Seeing how The Big Three have been in Washington — hat in hand begging for a bailout — what could be a better time to highlight the golden era of American automobile manufacturing, the 1980s. I imagine my affection for the Ford Bronco II is not something I share with many of you readers. I see the truck as a quintessential piece of my Midwestern upbringing, a purely nostalgic exercise. A fetish of sorts. Eventually when I have a massive garage and a collection of cars, the Bronco II will be right there next to my Land Rover Defender, BMW 2002, a 1968 Oldsmobile 442 and my 1995 Chevrolet Impala. Its an odd bunch that is for sure.
The Bronco II was a smaller version of the Bronco based on the Ranger truck line. The small SUVs were produced from 1984 to 1990. More photos after the jump.
23 Comments
November 20, 2008 at 2:00 pm
The Bronco II is the first car that ever caught my attention. I remember taking family road trips and annoying my siblings to no end every time I’d shout “BRONCO II” at the top of my lungs.
I still love them for their perfect boxy shape and small but rugged presence.
November 20, 2008 at 2:17 pm
When I first saw the title I immediately thought no!, he is off his rocker. After looking at the Bronco Dos I must admit its quite handsome. A few months ago I started to search for a Jeep cherokee sport {ref. http://tinyurl.com/5rgbe2} but that latter ran out of steam in favor of waiting on a new gti {ref.2 http://tinyurl.com/5m2d8p}
November 20, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Although I can understand your affection for the shape, the Bronco II was one of the most ill handling / dangerous trucks Ford ever produced, more so then the Ford Exploder.
November 20, 2008 at 3:12 pm
It was hard to take a turn in one of those, at any speed, and actually feel comfortable doing it.
November 20, 2008 at 3:17 pm
haha, I’m glad John already pointed it out. A friend in high school had one of these ol’ boys and man what a POS. Still had to love that little guy for the boxy style and attitude, though.
I had a two-door Blazer S-10, its most direct competition at the time, and the differences between the two was amazing. We managed to get that Bronco stuck in the woods around his house pretty often, and it was always my truck that pulled it out.
November 20, 2008 at 3:18 pm
While I prefer the Toyota FJ Land Cruisers to the B-II, here are my 2002’s:
http://picasaweb.google.com/carl.coscia/M2#
http://picasaweb.google.com/carl.coscia/2002tii#
I too long for a bigger garage so that I could have retained my tii.
November 20, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I had three of them (’an ‘86, an ‘87 and an ‘88 including two Eddie Bauer editions) between 2000 and 2006 because I liked the shape so much. Every single one of them had serious mechanical problems despite the thousands of dollars I would put in to maintain them. I kept thinking the next one would be better. A truly horrible vehicle.
November 20, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I am partial to all of those early SUVs. My friend in high school had an International Scout that looked a lot like this one:
http://www.chooseyouritem.com/classics/photos/113000/113041.1975.International.Scout.II.jpg
Classic Land Rovers are also gorgeous:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2769158590_5fd640d9b5.jpg?v=0
Great cars.
November 20, 2008 at 4:35 pm
YES
November 20, 2008 at 4:57 pm
This was a popular vehicle choice among midwesterners because you could actually watch it rust – - right in front of your eyes. I’d save some room in that garage of yours for a big pile of road salt…then sit back, pop open an Old Style and watch all the bumpers fall off.
November 20, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Tintin,
Your comments are always entertaining. What cars are in your dream garage?
ACL
November 20, 2008 at 5:47 pm
my cousin had one – eddie bauer style. heated seats and all. it was a total piece though.
what about one of these?
http://www.oldchevytruck.com/trucks3/19575.11.jpg
November 20, 2008 at 9:18 pm
95 Chevrolet Impala? Nice! I’d like to see more of your passion for cars here.
My uncle has a Bronco II with a 302. It’s been more dependable than most people’s Hondas. One thing Detroit knows how to do is V8s.
November 21, 2008 at 11:08 am
What’s funny about the midwestern talk is that the Bronco (and other big SUV’s, but especially this one) was a big status symbol at my high school in the Bay Area (northern California). It was all about the preppy/outdoorsy mix and having a big Bronco was definitely part of that particular style.
November 21, 2008 at 9:32 pm
My friend had one of these and we drove that thing to Mexico every weekend on surf trips. As far as I remember it worked pretty well but I prefer the 70’s Ford Broncos and Chevy Blazers myself. I would, however, like to use this opportunity to profess my love of the Toyota LandCruiser, more specifically the FJ40, 45, 60 and 62 models. I currently own a ‘85 FJ60, that I put a new International diesel engine, that runs on B100 biodiesel. I also have a ‘79 FJ40. Yes, I’m addicted, I’m currently seeking therapy. The International Scout II runs a very close 2nd—the the Defender coming in 3rd—but honestly I love them all.
Check out
http://www.tlc4×4.com/sales2.asp
and
http://www.icon4×4.com/
Thank you ACL for always posting the fresh goods!
A job well done.
November 22, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I restored a 72′ Bronco that currently lives on an island off Massachusetts. Your post has inspired me to look into the B-II for my next project.
November 29, 2008 at 10:15 am
Willis had a B2… it was recalled, but he never heard about it until after it caught on fire… while he was in it.
December 2, 2008 at 4:27 pm
for those that badmouth the bronco ii should follow me out in the woods it can turn around in its own length and it will run circles around the chebby blazer
February 6, 2009 at 9:16 am
ACL,
Stumbled upon this link and I think you might like it as much as I do.
flickr: We’re an American Van. http://is.gd/iCrm
-seth
February 18, 2009 at 1:16 am
What about the original bronco, not even sure of the years but think 60’s early 70’s. just as boxy but the rear roof was removable.
http://wwwf.lemonfree.com/17658777.html
think they were so much cooler!
April 8, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I feel the same way, howard. That’s why I just bought a ‘73, even though getting it registered in DC is next to impossible. http://twitpic.com/2s8ju
June 7, 2009 at 7:23 am
I must say i love the 89-90 Bronco II. My parents have an 89 midnight blue/white two tone and have had since new. Over 200k on original motor and drivetrain, now rebuilt and still running strong. Repainted a few years ago…..hoping it will be my college grad present next year!
June 17, 2009 at 10:13 am
I have a B11 and love that little thing!Had it 13 yrs. 175000 miles and it is great. Probably have to pry it out of my hands when i die!