In a country where O.J. Simpson is known only from the Naked Gun films and not as a football player, the Ford Bronco nametag carries no car chase stigma. It is not the most common 4WD runaround here, and it’s not even the most common US-built 4WD vehicle; that tag probably belongs to the XJ Cherokee.

But about this short-wheelbase three-door Bronco II: it was freshly sighted this afternoon, parked on city centre pavement. Let’s take a look.

Let’s also be completely honest here; before doing some sherlocking I didn’t realize there were two separate model lines, the proper Bronco and the compact SUV version, the Bronco II. I had just lumped them all together; a Bronco is a Bronco, right? But it’s a rookie mistake, and you live and learn.

The 2.9-litre Bronco II XLT could be had for 168 000 FIM, which in today’s money is about 40 000 EUR, or 52k USD. