First-Generation Ford Bronco Trim Guide
Last Updated August 8, 2023 | C.J. TragakisToday, the word “trim” usually refers to a vehicle level with different powertrain, electronic, and cosmetic options. Back in the Bronco’s first generation, the word was used more literally. For the most part, it referred to the exterior and interior finishings (or trim). These differences were largely visual and didn't impact performance.
While many owners choose to customize the style of their Ford Bronco, others prefer to keep it as original as possible. Following this trim guide will help you determine which trim features your Bronco had from the factory. The result should be a more faithful restoration.
First-Generation Bronco Trims (1966-1977)
There were three trim levels in the first generation. But, for the first model year in 1966, there was only one trim. It was simply called “Bronco”, and buyers could hand-pick the options they wanted from a long list.
| Trim | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronco (Base) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Sport | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Ranger | X | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| Explorer (Package) | X | X | X |
The Sport package added visual options with its debut in 1967. Each trim was available in three body configurations: Roadster, Pickup, and Wagon. The roadster only made it to the 1968 model year, making them exceedingly rare. The pickup truck configuration lasted until 1972.
The Ranger trim level was added as the top-level trim in 1972. It was designed to give drivers the most comfort-oriented features, like a carpeted interior and woodgrain door panels.
Following suit from the F-100 Explorer Special’s release in 1968, the Bronco received its own Explorer Special package in 1972. While it wasn’t its own trim level so to speak, it provided unique colors and interior upholstery.
1966 Bronco Trim Options
There were no trim packages for the first model year, only the regular base Bronco. Features marked “S” were standard, while those with an “O” could be selected as options for an extra cost.
If you want to learn more about what came standard on your 1966 Bronco, check out our 1966 Bronco VIN decoder.
| Feature | Bronco (Base) |
|---|---|
| Exterior | |
| Weatherproof Roof and Windshield Seals | S |
| Dual Windshield Wipers | S |
| Windshield Washers | S |
| Turn Signals | S |
| LH Outside Mirror | S |
| RH Mirror (Painted for Roadster, Chrome for Models w/ Doors) | O |
| Front Overload Air Springs | O |
| Trailer Hitch | O |
| Front-Mounted Winch | O |
| Front Tow Hooks (2) | O |
| Locking Gas Cap | O |
| Cab Doors (w/o Glass or Frames for Roadster) | O |
| Front & Rear Chrome Bumpers | O |
| Front Chrome Bumper Guards (w/ Chrome Bumpers Only) | O |
| Skid Plates (Under Fuel Tank and Transfer Case) | O |
| Inside Tailgate-Mounted Spare Tire Carrier (Incl. w/ Rear Seat Option) | O |
| Bright Metal Wheel Covers (15-Inch Wheels Only) | O |
| High-Flotation Tires | O |
| Interior | |
| Front Seatbelts | S |
| Padded Dash | S |
| Vinyl-Covered Rubber Floor Mat | S |
| Tachometer | O |
| Door Storage Compartment | O |
| Fire Extinguisher | O |
| Map Light | O |
| Tool Kit | O |
| LH & RH Armrests (w/ Doors Only) | O |
| Cigar Lighter | O |
| Horn Ring | O |
| Radio and Antenna | O |
| LH or LH & RH Bucket Seats | O |
| Bench-Type Rear Seat | O |
| Rear Seatbelts | O |
| Padded LH & RH Sun Visors | O |
| Fresh Air Heater & Defroster | O |
1967 Bronco Trim Packages
For 1967, the Sport trim package was added. It took a lot of the options from the ‘66 Base model and made them standard. Additionally, the Sports Utility was renamed as the Pickup configuration. This more accurately described its open cargo box.
