Ford Bronco Review. A First Generation Masterpiece

Today, I bring you a review of the first generation Ford Bronco, a 1971 Ford Bronco. With all the hype about the new Ford Bronco I figured it would be a good idea to look at the first generation Bronco and see what it is that made this SUV a people's favorite.
In today's video, I go over some of its features then I take it for a drive and I also get to talk with its proud owner, David, who is going to explain to us what it took to bring this baby to its current amazing condition.
The first generation ran from 1966 to 1977. To me this has always been my favorite of all but please let me know what you thin about the later generations that came after this one.
This Ford Bronco was intended to compete against the Jeep CJ-5 which is a predecessor to the current Jeep Wrangler and International Harvester Scout and the Toyota Land Cruiser.
The dimensions of this first generation Bronco are eerily similar to the ones of the new Ford Bronco, it looks small but it is slightly bigger than the Ford Bronco Sport. Let's not forget that after the first generation the Bronco grew both in size and in weight. Some of you old enough will remember the white Bronco made famous by infamous OJ Simpson which in my opinion was too big and had lost most of its charm compared to this generation.
Going back to this beauty let's go over some of its features. Starting by the exterior.
This Ford Bronco has been fully restored. Dave, my friend and proud owner of this beauty, has spent the last 6 years restoring it. It was fully disassembled and every surface has been treated, coated, painted and or reconditioned to make it look as close as possible to the way it did back when it rolled out of the assembly line in Wayne, Michigan.
Under the hood it has the original 302 V8. Remember that vehicles sold prior to 1975 are not required to undergo periodic emissions testing in some states like California, which makes this vehicle even more desirable. Do you know how to drive a stick shift vehicle? Not a lot of cars nowadays come with a manual transmission. In the case of Ford Bronco, the engine is mated to a 3 speed manual transmission that is column mounted. I never liked this sloppy set up but it's what it came with from the factory. Actually, a floor mounted transmission shifter is a very popular modification. But remember, Dave tried to keep this example as close as possible to the way it came from the production line and that it's why it took him 6 years to complete this restoration.
The body design is very simple, boxy and utilitarian; a body of frame design, a true testimony of times when trucks were trucks. No independent suspension here, solid axles front and rear. All the contemporary competition to the first Generation Ford Bronco, such as the Land Cruiser, the Land Rover etc offer very similar formulas with minimal comfort in mind.
In this video I try to cover as much as possible about the characteristics of this Ford Bronco. I believe that the 1971 model is one of the better choices for this generation as it offers an upgraded engine with more displacement than the year prior.
Keep an eye out for this beauty as David told me that he might soon be putting this Ford Bronco FOR SALE ON BRING A TRAILER as his plans have changed and he no longer has the room to keep this fine example of a Classic Vehicle Restoration.
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[@Calico997]

This is absolutely special there are very few uncut broncos left

[@JuanCarlosLTO]

I know! I loved it. Dave, the owner bought 2 with plans to keep at least one but he ended up selling both after many years of restoration. I also like the uncut look.

[@terrykay2858]

Nice video Juan. Thanks for posting. Just a fyi, back in the 60's & 70's we called those little hinged windows Windwings. Great for a little fresh air and for smokers, a place they would hold their cigarette nexr to to let the smoke go out.

[@JuanCarlosLTO]

Thanks Terry! I really enjoyed making this video. Brought back so many memories of many vehicles I rode in as a child, particularly my dad’s 1971 F100, in which I learned how to drive; a four speed manual (floor mounted)… and yes, those windows, most times it was all you got in those years with so many cars without AC. Thanks for watching

[@f150bft]

1968 was the first year for the 302 and it ran until 2001. Todays engine is not even close to the old one. Same displacement is all they share. Good looking truck.

[@JuanCarlosLTO]

Sorry for the misinformation. I should have done more research. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣. The owner actually bought 3 with intends to restore them, keep one and sell 2 and at the end it was such a headache for him that he ended up selling all of them. He said he made “some” money but not as much as he hoped specially for all the legwork.

[@nickefgen9219]

Very nice clean bronco, there’s only one thing I would have done with it convert it to the floor shift with the James Duff three speed shifter

[@JuanCarlosLTO]

Agree! As much as I like to preserve an original, a floor shift is just better AND I’d definitely upgrade the brakes to power with rotors up front. These are very hard to get used to. I just wouldn’t feel comfortable driving this thing on bumper to bumper traffic in California. Thank you for watching my video Nic

[@nickefgen9219]

@@JuanCarlosLTO do you know if that bronco has the Dana 44 front axle? That’s an easy swap if that front axle is in there. All you need is everything from the knuckles out, I’ve got a 1970 bronco that fixing up and I’ve got the front axle already rebuilt with disc brakes waiting to be installed

[@JuanCarlosLTO]

It did. BTW, Dave, the owner sold it shortly after the video was made. Originally he bought 2 of them back in like 2015 and planned to keep one and sell the other one but plans changed and he just didn’t have room to store them and ended up selling both. He said he made good money on this one but it was a lot of legwork. (I’m sure he’ll regret it later 🤣)

[@chargermaster586]

Love the short wheel base Great for off-roading I think now that 4 door Vehicle's like the New Bronco Are 4 door for Family use the Bronco was Discontinued in 1996 For the 4 door Expedition As 2 Door Utilities Vehicles Fell out of favor.

[@JuanCarlosLTO]

True! I think a lot of people if not most have no true intention of ever driving the new Bronco off road.

[@goldysgarage189]

Love the 3 on the tree. I would rather have this than a new one, plus it is going up in value

[@JuanCarlosLTO]

It’s crazy how these have taken off in value! I’m not a big fan of those steering column gear selectors, they’re sloppy and become stuck a lot but it definitely adds to the charm. Thank you for watching my video

[@gusorion8151]

They cut the fender to put bigger tires so it doesn’t rub.

[@JuanCarlosLTO]

You’re right. I misspoke, the goal is to be able to fit bigger tires but an aesthetic benefit is that it looks more balanced