The iconic off-roader has just been revived in North America after a 25-year hiatus. Is there a chance to do it in Australia once again, for the first time since 1987? At this point, things don't sound good, as the latest statements from the Blue Oval management say it won't be sold in this part of the world. However, off-road enthusiasts refuse to believe in this and hope that the officials will change their minds.
For those unfamiliar with the Bronco nameplate – we are talking about one of the most iconic SUVs of all time. It was in production for three decades in North America, while the Australian model was offered between 1981 and 1987. That was enough to gain the status of a legend.
Development and Production of the Ford Bronco
First Generation (1966-1977)
The Bronco was born in the ‘60s, the era where most buyers were crazy about muscle cars. Off-roaders were reserved for farmers and nature-lovers, or drivers that don’t buy SUVs to show off (like many do today) but to use them on rugged terrains. For that reason, the market was reserved for just two off-roaders – Jeep CJ5 and International Scout – but the Blue Oval Company wanted its piece of cake, too.
After a few years of development, the production version was officially launched in 1966. The new model was named Bronco, and it was offered in three body styles – 3-door SUV, 2-door pickup, and convertible.
The goal was to offer a capable SUV that was also very affordable – a perfect choice for the working class. One of the issues was that Ford built the Bronco from scratch, without any parts shared with any other Ford or Lincoln model of the time. So, how could they produce an inexpensive vehicle?
The solution was to install cheap parts, such as flat glass surfaces, straight bumpers, and similar things. They also streamlined the offers, and there were no entry-level or high-end variants. All versions were equipped with leaf springs on the rear axle, four-wheel drive, and long-travel suspension. The only available upgrade was a heavy-duty suspension setup.
The original Bronco was pretty compact, measuring just 2,337 mm in wheelbase, with a total length of 3,848 mm.
The initial version was offered with a 2.8-litre inline-six that produced a max output of 78kW. Soon after, the company added an optional 4.7-litre V8 with 149kW. In 1969, the V8‘s capacity was increased to 4.9 litres. The same thing happened to the inline-six in 1973 – it went up to 3.3-litres in displacement.
The first generation was in production between 1966 and 1977.
Second Generation (1978-1980)
The first generation was in production for eleven years, enough time for many things to happen. Meanwhile, many new competitors appeared – models like Chevy Blazer, Dodge Ramcharger, and Jeep Cherokee. All of them were much bigger than Bronco.
Logically, the biggest change for the second-generation Bronco was its size. The new model featured 2,642 mm in wheelbase, which is 305 millimetres longer than the original. The total length went all the way up to 4,580 millimetres.
Besides the bigger size, the new model also featured bigger engines – 5.8- and 6.6-litre V8 units.
Third Generation (1981-1987)
If we look at annual sales, the second generation is by far the most successful Bronco in history. That may be why the company decided to develop an entirely new model after just a few years. The goal was to make the Bronco even better, as well as conquer the global market. For the first time, the Bronco became available outside North America – in Australia.
The new generation retained the wheelbase, while the overall dimensions were also pretty similar to the predecessor. Engineers managed to save about 170kg, but this weight reduction resulted in a much weaker frame. By 1982, the frame was upgraded, and there were no weight differences anymore.
When it comes to the suspension setup, the third-generation model featured a Dana 44 front axle with an independent suspension. On the other end, the format was pretty much the same as in the second generation – a 9-inch axle with leaf springs. Later models were equipped with an 8.8 rear axle.
Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2660mm
- Height: 1873mm
- Length: 4816mm
- Width: 1990mm
- Turning circle: 11.2m
- Rear track: 1636mm
- Front track: 1654mm
Engines
The Ford Bronco Australia was assembled in the local Broadmeadows plant, and it was in production between 1981 and 1987. What's particularly interesting about this generation is that the Australian version was equipped with locally-derived engines, with a couple of units that weren't available in North America.
The base engine was a 4.1-litre inline-six, coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. A 3-speed automatic was added as an option in 1984.
A 5.8-litre V8 was available as an option, with a 3-speed automatic and 4WD layout.
Ford Bronco 4.1 4x4 Engine Specs
- Engine capacity: 4089cc
- Fuel type: Leaded Petrol
- Number of cylinders: inline-six
- Max power: 105kW
- Max torque: 310Nm
- Transmission: 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic (1984-1987 model years)
- Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive
Ford Bronco 5.8 4x4 Engine Specs
- Engine capacity: 5766cc
- Fuel type: Leaded Petrol
- Number of cylinders: V8
- Max power: 162kW
- Max torque: 410Nm
- Transmission: 3-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive
Beyond 1987 (4th and 5th Generations)
Unfortunately, the third generation was the only one to be offered in Australia. The Australian Bronco was discontinued in 1987, and Ford introduced two more generations in North America since then.
The fourth generation was in production between 1988 and 1992, and it came with a couple of interesting upgrades. All engines received fuel injection, while Mazda’s 5-speed manual transmission replaced the old 4-speed unit. A new automatic gearbox was also introduced.
The fifth generation arrived in 1992, bringing a new 4-speed automatic transmission, engine upgrades, and ABS brakes. It was discontinued in 1996 and replaced with bigger and more practical (but also less off-road capable) models – Explorer and Expedition.
The Sixth Generation of Ford Bronco – 2021 Comeback
After 25 years, the legendary nameplate was revived. The all-new Bronco arrived this year with a completely new design but with a strong connection to its predecessors. It is designed to compete with the legendary Jeep Wrangler, and that's why it comes in two styles, as a 2- and 4-door SUV. It features removable doors and top, while the styling closely resembles the original model from the ‘60s.
As you would expect, the Ford Bronco 2021 has a huge off-road potential. You can get some pretty serious hardware, such as a Bilstein suspension, locking front and rear differentials, skid plates, rock rails, a sway bar, trail control, trail turn assist, and one-pedal trail driving.
Engines
The new model features significantly smaller engines than its predecessors but is actually more powerful and capable. A 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo-four engine is reserved for base models, and it features a max output of 201kW and 419Nm of max torque. Interestingly, this engine is available with Ford's new 7-speed manual transmission and a more common 10-speed automatic, the same one that the current-generation Ranger uses.
The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 comes with automatic transmission only. It features a max output of 231kW and 542Nm of max torque.
The new Bronco is currently available only in North America.
Is the Ford Bronco 2021 coming to Australia?
The new Bronco rides on the same T6 platform as Ranger (developed by Ford Australia), and that's the main reason why we all believed that Ford would offer a right-hand-drive version. Unfortunately, that won't happen. The Ford Australia officials denied the possibility of importing the new Bronco. The smaller Ford Bronco Sport won't be coming either, reports say.
This means that Australian drivers won't get the new Bronco, at least not officially. On the other hand, Crossover Car Conversions (a company located in Melbourne) confirmed that it would import the new Bronco, converting it to right-hand drive. However, we still don't know the details.
What we know is that the Ford Bronco price in Australia would be very high. Count on increased prices from dealers (due to high demand in North America), import taxes, and conversion expenses. These things can skyrocket the price, which currently starts at around 28,000 US dollars in North America.
How to Keep Your Old-Model Broncos on the Road
If you own a classic third-generation Ford Bronco, you know how hard it is to find parts for it. Fortunately, we can help you. All you need to do is register on our website and request a part, and we will help you find what you need.
By Nebojsa Grmusa