The Ford Bronco is a model line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Ford. The first SUV model developed by the company, five generations of the Bronco were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. A sixth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2021 model year. The nameplate has been used on other Ford SUVs, namely the 1984–1990 Bronco II compact SUV and the 2021 Bronco Sport compact crossover.
The Bronco is also responsible for what we consider one of the all time greats of factory decals, but also an entire family of graphics ranging from the generation 1 simple models all the way to the crazy 80s and the almost full-body wrap gradient glow styles. Here are some of our faves.
GENERATION 1
Early model decals tended to be simpler and more stylish, following the compact 4WD lines or simple side stripes that accentuated the classic look. However, when it came to off-road racing, the opposite was often the case.
These monster bruisers seen at Baja rallies were filled with wild sponsor decals and liveries to match their radical aero and massive lift-kit set-ups.
GENERATION 2
Things are going to get crazy, hang on that cough mixture.
Large stripes were the order of the 70s and 80s, as they swept over the hood, down the sides and back up and oover the B-pillar and roof. These decals were huge, and it was THE TIME if you wanted to be a decal designer. Absolutely anything went, and the less metal showing the better. Gradients were introduced as well as colour spectrums that matched body colour and interior.
Culminating in this masterpieces. Surely in conversation for the greatest decal, and greatest rig of all time. This decal contrasted the black body of the top-of-the-line XLT Bronco, and utilised every decal trick in the book. Gradient sunset, tick. Panelling, tick. Outline, tick. Abuse of Class A narcotics by the design department, tick. It's resulted in this killer graphic, nothing has come close in size and sheer OTT-ness ever since.
GENERATION 3
While the world got crazier, the Bronco actually became more conservative. Opting for a more refined drive, efficiency and simpler graphics. There were some exceptions to the rule though. Including the newly released Bronco II XLS compact SUV, which featured a two tone finish with matching XLS graphics.
GENERATION 4
Graphics became even more subdued, with the majority of models featuring contrasting canopy and body colours rather than large decals. The late 80s and 90s saw decals become a secondary option, with most new models not being offered with factory decals at all.
GENERATION 5
Welcome to the OJ Era.
The 90s called, they found their decals. The 5th Gen Bronco might be most popular for it's all-white model in grainy helicopter footage, but factory decals became a thing again, and 90s graphics were filled with slashing lines, power arcs and aqua, pink and purple colour combos.
The 'Nite' option featured a neon blue to purple decal, with drawn lettering 'Nite' script in purple with a blue outline to match the stripe. This contrasted the jet-black body.