Celebrating the World’s First SUV

Ford Releases 1,966 Units of each Heritage Limited Edition Bronco. But why 1,966?

The Savvy Drivers had the opportunity to drive the 2-door Advanced 4×4 Heritage edition Bronco in Race Red with plaid cloth seats. Ford’s Advanced 4WD system is an automatic on-demand system with four settings – 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L. When set to 4A (4WD Auto), the on-demand system is fully active and constantly monitors traction conditions, sending a proportional amount of torque to the front wheels as needed.

Ford will build 1,966 units for each Heritage Limited edition model to honor the year its iconic Bronco was initially launched and became the world’s first SUV.

In 1966, the Ford Bronco became the first automobile in the United States recognized as a “Sports-Utility Vehicle.” It was neither a car nor a truck but a vehicle that combined the best of both worlds. Five generations of the Bronco sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. But the tastes of American consumers began to change. So Ford scrapped its two-door sport utility vehicle to introduce the four-door Expedition. Then, another shift in consumer sentiment brought back the sixth generation Bronco for the 2021 model year—the keen interest in vehicles with off-road capabilities.

Giving Buyers Many Choices is a Ford Signature

The belief that it’s better off starting with special options from the factory says getting the Bronco right means much more to adding bigger wheels and tires. And thus, Bronco comes in various special editions. In Florida, we drove a Bronco Everglades edition. With options ranging from different roofs, to signature off-road hardware, wheels and accessories, other special editions include the Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, and Wildtrak models. And driving the Bronco Raptor with its more powerful engine and a ton of off-road hardware is another special treat.

1966 Bronco-Inspired Cues with a Modern Fair

Heritage Limited editions’ classic design elements include an Oxford White-painted roof, grille and wheels and Bronco script fender graphics.

The Heritage edition is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces an impressive 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft torque. And it comes standard with a 7-speed manual transmission. The Sasquatch Package is standard on the Heritage editions with the H.O.S.S 2.0 (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension). The system that features position-sensitive dampers with end-stop control valves, increased ride height, Dana front and rear electronic locking axles, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. For a smooth and pleasant driving experience, the Bronco Heritage editions offer five G.O.A.T. (Goes Over All Terrain) modes, including Normal, Sport, Slippery, Eco, and Sand.

All variants including the Bronco Sport, the two-door Bronco, and the four-door Bronco will offer Heritage models. Heritage Edition pricing currently ranges from $48,595 to $59,510.

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