Ford Bronco
Early in 2021, the new Ford Bronco arrives on the market. Fans of off-road vehicles are already giddy with excitement. However, fans of the vintage Bronco have always continued browsing secondhand car ads. The topic of "old Bronco vs. new" arises: should you hunt for a vintage Bronco on eBay Motors or hold out till the redux?
New Bronco Power vs. Old Bronco Power
In July 2020, Ford revealed the redesigned Bronco to the public. It outperforms the original in terms of off-road ability and performance. It is a daily driver capable of taking on the trickiest trails.
The first-generation Bronco appears weak in comparison to modern standards. Its 170 cubic-inch straight-six base engine produces a meager 158 pound-feet of torque and 105 horsepower.
Compare that to the recently released EcoBoost four-cylinder, 2.3-liter basic engine. That will provide a torque of 310 pound-feet and 270 horsepower. That is two times as loud.
See what an antique 1967 Ford Bronco looks like beneath the hood and in the driveway.
A Tale of Two Transmissions
It would be like comparing the 2021 Ford Bronco to the Flintstones or the Jetsons regarding four-wheel drive systems. One option for the vintage Bronco was a three-speed manual or an automatic. The new model, meanwhile, has a ten-speed automatic or a seven-speed manual.
Ford designed the latest model to enable "Go Anywhere Any Time (GOAT)" for everyone. For beginners, it features cruise-like Trail Control and push-button ease.
Old Bronco Simplicity vs. New Bronco Comfort
There is a noticeable distinction between contemporary and vintage Broncos regarding creature comforts and in-cabin electronics.
The latest Bronco provides:
- An available 12-inch infotainment system
- Off-road navigation
- and 360-degree cameras
When did someone last force you to listen to an AM radio on a single speaker from the 1960s?
The newest Bronos version resembles a smartphone more than a tough off-road vehicle. It lacks the original ruggedness and appearance. A brand-new production car cannot replicate an original Bronco's purity. Modern safety and pollution regulations are to blame for it.
An Old Ford Bronco Rewards Driving Skill
Vintage Bronco lovers, driving the original off-road takes skill, while driving it on the street takes determination. Warm chairs?
Forget about it. Escape from the world of high technology? Yes, exactly.
What Does an Old Ford Bronco Cost?
Most wanted is the early, first-generation Bronco (1966–1977). Year over year, it's also the rarest; production peaked in 1974 at roughly 26,000 pieces. Over time, classic Broncos have become much more expensive.
When Ford first introduced its small SUV in 1966, it had a reasonable sticker price starting at about $2,200. These days, it is a different story. Friendly drivers can charge fifteen times as much. A fully restored Bronco may run up to $80,000 or more.
It's easy to spend more than $100,000 on a restored Bronco. Future pricing takes a lot of work to anticipate.
It's difficult to imagine a decent, vintage Bronco losing value. The Buy-It-Now price of this red 1967 Bronco restomod is $79,500 right now. Who knows what it will be worth in the years to come?
People with extra money should keep their vintage Bronco in the garage for special events. Drive the new Bronco in the interim. The new vehicle, with a starting price of $29,995, must be constructed and driven, not parked and coddled.
Many aftermarket Bronco parts are available, and countless mod options exist. The 2021 model exhibits off-road proficiency from the moment of purchase. However, Bronco suspension kits continue to enjoy widespread popularity.
Traditional Bronco Restoration vs. Bronco Restomod
It's a philosophical choice to restore an ancient Ford Bronco traditionally or as a restaurant. Taking the conventional path may result in lower costs.
But there is no limit to customisation with restomods. If you are dissatisfied with a straight-six and a three-speed manual, replace the original drivetrain.
Look at this hot, traditionally restored 1974 Bronco, tastefully restored in ginger. It has the following features:
- The original carbureted 302 cubic-inch V-8 engine
- An automatic transmission
- All original sheet metal
The seller, Homer City, Pennsylvania-based Hanksters Hot Rods, offers a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty.
This original Bronco was advertised for US $54,900. (Remember that this repaired Bronco might be worth more in a year or two, unlike a new vehicle that is losing value).
In contrast, Vintage Broncos had a 1974 Bronco restaurant constructed entirely in its Atlanta shop listed. (The September 11th listing expired.)
Nearly every component on the '74 Bronco is brand-new. This comprises:
- Wilwood power disc brakes
- Vintage Air AC/Heat
- and Amp Research retractable power steps
A 5.0-liter fuel-injected crate V-8 with a five-speed manual or automated gearbox was available to buyers.
When we construct a custom Bronco to your specifications, you can get what you desire.
Great project cars are early Broncos. Many possibilities exist; you can easily locate parts and work on them.
Original, first-generation Broncos are expensive. Deals are available for subsequent model years. Sales took off when the second generation joined the fray in the 1978 model year. At its height, production exceeded 100,000 pieces.
If you intend to construct a Bronco for yourself, consider building a second-generation model (1978–1979) as well. Alternatively, consider the third-generation model (1980–1986).