Ford Bronco: 60 years, still built wild

Ford’s resurrection of the Bronco nameplate in 2020 marked more than a nostalgic comeback — it was a bold reintroduction of an icon shaped by decades of off-road heritage. Combining the muscle of an F-Series truck with the performance DNA of the Mustang, the modern Bronco is wrapped in a striking, functional design that stays true to the original’s rugged spirit.

Launched on August 11, 1965, and entering production the following year, the “Built Wild” Bronco quickly carved out a space of its own. It inspired generations to head for the hills, cross desert dunes, and chase horizons across the globe. Six decades on, the Bronco remains true to that original promise: go anywhere, do anything, and have fun doing it. Now, it celebrates that milestone with a special package that honours its legacy while adding a touch of modern polish.

The 60th Anniversary package takes shape on the Bronco Outer Banks series. It is only available with the Sasquatch package — Ford’s most trail-ready trim that includes high-clearance suspension, locking differentials front and rear, and massive 35-inch Goodyear rugged terrain tyres. It’s a serious setup that leaves little room — or need — for extra performance tuning.

The engine lineup includes the familiar 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder or the optional 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6, both proven performers when the road disappears and traction becomes philosophy.

In this special package, the focus stays where it should: on design, detail, and celebration. And it’s the visual cues that truly set this Bronco apart. The 17-inch Gravity Gray alloys are striking enough, but it’s the Vermilion Red centre caps — with the original Bucking Bronco logo and the digits “1966” etched in a nod to the first production model — that ground it in Ford lore. A newly designed grille, painted in Warm Alloy and framed by bold “Bronco” lettering, bridges the aesthetic gap between 1960s authenticity and 2020s edge.

And then there’s the paintwork: Wimbledon White, a heritage Ford colour, returns as a roof option — paired beautifully with either a matching body or the deeply contrasting Ruby Red finish. Side graphics carry the 60th Anniversary logo in a stroke from fender to door, while a cloisonné-style badge on each side makes its provenance impossible to miss.

In true Bronco fashion, Ford has hidden a couple of Easter eggs within the design — a playful nod to the brand’s attention to detail, and a small reward for the keen-eyed explorer.

Inside, the 60th Anniversary package adds a layer of sophistication that might surprise those who still see the Bronco as a purely utilitarian beast. Ebony leather covers the seat outers and bolsters, while Alpine leather inserts provide texture and contrast. Embossed 60th Anniversary logos on the seatbacks lend gravitas, while Alpine vinyl on the armrests and Alpine stitching on the dash elevate the tactile experience.

Bronco Red accents brighten the instrument panel and grab handles, reinforcing the visual language introduced on the exterior. A-pillars now feature integrated grab handles — a small but thoughtful update that will roll out across the entire 2026 Bronco range.

At the rear, a new hard-shell spare tyre cover finished in Wimbledon White and stamped with a red “Bronco” wordmark ties the design together with a premium, almost vintage-capsule feel. A matte black Ford badge completes the tailgate, subtle yet assertive.

There’s an understated confidence that the 60th Anniversary package lends the Bronco — not just in its design, but in what it represents. The Bronco has always stood for a certain kind of freedom. Not the glossy, brochure-ready version, but the kind you earn at the end of a rocky trail, across dunes, through mud-soaked climbs, or over snow-packed mountain passes.

The 2026 Bronco 60th Anniversary package honours what came before — refining the formula with subtle details, a respectful nod to its roots, and just enough edge to remind you that legends aren’t born; they’re built. The latest chapter in a story that began in 1965 wears its history well.

The 2026 Bronco, along with the 60th Anniversary package, will be available to order from October. Pricing and regional availability will be announced closer to launch.

Sony Thomas is a senior automotive journalist