INTRODUCTION

The 1966 Ford Bronco was Ford’s first compact SUV, designed to compete with the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout. It launched a new era of off-road capability wrapped in a more civilized and user-friendly package. With its rugged construction, simple design, and go-anywhere attitude, the Bronco quickly earned a loyal following and laid the groundwork for what would become a legendary nameplate in American automotive history.

HISTORY & ORIGINS

The Bronco was introduced in August 1965 as a 1966 model, developed under the direction of Donald N. Frey and Lee Iacocca—the same team behind the Ford Mustang. Unlike other utility vehicles of the era, the Bronco was built on its own unique chassis rather than adapting a truck or car platform. This allowed it to be both sturdy off-road and maneuverable on-road. Ford marketed it as a “sports utility” vehicle, a term that would later define an entire segment.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

The 1966 Bronco launched with a single engine, but by mid-year an optional V8 was added:

• 2.8L (170 cu in) Inline-6

  • 105 horsepower

  • 156 lb-ft of torque

  • Mated to a 3-speed manual transmission (column-shifted)

• Optional 4.7L (289 cu in) V8 (introduced March 1966)

  • 200 horsepower

  • 282 lb-ft of torque

  • Also with a 3-speed manual, but added significant towing and hill-climbing power

All 1966 Broncos came standard with:

• Four-wheel drive

• Dana 20 transfer case

• Dana 30 front axle and Ford 9-inch rear axle

DESIGN & FEATURES

The 1966 Bronco featured a simple, boxy design for maximum utility and off-road clearance. Key design features included:

• Flat fenders, short wheelbase (92 inches), and high ground clearance

• Removable steel roof and doors (on Wagon and Roadster trims)

• Single round headlights, metal bumpers, and minimal trim

• Three body styles: Wagon (hardtop), Half Cab (pickup), and Roadster (open-air)

Interior design was minimal but functional:

• Painted steel dash with basic instrumentation

• Vinyl bench seats

• Rubber floor mats and optional heater

• Optional auxiliary fuel tank, tow hooks, and locking hubs

TRIM LEVELS & VARIANTS

Ford offered the Bronco in three configurations for 1966:

1. Bronco Wagon – Full-length body with a removable hardtop; the most popular and versatile

2. Bronco Half Cab – Short cab and small pickup bed; targeted utility use

3. Bronco Roadster – No doors or roof, open-air off-roader; low production numbers, rare today

All trims shared the same chassis, drivetrain, and basic dimensions, with minor cosmetic differences.

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

Safety features were minimal by modern standards, but included:

• Laminated safety glass

• Basic seat belts (lap only)

• Manual drum brakes (front and rear)

• Manual steering

The simplicity of the design meant there was little to break, and maintenance was straightforward, a major selling point for off-roaders.

FUEL ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY

EPA fuel economy ratings didn’t exist in 1966, but estimated real-world MPG:

• Inline-6 models: ~14–16 MPG

• V8 models: ~12–14 MPG

With a 12-gallon fuel tank and optional auxiliary tank (11.5 gallons), range varied from 200 to 300 miles, depending on driving style and terrain.

MARKET COMPARISON

In 1966, the Bronco’s primary competitors were:

• Jeep CJ-5 – More established and rugged, but less comfortable on-road

• International Harvester Scout – Similar utility, but larger and heavier

• Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 – More expensive, better off-road capability, but limited availability in the U.S.

The Bronco stood out for its combination of simplicity, capability, and daily usability, which helped it quickly build a loyal fan base.

PRICING

• Original MSRP (1966):

  • Base price: ~$2,194

  • With options (V8, hardtop, auxiliary fuel): ~$2,700–$3,000

• Current Market Value (2025):

  • Project condition: ~$15,000–$30,000

  • Restored original: ~$60,000–$100,000

  • Highly customized or rare variants (e.g., Roadster): $100,000–$200,000+

Values have surged due to the Bronco’s collectible status and the reintroduction of the nameplate in 2021.

NOTABLE AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• Widely credited as one of the first “modern” SUVs

• Named a Hagerty “Collector Car to Watch” for appreciation potential

• Popular in vintage off-road competitions and 4×4 clubs

• High-profile builds by ICON, Gateway Bronco, and Jay Leno’s Garage have spotlighted its cultural impact