Ford's squared-off, first-generation Broncos are hot today but, by the early 1970s, they'd lost their edge. The all-new 1973 Chevrolet Blazer, which was larger and more luxurious than the original Bronco, found 44,841 buyers in its debut year, versus 21,894 for the Ford. By 1976, Blazer production soared to 74,389 while Dearborn made just 13,265 Broncos.
The handwriting was on the wall: Ford needed a sport utility based on a full-size, half-ton truck like General Motors' Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy twins and Chrysler's Dodge Ramcharger/Plymouth Trailduster, or the International Harvester Scout II.
If you talk to people today who see these vintage SUV's many get all glassy-eyed, dopey looking and lovey-dovey by just the thought of them. But you know they've never driven one nor know the history behind them.
I've had friends buy old Bronco's and Wagoneer's and email me and say there's something wrong with my truck. I say what is the issue? They reply, I'm only getting 9MPG! And at that point I take a sip of wine and think they were expecting 10MPG? ;)
So, the question is for YOU, does the Ford Bronco of this era bring back sweet dreams or terrifying nightmares?
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