Six years ago, Ford brought us a stunning Bronco concept vehicle that was the size of the Early Bronco. This new Bronco's styling was reminiscent of the original (except for the ugly grille), just as the new 2005 Mustang looked like its four decade-older namesake.
With the success of the F-150 SVT Raptor, there are rumors that Ford may be taking another look at the Bronco concept.
Just as there were those at Jeep who said the Rubicon wouldn't sell over 3,000 vehicles, there were those at Ford who nixed the Bronco for the same reason. Even today, with all the evidence to the contrary, there were some who thought the Raptor wouldn't sell over 4,000 units, especially in this economy.
Wrong. In its first year, the SVT Raptor is already the best-selling SVT/SVO vehicle ever. Enthusiasts are anxious to put their money where their mouths are and the masses seem to be following those image leaders into the showrooms and off the road.
What a great time for a new Bronco. With Ford's superb EcoBoost 5.0 V8, body-on-frame construction (a necessity), straight axles front and rear, and Early Bronco dimensions, the new Bronco could rival the Mustang in sales.
I hope the new Bronco isn't just a rumor. The time is right for this vehicle. There's going to be a giant vacuum in the market if Jeep continues to move away from the vehicles that built (and the core customers who've sustained) Jeep. The Bronco could fill that vacuum.