Classic Ford Bronco

The 1966 Ford Bronco helped bring off-road driving adventure to an entirely new audience. The quest for recreational four-wheeling had begun shortly after World War II, when returning GIs adopted surplus military Jeeps and made them a fixture of American life. Throughout the 1950s, exploring in four-wheel-drive vehicles was mostly an informal affair, but by the early 1960s, the hobby had spawned a support system of aftermarket industries, magazines, clubs, and organized events.

These factors brought new competitors to challenge the Jeep, but none of the Big Three automakers were willing to take the plunge until Lee Iacocca and a handful of others at Ford recognized the potential. Off-road racing added fuel to the fire; in 1965, Brian Chuchua organized the first off-road races on a dry riverbed near Riverside, California, and his Riverside Grand Prix was an instant success.

By the mid-1960s, a two-pronged market for four-wheel-drive vehicles was emerging. Pure off-road use was already strong and growing, while a new suburban buyer wanted four-wheel-drive capability more for its rugged image and versatility than for conquering wilderness trails.

Ford introduced the Bronco in August 1965 as a 1966 model, positioning it as both a capable off-roader and an accessible everyday vehicle. The original Bronco, produced through 1977, came in roadster, sport utility, and pickup configurations on a compact 92-inch wheelbase. Its simple, rugged design has made it one of the most collectible trucks of the era. Griffin Thermal Products builds exact-fit aluminum radiators for 1966 through 1977 Ford Broncos, delivering the cooling performance these legendary off-roaders deserve.