1971 Ford Bronco

First introduced for the 1966 model year, the Bronco was Ford’s first stab at a dedicated sports utility vehicle, although that term didn’t come along until later. It was available in three versions: Roadster, Sports Utility (pickup) and Wagon, all of which same on the same 92-inch wheelbase chassis that had been created especially for the Bronco. Stretching 151.5 inches overall, Ford’s new small truck slotted between the Jeep CJ5 and International’s Scout.

The chassis may have been all new for the Bronco, but many other components were lifted from the existing Ford product line, including the front and rear axles, which were modifications of the axles used on four-wheel-drive F-Series pickups, and a modified transfer case derived from that also used on the F-Series. The 170cid, 105hp inline six was also an existing Ford component, and the only engine offered initially at the Bronco’s introduction.

Production for all 1966 Bronco models combined totaled almost 23,776, a figure never again matched for the original 92-inch chassis version, despite the addition of an optional 289cid V-8 for the 1967 model year.

Options and details may have changed, but the 1971 Bronco was little changed from the original, although the Roadster version was last offered in 1968. For 1971, a stronger driven front axle was offered, and was accompanied by a few other minor changes to standard equipment, although the options list was longer than ever.

Hagerty’s Bronco wagon was delivered with the optional 302cid V-8 andthe standard four-speed automatic transmission. This Bronco Wagon is one of 19,784 (1,503 Bronco pickup and 18,281 wagons) built in 1971. Hagerty acquired it for its good, straight body, and then performed a comprehensive mechanical restoration.