The History and Meaning Behind the Ford Bronco's Iconic Side Stripes

The Evolution of Bronco Stripes

The Ford Bronco has been an iconic off-road vehicle since its introduction in 1966. One of the most recognizable features of the early Broncos were the bold side stripes that ran along the sides of the vehicle. These eye-catching graphics helped distinguish the rugged Bronco from other vehicles on the road.

The origins of the Bronco stripe can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. This was an era known for its colorful, psychedelic designs and fashions. The bold stripes on the Bronco aligned with the freewheeling chromatic styling of the time.

The First Bronco Stripes

The first generation Ford Broncos from 1966-1977 featured a simple but striking side stripe. The stripe started behind the front wheel well and ran straight back to the taillights. This clean, straightforward design stood out against the Bronco's boxy exterior.

The stripes were initially offered in a contrasting black or white to coordinate with the exterior paint color. Bold colors like red, white, and blue were also popular choices during the 1970s.

Stripes Become More Stylized in the 1970s

In the 1970s, the Bronco stripe evolved to become more stylized and expressive. Curved shapes and bold colors came into fashion.

Some stripes featured swooping curves, arrows, or custom designs. This aligned with 70s graphic design trends that utilized flowing, organic shapes and psychedelic graphics.

Bright, vibrant colors also characterized Bronco stripes in the 1970s. Colors like bright orange, yellow, green, and fuchsia adorned the SUVs. These eye-catching hues matched the postmodern art and design of the era.

The Return of Retro Design in the 1990s

After the 1970s, the Bronco stripes became more subdued and less ornamental. But in the 1990s, Ford returned to the SUV's roots with a revival of retro design elements.

In the 1990s, Ford released a special edition Bronco with a retro "70s package." This included a fresh take on the classic side stripes.

The 90s stripes featured bold stripes that started behind the front fenders and incorporated curves as they ran back. These stripes were offered in bright white, black, or red hues for high contrast.

The 90s styling paid homage to the first Bronco models of the late 60s and 70s. The stripes were both retro and modern, appealing to vintage SUV enthusiasts.

The Meaning Behind the Iconic Stripes

The Bronco stripes are more than just stylish design elements. They actually have origins in utility and function.

Inspired by Race Cars

The first Bronco stripes were likely inspired by the bold graphics on race cars and motorsport vehicles of the 1960s. Racing stripes served the functional purpose of making cars appear lower and longer.

Similarly, the Bronco stripes helped create the illusion of a lower, sleeker roofline. This improved the boxy SUV's overall aesthetic and proportions.

Military Influence

Some also speculate that the Bronco's stripes were influenced by military design. High contrast stripes and numbering were commonly used on military vehicles to aid in identification.

The Bronco was designed to be rugged and functional, so taking cues from military vehicles aligned with the SUV's utilitarian roots. The stripes helped give the Bronco a tough, no-nonsense look.

Visibility in Off-Roading

Another practical purpose of the Bronco stripe was to aid visibility during off-road driving. The contrasting stripe helped drivers better locate the vehicle's corners and edges.

This improved visibility and proximity awareness when navigating uneven terrain. Form followed function for maximum capability and safety.

The Bronco Stripe Legacy

Today, over 50 years since its introduction, the classic Bronco stripe remains an iconic piece of Ford history. It represents freedom, capability, and the adventurous spirit that defines the Bronco.

Each era of Bronco design has put its own spin on the classic side stripe. But they all pay respect to those first bold graphics that ran along the flanks of the original SUV.

The legacy continues with the revived Ford Bronco launched in 2021. Even in the 21st century, the Bronco still proudly wears its emblematic racing stripe, reminding us all of its retro roots.

The instantly recognizable graphics help make the Bronco a true automotive icon. Each stripe tells a story - one of freedom, utility, versatility, and the spirit of outdoor adventure.

FAQs

When did the Bronco stripes first appear?

The first Bronco stripes appeared in 1966 with the release of the first generation Ford Bronco. They were a bold, contrasting stripe that ran along the side of the SUV body.

What was the original color of the Bronco stripes?

The original Bronco side stripes were offered in contrasting black or white to coordinate with the exterior paint color. Other popular colors in the 1960s and 70s were red, blue, and white.

Why were the stripes added to the Bronco?

The stripes had both styling and functional purposes. They gave the boxy SUV a sleeker, racing-inspired look and improved visibility during off-road driving.

How have the stripes changed over time?

The stripes became more stylized and colorful in the 1970s with swooping curves and psychedelic graphics. They were simplified in the 1980s before returning to retro 70s-inspired designs in the 1990s.

Do the new Broncos still have the classic stripes?

Yes, the latest Ford Broncos still feature the iconic side stripes as a nod to the original models. They maintain their heritage while modernizing the graphics.