1966 Ford Bronco

Known for its rugged good looks and all-terrain abilities, the 1966 Ford Bronco is a timeless icon. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on Raven Jackson, Team Leader of Billing and Receivables for Berkley One, tells us why she loves the 1966 Ford Bronco.

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The Car:

In 1966 the Ford Bronco was introduced as a new 4-wheel drive off-road vehicle, setting the mold for the modern Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). The fun and stylish Bronco challenged the competition right out of the gate with advanced capability, stability and maneuverability combined with stylish good looks. Designed for cross-country operation, Bronco’s unique Mono-Beam front suspension provided the finest riding quality and a 33.6- ft turning diameter. This was much lower than that of its peers and allowed for easy turnarounds in small areas and nimble navigation.

Optionality was the name of the game with the Ford Bronco. The 1966 model was available with two engine options, a 170 cu in (2.8 L) straight-6, and a 289 cu in (4.7 L) small block V8. The standard Bronco Roadster was Ford’s all-purpose model offered without roof or doors for a sporty look. The Sports Utility mimicked the Roadster, but it included a short steel roof, metal side doors, and roll up windows to provide complete weather protection. Lastly, the wagon model had a full-length roof with upper body sides installed on the basic body.

The Collector

Today, the simple design and upgradability of the 1966 Ford Bronco has made this first-generation model a hot commodity on the collector market. Shortly after leaving the starting line, Bronco started grabbing the gold in off-road competitions. From its first appearance until today, Bronco has garnered more than its share of off-road racing wins and saddled up driving luminaries like Bill Stroppe, Parnelli Jones, Rod Hall, James Garner and many others. The 1st generation Bronco helped kickstart the SUV era and continues today with the 6th generation models.

The Love

The 1966 Ford Bronco with its rugged good looks is a classic American vehicle that is revered for its off-road capabilities, open-air experience, and ease of use in the city. The fact that modern Broncos are common on the road today speaks to the longevity and love for this vehicle over the decades.

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Contributed by Raven Jackson

Photo: Garage Kept Motors

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here:

Spotlight #1, Spotlight #2, Spotlight #3, Spotlight #4, Spotlight #5, Spotlight #6, Spotlight #7, Spotlight #8, Spotlight #9, Spotlight #10, Spotlight #11, Spotlight #12, Spotlight #13, Spotlight #14, Spotlight #15, Spotlight #16, Spotlight #17, Spotlight #18, Spotlight #19, Spotlight #20, Spotlight #21, Spotlight #22, Spotlight #23, Spotlight #24, Spotlight #25, Spotlight #26, Spotlight #27, Spotlight #28.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.