Bronco Weekly #10

Toyota Plans To Introduce New Off-Road Dedicated Model

It's no surprise that the introduction of the 2021 Bronco and Bronco Sport has sent shockwaves throughout the industry. Ford caught all of its competitors sleeping, and the Bronco is years ahead of any similar models that other companies might introduce in the same price segment.

The Jeep Wrangler is the only genuine Bronco adversary at this moment, but it does look like several companies are currently working on competing models.

Toyota is one company that can rightfully boast of a long off-road tradition. While the Japanese giant has a very capable 4Runner TRD on sale, this model is hopelessly outdated and can't match the new Bronco in terms of design, appearance, technology, or features. The latest reports note that this manufacturer is working on a new and off-road dedicated model that might feature some retro cues.

Toyota had previously produced a similar model -- you probably remember the retro-looking FJ Cruiser, which was offered from 2010 to 2014. However, it wasn't as successful as Toyota hoped it would be.

The 2021 Bronco VIN 001 Will Be Auctioned

Ford has a long tradition of offering the first production examples of its popular models to the highest bidder, with all proceeds going to charity. Even though the global pandemic affected auction schedules as well as new car releases, the 2021 Bronco carrying VIN 001 will be offered at the Barret-Jackson auction this March. The Lightning Blue Bronco will be sold, along with the brand-new Mustang Mach I, which will feature a VIN 001 designation, as well.

For this occasion, Ford thoroughly prepared the very first of the 7000 First Edition Broncos made. This highly optioned model is the top-of-the-line Bronco, which was already sold out even before the first cars rolled off assembly lines.

The First Edition comes with every piece of equipment from the Badlands Bronco, plus the desirable Sasquatch package and, on top of that, the Lux package as well. Features include adaptive cruise control, a premium audio system, touch screen navigation, leather interior, and much more. It also comes in four unique colors and special graphics.

Considering that the sticker price for the First Edition is over $60k to begin with, and that some dealers started adding crazy markups on top of that, it will be extremely interesting to see what the VIN 001 will bring and who it will go to.

Fastback Bronco with Retractable Top Spotted

We knew that Ford would be offering a cool-looking Fastback-style roof for the 2021 Bronco and that it would be delivered with a very practical retractable roof feature, but we hadn't seen any pictures until now. Recently, car paparazzi spotted it, and now we have the first proper set of photos showing us just how thoroughly awesome this option really is.

The hardtop can be removed entirely, but if you don't want to do that yet still crave  a little bit more fresh air and sun, you can just open the retractable, convertible-style top and have an open-top Bronco in no time.

This is also very convenient since, in the case of rain, you can quickly (in a matter of seconds) close the roof and have complete protection from the elements.

Big Oly Bronco Is For Grabs!

In addition to the brand new 2021 Bronco First Edition, which will be sold in the next few days, another big name in Bronco history will be offered to the highest bidder in May. Big Oly Bronco, that legendary Baja racer Bronco, with its impeccable race record, was built by Bill Stroppe, raced by Parnelli Jones and will be offered for sale at auction for the first time ever.

After it ended its successful racing career in 1975, Big Oly Bronco remained in Jones's garage and traveled across the world as a show car. He kept the car in completely original and preserved condition, which makes it a unique time capsule vehicle with an incredible patina. Could this be a first million-dollar SUV? It might just be.