If you want to learn more about what came standard on your 1967 Bronco, check out our 1967 Bronco VIN decoder.
| Feature | Sport |
|---|---|
| Exterior | |
| Dual Windshield Wipers | S |
| Windshield Washers | S |
| LH Outside Mirror | S |
| Argent-Painted Grille with Bright Aluminum Trim Surround and FORD Letters | S |
| Chrome Headlight Rings | S |
| Chrome Windshield and Window Trim | S |
| Chrome Taillight Bezels | S |
| Chrome Tailgate Release Handle | S |
| Cab Doors (w/o glass or frames, Roadster) | O |
| Front & Rear Chrome Bumpers | S |
| Front Chrome Bumper Guards (w/ Chrome Bumpers Only) | S |
| “Sport Bronco” Emblem | S |
| Bright Metal Wheel Covers (15-Inch Wheels Only) | S |
| Interior | |
| Front Seatbelts | S |
| Padded Dash | S |
| Parchment-Colored Vinyl-Covered Floor Mats with Bright Metal Retainers | S |
| Bright Metal Instrument Panel Molding | S |
| LH & RH Armrests (w/ Doors Only) | O |
| Cigar-Cigarette Lighter | S |
| Horn Ring | O |
| Padded LH & RH Sun Visors | O |
| Fresh Air Heater & Defroster | O |
1968-1972 Bronco Trim Packages
1968 was the final model year for the Roadster configuration. The heater and defroster were also made standard for all Broncos from 1968 forward.
In 1970, the Sport Bronco was considered its own “model” despite only cosmetic differences. For all intents and purposes, it was still an upgraded trim package.
If you want to learn more about what came standard on your 1968-1972 Bronco, check out our Bronco VIN decoders:
- 1968 Bronco VIN decoder
- 1969 Bronco VIN decoder
- 1970 Bronco VIN decoder
- 1971 Bronco VIN decoder
- 1972 Bronco VIN decoder
| Feature | Sport |
|---|---|
| Exterior | |
| Dual Windshield Wipers | S |
| Windshield Washers | S |
| LH Outside Mirror | S |
| Argent-Painted Grille with Bright Aluminum Trim Surround and FORD Letters | S |
| Chrome Headlight Rings | S |
| Chrome Windshield and Window Trim | S |
| Chrome Taillight Bezels | S |
| Chrome Tailgate Release Handle | S |
| Front & Rear Chrome Bumpers | S |
| Front Chrome Bumper Guards (w/ Chrome Bumpers Only) | S |
| “Sport Bronco” Emblem | S |
| Bright Metal Wheel Covers (15-Inch Wheels Only) | S |
| Interior | |
| Parchment Vinyl Simulated-Carpet Front Floor Mat with Bright Metal Retainers | S |
| Vinyl-Covered Door Trim Panels with Bright Metal Moldings | S |
| Satin-Finish Instrument Panel Molding | S |
| Cigar-Cigarette Lighter | S |
| Satin-Finish Horn Ring | S |
| Fresh Air Heater & Defroster | S |
1973-1976 Bronco Trim Packages
1973 was an exciting model year, as it saw the debut of both the Ranger trim and the Explorer Special package. Features for the Ranger were in addition to or in place of the Sport package (which was unchanged from the previous year). A small item to note is that the cigarette lighter went back to being marketed as a cigar lighter.
Explorer Special Package
The Explorer Special package was a seasonal option group that was similar to the Ranger trim. It came in Grabber Blue or Burnt Orange, with matching “random stripe” pattern cloth seats. It also featured an “Explorer” badge on the glovebox plus a unique “Explorer” spare tire cover. 1975 was the last model year that the Explorer Special package was available on the first-gen Bronco.
The Bronco Explorer is very rare since it was only released in the springtime as a way to sell more trucks. With only cosmetic features to differentiate it, it can be difficult to tell if one is authentic today at first glance. Looking at the unique cloth pattern in the seats is a better way to authenticate one. Some owners choose to dress up their base Broncos as Explorers.
