Ted Nugent Drives a Ford Bronco – You Should Too
The Ford Bronco remains an American icon 42 years after it first rolled off an assembly line, and 12 years after the last of the Broncos was built.
Recreational 4-wheel drive vehicles were a new concept in 1966 when the Bronco appeared on the scene, alongside the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester’s Scout. The Chevy Blazer and Chrysler’s Ramcharger and Trail Duster joined the fray in the 1970′s. The modern SUVs that everyone drives now are the direct descendants of the Bronco – a Sport Utility Vehicle before the term even existed!
The Bronco had three main iterations over it’s lifetime – the classic Bronco, made between 1966 and 1977, the full-size Bronco built between 1978 and 1996, and the more compact Bronco II, manufactured from 1983 to 1990. Based on their preferences for the various models, Bronco fans tend to divide themselves among these three designs.
Gibson guitar god, avid hunter, and general crazy man Ted Nugent may be the Bronco’s best-known aficionado. Nugent and his first Bronco were united in 1971. “It was light green with a white top, and I loaded her up with all of the off-road goodies to satisfy my no-road wanderlust,” said Nugent. “I had all the heavy-duty options available at the time, even a Warn winch, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven.”
Nugent, an avid outdoorsman, has owned seven Broncos. He loves four-wheeling but does it in an ecologically responsible manner. “Even with my wild image, I have always supported the concept of treading lightly,” he said. “When I go off-road with my friends, we are no more disruptive on the trail than a herd of elk.” Nugent added that the Bronco represents a way to connect with the “spirit of the wild.”
The Nuge offered up one of his vintage Ford Broncos for display at several of the 40th Anniversary celebrations in 2006.
Ted, my son Brandon and I love your show Spirit of the Wild. What family values you instill in young people. We have a 1995 Bronco too. We had it since new. Nothing special, 33″ tires, 3″ body lift. We want to do more but that will come in time.We love what you are doing for the handicaped folks. Its great to see that a talented person like your self giving back.We live in Poquoson Virginia. Stay strong and keep the Spirit of the Wild strong, its a great, great show.
Happy New Year 12/27/2009.
David and Brandon Waltrip
649 Yorktown Road
Poquoson Virginia 23662
To the Ted, we here at Bronco Boggers must say…great looking, good going & hard hitting rides are hard to come by. But yours are a deffinate work of art. Ive seen many of your videos, & the music is great. Hope all is going well, & as always, keep those horses humming!