One of the earliest promotional pictures of a Bronco, note the grill, the paint lines follow the eyebrows on the grill. This is only on the earliest advertisements. Perhaps this is why the '66 Broncos were the only ones with eyebrows?
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We will start with the introduction of the SUV by Willy's Overland Motor Company.
1946
Willy's Overland introduces the Jeep "station wagon"
1949
The Jeep "station wagon" gets four-wheel drive, creating the World's 1st SUV. Later a pick-up and convertible roadster are offered.
1960
International Harvester introduces the Scout, Ford takes serious notice, internal discussions begin. International designed the Scout to be 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, a wagon, a pick-up or a roadster, all built on the same platform.
This design set the stage for the Bronco and the Jeepster Commando.
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1963
Early August of 1963, Ford Product Manager Donald Frey puts out a "product discussion memo" about the possibility of building a competitor to the Scout and Jeep.
August 20th, 1963 Ford designer Mckinley Thompson Jr. creates the 1st renderings for the project vehicle tentatively named "Bronco".
Ford sends out a questionnaire to approximately 300 four-wheel drive clubs asking what they would change about their vehicles.
October 23rd, Ford sends out a confidential memo to executives about the proposed project vehicle.
October 29th, 1st clay mock-up of the Bronco created the body lines mimic that of the then current production F-series trucks.
November 8th, another drawing with dimensions, this one looked like the final production model.
November 21st, second clay mock-up of the Bronco was created.
Friday November 22nd, more drawings are created, at 1:30 pm Detroit time it is announced the President Kennedy had been assassinated.
November 27th, 3rd clay mock-up completed.
December 6th, a 4th clay mock-up completed.
January 9th, 1964, clay mock-up of the 1/2 cab pick-up created.
February 1964, Lee Iacocca green lights the Bronco project.
July 14th, another clay mock-up completed.
Sometime in August or September, Budd Company is contracted to build the Bronco body tubs.
1965
June, Bronco models provided to Motor Trend and others for testing.
August 10-11, 1965, The Bronco is unveiled to the public at a press event held at the Detroit proving grounds in Romeo Michigan. Two dozen Broncos all set up with different options are driven, probed and tested by members of the press.
Broncos begin hitting dealerships in the fall of 1965
1966
Three models available, U-13 Roadster, U-14 "Sports Utility" Pick-up and the U-15 Wagon, three top options, 3 seating options, 10 paint color options, two tire/wheel options, one motor option (105hp 170ci six cylinder), one transmission (3 speed manual).
The 200hp 289 ci V-8 option is added in February 1966.
Sales for 1966 are as follows:
Wagon: 12,756
Pick-up: 6,930
Roadster: 4,090
Total: 23,776
1967
Some new standard features were added including padded sun visors, back up lights, dual reservoir master cylinder, self-adjusting brakes and variable speed wipers. An auxiliary 11.5 gallon gas tank became an option. Transfer case shifter changed to a locking T-handle with indicator showing what gear you were in.
The Sport option is added for $189 and included chrome trim inside and out. Paint options increased to 13 colors.
A number of Broncos are sent to Columbia as a special export. Also that year 120 Military spec Broncos were built for the US Armed Forces.
Sales for 1967 are as follows:
Wagon: 10,930
Pick-up: 2,602
Roadster: 698
Total: 14,230
1968
Heater/Defroster became standard equipment. The 289 was swapped for the new 302 ci V-8, reflectors were added to front and rear fenders per DOT. The oil bath air cleaners were replaced with paper elements.
13 paint options, "Swing Away" exterior spare tire mount added as an option. Interior door handles changed, Sport models get their own badges.
The Rocky Mountain Sportsman Special package is offered to Colorado Ford dealers.
Sales for 1968 are as follows:
Wagon: 14,419
Pick-up: 2,210
Roadster: 212
Total: 16,841
1969
The Roadster option is dropped, along with the fold down windshield knobs (windshield could still be folded, but the knobs were replaced with bolts and the latches to hold the windshield to the hood were removed).
Electric wipers replaced the vacuum ones. The 302 fender badges appeared.
Lighted marker lights replaced the reflectors per DOT, front blinker lenses changed to amber and increased in size as well, paint options increase to 15.
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Sales for 1969 are as follows:
Wagon: 18,639
Pick-up: 2,317
Total: 20,956
1970
paint choices increase to 17
The Rocky Mountain Sportsman Special is discontinued.
Sales for 1970 are as follows:
Wagon: 16,750
Pick-up: 1,700
Total: 18,450
1971
Dana 44 front axle replaced the Dana 30.
Paint options increase to 18 colors
January 28th, Baja Bronco debuts, ordered from the local dealer, built by Stroppe in Long Beach CA.
Sales for 1971 are as follows:
Wagon: 18,281
Pick-up: 1,503
Total: 19,784
1972
The full top Wagon remains the only model as the 1/2 Cab was dropped from production.
The Ranger & Explorer trim packages were added, Explorer was a Sport with more color choices, Ranger was a Sport with a few more options. Paint options reduced to 17 colors.
Total production of the Bronco in 1972 is 21,115
1973
Explorer option becomes its own package, separate from the Sport.
The 170ci Six Cylinder is replaced with a 200ci version. Transfer Case shifter changes to the "J shift" style.
Power Steering option is added, Paint options remain at 17 colors.
Total production of the Bronco in 1973 is 21,894
1974
3.50 gear ratio standard with no other option,
Paint options increase again to 18 colors
Total production of the Bronco in 1974 is 25,824
1975
Six cylinder is dropped, 302 V-8 is now the only engine option. Sport & Ranger packages got the new F-100 steering wheel, engine block heater became an option.
Paint options remain at 18 colors
The Baja Bronco production ends, the remaining painted Broncos (around 50) are sent to Denver to be sold as a promotional "Denver Bronco". Also, this year a promotional Bronco called the "Bronco Macho" is prepared and sold throughout Oklahoma.
Total production of the Bronco in 1975 is 13,125, the lowest of the entire production run.
1976
Special Decor package added, power disc brakes added as an option and electronic ignition became standard.
Paint options remain at 18 colors.
Waldoch Crafts in Minnesota creates a special edition Bronco for the Minnesota market, called the "Northlander Savage" edition.
Total production of the Bronco in 1976 is 15,256
1977
Last year of production, Power disc brakes became standard equipment. Gas filler doors are added per DOT requirements.
Explorer trim package dropped.
Paint options remain at 18 colors.
Ford Sponsors the "Limited Edition Sail" cross country balloon expedition and has Bill Stroppe and RVI of California prep some vehicles including two Broncos, one acting as an ambulance. Additional Broncos are built by RVI with the same paint scheme.
Total production of the Bronco in 1977 is 14,546
Total production #s
Wagon: 203,535
Pick-up: 17,262
Roadster: 5000
Total: 225,797
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