From the first drawings in the early 1960s to today's uber-popular new Bronco, get the full story of Ford's legendary SUV in this stunningly illustrated volume.
Ford Bronco offers a complete history, from the original Bronco's introduction as a 1966 model through the following four generations ending in 1996 all the way to Ford's all-new, brilliantly styled Bronco introduced for the 2021 model year.
When Ford introduced the Bronco for the 1966 model year, its intent was to get a slice of the off-road and outdoor enthusiast utility market then owned by the popular Jeep CJ and International Harvester Scout. What Ford couldn't know at the time was that it was creating a legend-a rugged, square-shouldered vehicle that would exist in its original form through 1977 and in various guises for a further 20 years, wrapping up its first life in 1996.
Since the Bronco's retirement, the SUV/crossover sector has become the dominant segment of the automotive market. Nearly all manufacturers-even exotics like Lamborghini and Bentley-offer SUVs in their line-ups. In fact, Ford has largely discontinued passenger vehicles (except the Mustang) in favor of trucks and SUVs. Simultaneously, the collector market has turned its eye to vintage SUVs and trucks, the former growing significantly over the past 5 years. Classic Broncos have doubled in value over that period, regularly selling at prices ranging from $40K to $100K.
The story picks up in 2017 when Ford announced plans to revive one of its most hallowed nameplates: Bronco. Brilliantly styled to pick up the beloved, boxy cues of the original, customers began dropping deposits as soon as the order books opened. Ford still struggles to meet demand with speculators flipping new Broncos on the secondary market for thousands over invoice.
Beautifully produced and expertly written, Ford Bronco is a must-have book for all Bronco and SUV enthusiasts.
Pete Evanow spent many years working for Ford-associated brands, including Saleen AutoSport, where he served as Vice President of Marketing, overseeing the promotion of the company's Mustangs and its race teams, as well as the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Phoenix, where he was Vice President of Sales & Marketing during the period when Ford was the school's overall sponsor, providing Mustangs, Taurus SHO instructor vehicles, and Formula Ford racecars. Evanow also worked in Dearborn for Campbell Marketing and Communications, a motorsports, public relations, and marketing agency closely aligned with Ford. As a collector of classic cars, Evanow has owned a 1965 Thunderbird Special Landau, a 1966 Mustang Convertible, several Explorers, and a 1993 Bronco (which he wishes he still had). He currently drives a 1966 Ranchero on weekends. Evanow also worked at Nissan Motorsports and is the author of Motorbooks' Nissan Z, the official 50th anniversary history of this legendary Japanese sports car. He currently teaches Advertising courses at California State University, Fullerton, and Sports & Entertainment Marketing classes at Chapman University in Orange, California, as well as consults with automotive clients. He resides in Orange County, California.
Foreword by Shelby Hall - A True Family Legacy1 Blue Oval Icons at OakwoodDesign CentralDonald Frey, PhD, 1923–20102 The Overpowering Draw of the Sport Utility VehicleWho Deserves Credit for the First SUV?3 The First Bronco, 1966–19774 Bronco Generations Two through Five, 1978–19965 Future Plans Require Prototypes6 The Rebirth of the BroncoBronco vs. Bronco Sport7 Bronco Gets a Return EngagementUpdated Bronco LogoFaith-Based and Charitable BroncosBronco Easter EggsColors, Oh My!Bronco Scout?8 Building the New BroncoGreen Inside the Blue OvalMaking the Best Even BetterFord+9 A Tale of Two Chassis—Bronco II and Bronco Sport10 Bronco Has a Strong FollowingWomen Who Make Their Mark on the Marque11 The Customer Speaks Out LoudBroncos in Movies12 The Aftermarket SpeaksSupply and Demand13 aRacing Becomes RealityShelby HallEpilogue: Carry OnAppendicesAcknowledgmentsIndex