Ford Bronco Fans, Prepare to Love '60s-Throwback Heritage Editions (2024)

• Ford has announced a new series of special-edition Broncos with many design cues reminiscent of the classic from 1966, the year of the SUV's original debut.
• Only 1966 units of each Heritage limited-edition model will be built, and they're sure to meet with an enthusiastic reception.
• Bronco Sport Heritage Editions will start at $34,245, with the Bronco Heritage starting at $45,900 and the Bronco Heritage Limited starting at $68,490.

History has a funny way of repeating itself, and Ford is making sure we get that point by introducing a lineup of Bronco and Bronco Sport models with looks that commemorate the original 1966 Bronco. The Bronco Sport Heritage Edition and Heritage Limited Edition come first, with two- and four-door Bronco versions coming later this year.

Both Bronco and Bronco Sport Heritage Editions are based on the Big Bend trim level, so the Sport gets the 181-hp 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine while the larger Bronco Heritage Edition comes with the 300-hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost, paired with a seven-speed manual or optional 10-speed automatic transmission.

The more expensive Heritage Limited Edition models are based on the higher Badlands trim level, so the Bronco Sport gets a 250-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost four and the Bronco gets a 330-hp 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6.

Comparing these special-edition models to their counterparts in the Bronco lineup makes it clear that buyers will be paying a serious premium for what's basically an appearance package, albeit a cool one. The Bronco Sport Heritage Edition starts at $34,245 compared with $32,770 for the Bronco Sport Big Bend on which it's based, while the Sport Heritage Limited starts at $46,250 compared with the Badlands model's starting price of $38,830.

As for the Bronco, the Heritage model starts at $45,900 compared with the Big Bend's starting price of $37,380, and the Bronco Heritage Limited starts at $68,490, a big step up from the $46,090 price of entry for the Badlands model.

Bronco: Good-Looking Throwback

The Bronco Heritage Edition will be available in both two- and four-door versions. Two-tone paint jobs feature Oxford White accenting including on the hardtop roof, the grille, and the aluminum 17-inch wheels. A body-side stripe completes the classic '60s Bronco styling. There will be five paint choices for the Heritage Edition, while buyers of the Heritage Limited will be initially locked into the distinctive Robin's-Egg Blue, which relates back to the original Bronco's Arcadian Blue color. In late 2023, Ford says, a second paint color will be offered on the Limited: Yellowstone, channeling the 1971 Prairie Yellow shade.

Throwback styling includes a white grille with Race Red FORD script, a white roof, and a set of white wheels. Only the Limited versions can be equipped with High-Gloss Black painted wheels with "dog dish" centers. The priciest Limited also comes with metal Bronco-script fender badging, leather-trimmed plaid seats, and Heritage Limited badges on the console. Even more interesting than those cosmetic features is the set of "1960s-era-inspired" squared fenders with fender flares to accommodate a track that is nearly two inches wider, according to Ford. The Sasquatch package with its special H.O.S.S. underpinnings (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) is standard on the Heritage Edition, too.

Bronco Sport: Reliving an Era It Never Lived in

There wasn't a Bronco Sport like this one in the '60s, but that hasn't stopped Ford from making throwback editions anyway. The Bronco Sport Heritage models get special plaid cloth seats, which Ford says were inspired by the cloth seats in '80s Broncos. Sport Heritage editions have seven paint options, while the more expensive Limited will be restricted to a choice of Robin's Egg Blue, Yellowstone Metallic, or Peak Blue. Oxford White paint accents include the grille with Race Red "BRONCO" lettering, plus Oxford White 17-inch aluminum wheels, body-side stripes, and a white-painted roof.

The Heritage Limited Edition adds metal "Bronco" fender badging, 29-inch off-road-ready tires, plus leather-trimmed seats and special interior badging.

It's also worth noting that, while anyone can order a Bronco Sport in one of the two Heritage Edition packages, the Bronco will only be attainable at first to buyers who already have an order open for a Bronco. Next year, Ford promises, it will be available to anyone who wants to order one. It's a Bronco-mad world and there will undoubtedly be plenty of interest.