duster as the Wildflower.

1973: Ford Bronco Prototypes Developed

In 1973, Ford Advanced Light Truck Engineering developed four future Ford Bronco prototypes, shifting to a shortened F-100 chassis in response to the Chevrolet Blazer's market success. This initiative, called "Project Shorthorn", used a Chevrolet K5 Blazer top and tailgate for proof of concept and later adopted a half-cab design with F-Series doors and a removable top.

1977: Montana Lobo Built on 1977 Bronco Chassis

In 1977, the Montana Lobo was built on a 1977 Bronco chassis. It featured removable Plexiglas bubble doors, a rollbar, side pipes, fold-up bench seats, foam bumpers, a winch, a retractable loading ramp, storage compartments, a T-top roof, and a tinted window between the cab and bed.

1977: Ford Bronco first-generation

The Ford Bronco first-generation. (1966–1977) inspired the 2004 Bronco concept vehicle.

1978: Project Shorthorn Postponed to 1978

The Project Shorthorn program was postponed to the 1978 model year. It only had a two year run before a redesign.

1991: Ford Explorer Production

In 1991, Ford produced the Ford Explorer.

1992: Boss Bronco Concept Displayed at Auto Shows

In 1992, the Boss Bronco concept, a restyled Bronco with a modern design and car-like features, went on display at various auto shows. It featured a new front end, a retractable fastback roof, "lone star" yellow exterior paint, and a blue/black leather interior.

1997: Ford Expedition Production

In 1997, Ford produced the Ford Expedition.

1999: New Bronco Secretly Developed

In 1999, a new Bronco, codenamed U260, was secretly developed as a simple, inexpensive off-roader. It was planned as a 2-door and 4-door, using the Ford Ranger's T6 platform.

2001: New Bronco Project Canceled

In 2001, the new Bronco project was canceled due to company cutbacks stemming from the Firestone and Ford tire incident.

2004: Ford Bronco Concept Vehicle Unveiled

In 2004, a Ford Bronco concept vehicle was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show. Inspired by the first-generation (1966–1977) Ford Bronco, the concept featured a short wheelbase, round headlamps, and a squared-off roofline. The Bronco design was unveiled alongside a Shelby Cobra Concept at the same show.

2006: New Production Bronco Attempted and Canceled

In 2006, a new production Bronco was attempted, adapting the Bronco concept's design over the International Ford Ranger's chassis. It was planned to be exported from South Africa but was canceled due to rising gas prices, slowing SUV sales, and a weakening economy.

2018: Bronco Concept in Rampage Film

In 2018, Dwayne Johnson's character drives the Bronco concept in his film, Rampage.

2019: Ford Bronco R Prototype Introduced at Baja 1000

At the 2019 Baja 1000, Ford introduced the Ford Bronco R prototype with the drivetrain of the unreleased 2021 Bronco. It was intended to test the engine, transmission, and four-wheel-drive system for the production-spec sixth-generation Bronco.

2020: Tougher Baja 1000

The 2020 Baja 1000 race was delayed for 24 hours due to excessive rainfall, one of the Class One co-drivers Ford used in the race referred to it as the "Mud Bog 1000".

2021: Bronco Drivetrain

In 2019, Ford introduced the Ford Bronco R prototype with the drivetrain of the unreleased 2021 Bronco. It was intended to test the engine, transmission, and four-wheel-drive system for the production-spec sixth-generation Bronco.

2021: Project U260 Publicly Revealed

In 2021, the Project U260 was publicly revealed for the first time in the leadup to the sixth gen Bronco's release, with a full-size research model displayed at the 2021 Concours d’Elegance Of America.

January 2024: Chinese Market Bronco on Sale

In January 2024, the Chinese market Bronco went on sale, produced by Jiangling Ford Auto. This version features upgraded interior materials, a 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine, and is available only as a 4-door. It has a unique Ford SYNC+ infotainment system powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip with 16 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Trim levels include base, Badlands, and Everglades.