The Ford Bronco: A Classic SUV Making a Comeback
Ford built the Bronco from the 1966 through 1996 model years, but it was replaced by the Expedition. In 2021, a brand-new Bronco appeared to do sales battle with the Jeep Wrangler. Broncos from the early years are rare and hard to find in good condition. This 1983 model, found in a Denver-area junkyard, is a special find due to its rarity and condition.
### The Evolution of the Ford Bronco
The first-generation Bronco was built from 1966 to 1977 on a bespoke chassis with a short wheelbase. In 1978, the Bronco moved to a shortened F-Series truck chassis, increasing in size and weight. The Bronco continued to be part of the F-Series family until production ended in 1996. This 1983 model belongs to the third generation of the Bronco, produced from 1980 to 1986.
### Features of the 1983 Ford Bronco
This ’83 Bronco was built in December 1982 in Michigan and sold through the sales office in Seattle. It is equipped with a 300-cubic-inch straight-six engine, with the option of 302 and 351 Windsor V8s. The base transmission is a four-on-the-floor manual with an overdrive top gear. Despite lacking many options, it did come with a rear window defroster.
### Comparing the Bronco to the Bronco II
Ford introduced the compact Bronco II in 1984, based on the Ranger platform, while continuing to produce the full-sized Bronco. The current Bronco, released in 2021, is also based on the Ranger platform, making it the spiritual successor to the Bronco II. The Bronco II was a departure from the F-Series-based Broncos of the previous years.
### Price and Marketing of the 1983 Ford Bronco
The base price of the 1983 Bronco was $10,589, equivalent to about $33,948 in today’s dollars. Options like air conditioning were available but at an additional cost. Ford marketed the Bronco aggressively, with promotions like National Ford Truck Week offering deals on new ’83 models.
As Ford resurrects the Bronco for a new generation of SUV enthusiasts, it’s interesting to look back at the evolution of this iconic vehicle. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s to its transformation into a full-sized truck-based SUV, the Ford Bronco has left a lasting legacy in the automotive world. Whether you’re a fan of the classic models or excited about the latest version, the Bronco continues to captivate drivers with its rugged charm and off-road capabilities.