What Is The Classic Ford Bronco Ranger Package?

The classic Ford Bronco revolutionized the off-road market when it hit the streets—and trails—in 1966, providing buyers with a rugged yet versatile compact vehicle that changed how Americans perceived trucks. The utilitarian functionality and everyday drivability appealed to adventure seekers and suburban families alike, but seven years later, Ford would again redefine the Bronco’s appeal by introducing a more upscale option—the Ranger Package. Although far from the Range Rovers and Escalades that define modern luxury SUVs, the 1973 Ford Bronco Ranger Package demonstrated that off-road vehicles could offer comfort and style without sacrificing durability.

Keep reading to learn more about the history of the classic Ford Bronco Ranger Package.

The Ranger Package was not an entirely new concept when it appeared on the Bronco in 1973. It had already made its debut on the Ford F-Series in 1967 as an upscale trim option on those trucks. Recognizing the growing demand for comfort and style in the utility vehicle segment, Ford extended the Ranger nameplate to the Bronco. This shift was triggered by a broader trend in the automotive industry where consumers began demanding more luxurious amenities in their vehicles, even in traditionally rugged segments.

Before 1973, the classic Ford Bronco was known for its durability and off-road capability as a utilitarian recreational vehicle. However, the introduction of the Ranger Package—and major upgrades like the new 200 CID six-cylinder and optional 302 CID V8 engines, as well as power steering and automatic transmission—broadened its appeal. It was the Ranger Package, with its enhanced comfort and style, that truly transformed the Bronco into a vehicle for everyone.

One of the most notable features of the Ranger Package was its distinctive exterior with white and orange graphics applied to the hood, lower body, and wheel openings. Ford also added chrome bumpers, window trim, hubcaps, and light bezels for even more visual pop, as well as a swing-away spare tire carrier with a white vinyl cover. Inside, these unique graphics were complemented by exclusive seat upholstery featuring a combination of cloth and vinyl with houndstooth seat inserts.

Beyond the seats, the Ranger Package interior also featured full carpeting (including wheel wells and tailgate), vinyl trim on doors and quarter panels, a vinyl trim on doors and quarter panels, and a hardtop headliner. The instrument panel was painted to match the exterior color for a cohesive look, while additional features like a cigarette lighter and coat hook provided enhanced ‘70s-style comfort and convenience.

Following the Ford Bronco’s redesign for the 1978 model year, the Ranger name lived on as the “Ranger XLT” trim level for the short-lived second-gen Bronco and the first two years of the third-gen Bronco. During this era, the Bronco grew in size and sophistication, and the Ranger XLT package continued to provide premium features, further solidifying its place in the market as a stylish yet capable SUV.

Ford dropped the Ranger XLT trim level in 1981 to use it on its new compact pickup truck in 1983, but Velocity Restorations carries on this model’s legacy with the Ranger Package option available on the Velocity Signature Series Ford Bronco.

Velocity Ranger Package Ford Bronco

The Velocity Ranger Package brings a retro vibe to the classic Ford Bronco with unique stripes along the hood, sides, and tailgate lettering. These stripes are orange on most paint colors but switch to pink for Velocity Ranger Package Broncos painted in custom shades of pink. The two-tone design features Wimbledon White accents on the lower body, grille, steel wheels, and bumpers, with the roll cage and dash also painted to match. The standout feature of the Velocity Ranger Package is the exclusive faux woven inserts on the seats, door panels, and floor covering, adding a distinctive touch to the interior.