If you want to learn more about what came standard on your 1973-1976 Bronco, check out our Bronco VIN decoders:
| Feature | Sport | Ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | ||
| Dual Windshield Wipers | S | S |
| Windshield Washers | S | S |
| LH Outside Mirror | S | S |
| Argent-Painted Grille with Bright Aluminum Trim Surround and FORD Letters | S | S |
| Hood and Lower Bodyside Tape Stripes, White Stripes with Orange Accent | - | S |
| Chrome Headlight Rings | S | S |
| Bright Metal Windshield and Window Trim | S | S |
| Chrome Taillight Bezels | S | S |
| Chrome Tailgate Release Handle | S | S |
| Front & Rear Chrome Bumpers | S | S |
| Front Chrome Bumper Guards (w/ Chrome Bumpers Only) | S | S |
| “Sport Bronco” Emblem | S | - |
| Swing-Away Spare Tire Carrier | O | S |
| Spare Tire Cover, White Vinyl with Orange Accent | - | S |
| Bright Metal Wheel Covers (15-Inch Wheels Only) | S | S |
| Interior | ||
| Pleated Parchment Vinyl Front Seat | S | - |
| Cloth and Vinyl Seat Trim in Ginger, Blue, or Avocado | - | S |
| Hardboard Headlining with Bright Metal Retainer Moldings (Wagon Models) | S | S |
| Parchment Vinyl Simulated-Carpet Front Floor Mat with Bright Metal Retainers | S | - |
| Color-Keyed Full Carpeting (Including Tailgate and Wheel-Housings) | - | S |
| Rear Floor Mat (with Optional Rear Seat) | S | S |
| Vinyl-Covered Door Trim Panels with Bright Metal Moldings | S | S |
| Color-Keyed Vinyl Door Trim Panels with Woodtone Accent | - | S |
| Color-Keyed Vinyl Trim on Rear Quarter Panels | - | S |
| Satin-Finish Instrument Panel Molding | S | - |
| Color-Keyed Instrument Panel Paint | - | S |
| Cigar Lighter | S | S |
| Coat Hook | - | S |
| Satin-Finish Horn Ring | S | S |
| Fresh Air Heater & Defroster | S | S |
1977 Bronco Trim Packages
The Ranger package here was similar to the previous model year (1976). The interior trim colors of Ginger and Avocado were simply called Tan and Jade now. The rear seat was required for the Ranger trim.
A Special Decor Group was available on the Bronco (base) and Sport trims. It included a black grille, body-color roof, and a stripe across the hood and upper bodysides.
If you want to learn more about what came standard on your 1977 Bronco, check out our 1977 Bronco VIN decoder.
| Feature | Sport | Ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | ||
| Dual Windshield Wipers | S | S |
| Windshield Washers | S | S |
| LH Outside Mirror | S | S |
| Argent-Painted Grille with Bright Aluminum Trim Surround and FORD Letters | S | S |
| Hood and Lower Bodyside Tape Stripes, White Stripes with Orange Accent | - | S |
| Chrome Headlight Rings | S | S |
| Bright Metal Windshield and Window Trim | S | S |
| Chrome Taillight Bezels | S | S |
| Chrome Tailgate Release Handle | S | S |
| Front & Rear Chrome Bumpers | S | S |
| Front Chrome Bumper Guards (w/ Chrome Bumpers Only) | S | S |
| “Sport Bronco” Emblem | S | - |
| Swing-Away Spare Tire Carrier | O | S |
| Spare Tire Cover, White Vinyl with Orange Accent | - | S |
| Bright Metal Wheel Covers (15-Inch Wheels Only) | S | S |
| Interior | ||
| Pleated Parchment Vinyl Front Seat | S | - |
| Cloth and Vinyl Seat Trim in Tan, Blue, or Jade | - | S |
| Hardboard Headlining with Bright Metal Retainer Moldings (Wagon Models) | S | S |
| Parchment Vinyl Simulated-Carpet Front Floor Mat with Bright Metal Retainers | S | - |
| Color-Keyed Full Carpeting (including Tailgate and Wheel-Housings) | - | S |
| Rear Floor Mat (with optional rear seat) | S | S |
| Vinyl-Covered Door Trim Panels with Bright Metal Moldings | S | S |
| Color-Keyed Vinyl Door Trim Panels with Woodtone Accent | - | S |
| Color-Keyed Vinyl Trim on Rear Quarter Panels | - | S |
| Satin-Finish Instrument Panel Molding | S | - |
| Color-Keyed Instrument Panel Paint | - | S |
| Cigar Lighter | S | S |
| Coat Hook | - | S |
| Satin-Finish Horn Ring | S | S |
| Fresh Air Heater & Defroster | S | S |
Restoring a Factory-Correct Bronco
Whether you want to keep things as original as possible or add your own custom touches, working on a classic Ford Bronco is an amazing project. If you’re working to get yours restored, check out our first-generation Bronco parts and accessories. To stay in touch about the latest in new parts and 2021 Ford Bronco information, sign up for our newsletter.
Sources: Factory Literature Library, Fordification | A History of Ford's Legendary 4x4 Ford Bronco, Todd Zuercher CarTech Book | VIN Decoder, Broncohio
Image Credit: Creative Commons License
