Ford’s 1966 Bronco Tribute, The New Bronco And Bronco Sport Heritage Editions

Going back to its off-road roots, Ford presents the new 2023 Bronco, and Bronco Sport Heritage and Heritage Limited editions.

A production run of just 1,966 units, the Heritage Limited Edition model serves as a tribute to the year the original Bronco debuted, which was back in 1966.

The special-edition models will be available across the Bronco family line-up, including Bronco two-door, Bronco four-door and Bronco Sport SUVs. 

To start off, exterior of the Bronco two- and four-door Heritage models are highlighted by a two-tone paint job that includes signature Oxford White accents including the modular hardtop roof. 

Its unique Oxford White grille features Race Red ‘FORD’ lettering, while 17-inch aluminium heritage wheels painted in the same hue and a body side stripe dial up the throwback looks.

Then, the 1960s era-inspired squared fenders with Sasquatch-width fender flares provide a visual call-back and cover the nearly two-inch wider track. 

Additionally, fitted as standard is the powder-coated steel capable front bumper with built-in recovery points and integrated fog lamps.

Inside, these models feature plaid cloth seats and exclusive touches such as an Oxford White instrument panel, centre console badging and exclusive front and rear floor liners.

Performance-wise, the Heritage Edition models come standard with the Bronco SUV’s Big Bend series of equipment and features. 

Of which include a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with seven-speed manual or available 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The setup delivers up to 300 HP and 441 Nm of torque. 

Next, is the Sasquatch Package with a High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (H.O.S.S.) 2.0 system, with long-travel Bilstein position-sensitive dampers and end-stop control valves.  

Aside from that, also standard is the increased ride height, 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires, and Dana front and rear electronic locking axles with 4.7:1 final drive ratio.

For the Heritage Limited Editions, their exterior adds on metal ‘Bronco’ script fender badging, gloss black 17-inch heritage wheels with classic ‘dog dish’ centres, and an Oxford White-painted lip. 

In terms of the interior, they get leather-trimmed/vinyl plaid seats with white and Race Red accent stitching, and unique Heritage Limited console badging.

As for the performance, they offer the increased capability of the Bronco SUV’s Badlands series with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.

Mated to the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, said setup produces up to 330 HP and 563 Nm of torque.

Paint-wise, the Bronco Heritage Edition is available in five options, and the Bronco Heritage Limited Edition is exclusively available at launch in Robin’s Egg Blue. 

Notably, the latter is a throwback colour based on Arcadian Blue that was featured on the original Bronco in 1966.

On top of that, the colour Yellowstone Metallic, based on the 1971 Ford colour Prairie Yellow, is planned for late 2023 model year availability. Peak Blue is planned for the 2024 model year.

Ford’s Bronco marketing manager, Mark Grueber, remarked, “Bronco captivated America in the mid-’60s with its rugged style and uncompromising off-road agility, a legacy that is still prevalent today. With these new Heritage and Heritage Limited editions, we’re paying respect to Bronco’s roots with nods to some of the signature design cues from the first-generation vehicle, while continuing to build the Bronco Brand with more special editions that our customers want.”

Now, for the Bronco Sport model. Although it’s not part of the Bronco family in the 1960s, it still gets the brand’s heritage with exclusive Heritage and Heritage Limited Edition styling.

Exterior-wise, all models feature signature Oxford White accents including a uniquely painted roof to mimic the original Bronco style. 

Just like the special-editions, they get a unique Oxford White heritage grille, but with Race Red ‘BRONCO’ lettering instead of ‘FORD’. 

Other than that, they also feature Oxford White 17-inch aluminium heritage wheels and body side stripes to heighten the throwback appearance.

What’s more, the Heritage Limited Edition models add on metal ‘Bronco’ script front fender badging and larger 29-inch all-terrain off-road tires.

Those tires give the models a more aggressive outlook, along with deeper treads that stretch on to the sidewalls for improved off-road traction.

Interior-wise, both versions include plaid cloth seats and a Navy Pier instrument panel with Oxford White accenting the bin and door ring. 

Beautifully, the cloth seats feature heathered Navy Pier with plaid inserts, and Race Red and Robin’s Egg Blue accent stitching. 

Moreover, they also feature a unique Navy Pier microsuede centre console and armrests that comes with Race Red stitching. 

Besides that, the Bronco Sport MOLLE strap storage system on the front-row seat backs includes Navy Pier straps and Race Red zipper grips. 

However, for the Heritage Limited Edition models, they upgrade these features to leather-trimmed seats and include Oxford White door inserts and unique centre console badging.

Inside the chassis, the 2023 Bronco Sport Heritage Edition gets the Big Bend series treatment, with the proven 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that puts out 181 HP and 258 Nm of torque.

These models also get the H.O.S.S. system with increased ride height, as well as uniquely tuned front struts with hydraulic rebound stops, 46 mm monotube rear shocks, anti roll bars and tuned springs.

Five G.O.A.T. Modes are offered via the Terrain Management System, while the Standard modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand.

Whereas for the Heritage Limited Editions, they increase the performance and off-road capability with the Badlands series. 

Outstandingly, they are powered by the more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with up to 250 HP and 378 Nm of torque. 

That’s not all, they also get an advanced 4x4 system with a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock which can divert virtually all rear axle torque to either wheel.

Topping it all off, the G.O.A.T. Modes system increases to seven modes, which adds on Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl.

The Bronco Sport Heritage Edition gets seven paint options including Robin’s Egg Blue. While the Heritage Limited Edition comes exclusively in Robin’s Egg Blue, Yellowstone Metallic and Peak Blue.

Grueber concluded, “Bronco Sport has been a hit with compact SUV customers since it arrived two years ago, but it is just as important that we give our customers special editions similar to what we have done with the two- and four-door Bronco. These Heritage Editions are every bit as important to Sport as they are for the rest of the Bronco Brand and we think the iconic themes from the ‘60s work perfectly on this vehicle.”

Pricing-wise, the Bronco Sport Heritage Edition will start at USD 34,245 (RM 152,195) and the Heritage Limited starts at USD 44,655 (RM 198,460). 

Meanwhile, the Bronco Heritage will start at $44,305 (RM 196,905) and Heritage Limited will be priced at USD 66,895 (RM 297,301).

Currently, the 2023 Bronco Sport Heritage and Heritage Limited edition models are available to order, whereas the Bronco two- and four-door models will go on sale later this year. 

Initial orders are prioritized for current Bronco order holders awaiting their vehicle, and will be open to all customers next year, regardless of current reservation status.