After a 20-year hiatus, the Ford Bronco is back. While eager consumers are lining up to try to nab one, most will have a long wait ahead of them. One lucky individual recently managed to snag a 2021 Bronco using what seemed like some truly desperate measures. 

The Ford Bronco was discontinued in 1996

The Ford Bronco was first introduced back in 1966, in an attempt on the part of the manufacturer to compete with the Jeep CJ. The Bronco was an extremely popular vehicle for decades. 

The SUV went through some modifications over the years, as Ford attempted to respond to changes in consumer preferences. These included a general increase in size, suspension changes, and giving it a more fuel-efficient V6 option for those who wanted to spend less on gas. 

However, consumers were caught off guard when the seemingly popular vehicle was yanked from Ford’s lineup in 1996, after 30 years in production. Some speculated that the SUV’s disappearance might be linked to its association with a particular slow-speed chase in LA. 

The real reason for the Bronco’s disappearance was less salacious. The public was leaning increasingly toward larger SUVs, a demand that Ford tried to meet with the Expedition. 

The 2021 Bronco ends a decades-long pause in production

The pause in production of the Bronco came to an end with its reappearance in 2021. MotorTrend gives a rundown on its specs, including a 2.3L, 275 hp engine, and 4-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency on the Bronco clocks in at 20 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

The 2021 Bronco comes in two styles: either a two-door or a four-door, giving consumers added flexibility in utilizing the vehicle. MotorTrend gives the new Bronco high ratings in quite a few areas. They praise its “fresh new design,” as well as its “excellent suspension and off-road abilities.” What’s more, they make a note of its easily removable body panels. 

On the cons side, MotorTrend points out the noise level in the cabin at high speeds, its comparatively low rear and side visibility, and its lack of aftermarket support relative to Jeep. These cons don’t seem to be doing anything to lessen demand for the 2021 Bronco, though. 

Some people are desperate to get their hands on a 2021 Bronco

While the 2021 Bronco isn’t perfect, its overall strengths have many people clamoring to get their hands on one. That’s a lot easier said than done, as MotorTrend recently pointed out. Issues of supply and demand are making it almost impossible to buy the new Bronco. 

One potential Bronco buyer was so desperate to get their hands on the SUV as soon as possible that they paid a whopping $126,500 for a nearly new one at a car auction in Dallas. The vehicle came from a private collection and had 160 miles on the odometer. 

Keep in mind, the starting MSRP for a 2021 Bronco is $63,000. So this buyer paid more than twice the suggested price rather than waiting to purchase one the old-fashioned way at a standard price.

Why the desperation? Like many other manufacturers these days, Ford is having serious trouble keeping up with demand, and supplies of the SUV are beyond limited. Much of this is due to a global chip shortage that has left manufacturers scrambling. It’s gotten so bad that Ford has even stopped taking reservations for the Broncos. 

The Dallas buyer wasn’t even the first to shell out a large sum for the privilege of purchasing a Bronco. A few months ago, someone bought a First Edition Bronco on eBay for an even more astonishing $150,000. 

So if you’re thinking about buying a Bronco, at this point, you’ll need to be willing to shell out a whole lot more than the MRSP to have any hope of snagging your dream SUV.