Jada Toys 1:32 1973 Ford Bronco

Jada's 1:32 scale series is an oddball of vehicles that normally do not have the correct dimensions with some cartoonish styling areas and large wheels.  Even with the advent of realistic vehicles the oddball styling areas still exist.  Then again a few gems do make it into this line: one was the VW Beetle Turbo that I reviewed in 2014, and now this new 1973 Ford Bronco.

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I already told the story behind the Ford Bronco, which was Ford's way to do battle with the Jeep CJ with a compact truck that had a uni-body construction and parts sharing with other Ford models but did not share the same platform with anyone else.  The campaign worked out until competition and cost-cutting forced the Bronco to go on the Ford F-series platform.  The most popular models are with the 302 CID V8 that produces 205 hp. through a 3-speed column-shifted manual transmission, with a floor shifter for the two-speed transfer case to send power to front and rear live axles mounted on leaf springs.

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Jada is no stranger to the Bronco having introduced their version back in 2008, ironically as a For Sale vehicle covered in rust, mud, and a For Sale sign on the windshield.  The look was impressive, the details excellent, the wheels too small (they are REALLY SMALL!).  After that recent versions have adorned more attractive metal paint with either the top or with a bikini top (only a small portion covers the front seats) in the 1:64 Just Trucks line on a raised suspension with larger wheels.  For 2015 the larger 1:32 scale version makes its way to stores in three colors: metallic blue, black with black top, or this Chrome Yellow version in more of an orange color.  I like the color of the orange better than the other two and really strikes out with the white top.  That top is removable, but it'll require a Phillips-head screwdriver for the two rear screws and a razor to cut the glue tabs on the sunvisor to fully remove the top; the top can be reassembled back in place as well.  The truck does have a raised stance and sits on some nice chrome 6-spoke wheels on tires that look more street than trail.

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The front has a chrome grille with round headlights, eggcrate grille with FORD letters, and a lower bumper with mounting brackets for a winch similar to what's found on the smaller versions.  The hood has some nice touches to the fender wings, while the sides have the Bronco name on the front fenders, curved wheelwell lips, two gas caps for some reason, and no door handles at all!  At the rear are detailed taillights, recessed tailgate, and spare tire cover with Bronco name (the smaller version uses the same wheel found on all four).  The base shows off the front and rear axles with the lack of pumpkins for the differentials, drivetrain components, and a box for the pull-back motor on the 1:32 to which is always never there and I still don't get why they keep doing this to all models.  The doors open to an interior with the flat dashboard, two-spoke steering wheel, speedometer to the left of the steering wheel, switches and radio controls in the center, clock near the glovebox, a floor shifter that is barely visible, bucket front seats with a center console, and a rear seat with no legroom thanks to the faux pull-back motor box.

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Overall aside from a few odd and missing details Jada did a great job with this 1:32 scale Ford Bronco in this lovely orange.  Just need to add some aggressive tires and some door handles and you've got yourself one cool-looking Bronco.

Update 7/19/2016:  Added pictures of the other two recolors of the Bronco: metallic blue with white top and black with black top.

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