The Ford Bronco was introduced for the 1966 model year as an all-purpose 4x4 in three variations: the Roadster, the Sport Utility, and the Wagon. While each catered to a different audience and featured varying levels of features and options (including things like doors and a roof), the inherent capability and maneuverability was universal. Its short wheelbase and solid track width offered a nimble yet stable ride that was, well, a hell of a lot of fun.

The Bronco was blessed by the legendary Lee Iacocca himself as a competitor to the fast-growing segment of off-road vehicles like the International Harvester Scout, Jeep CJ-5, and the Toyota Land Cruiser. It was quickly followed by models like the Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy, Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Ramcharger, and more.

The 1st Generation Ford Bronco - those offered from the 1966 to the 1977 model years - was powered by either a Straight 6 or Small Block V8 engine, which was mated to a three-speed transmission and floor-mounted transfer case. Prior to 1973, only a column-shifted manual transmission was offered, but later a three-speed automatic was made available.

All 1st Generation Broncos came standard with four-wheel drive, shift-on-the-fly Dana 20 transfer case, locking hubs, 9 in. rear Ford axle, Dana 30 (later replaced by a Dana 44 in 1971) front axle, and leaf springs. Heavier-duty suspension and air front springs were offered as options.

In total, approximately 225k (sources vary) 1st Generation Ford Broncos were sold before giving way to the long-overdue 2nd Generation design, who's launch was pushed back from 1974 to the 1978 model year due to uncertainty surrounding the 1973 oil crisis. The delay put pressure on an aging design language amidst increased competition, but you won't see any complaints from us: the more original Broncos, the better.

Now, with so many 1st Generation Broncos produced, one would reasonably assume that modern demand would be sufficiently appeased. But unless you've been living under a rock these past few years, there's nothing reasonable about Ford Bronco prices.

Notice the steady run in price and volume over the past five years alone: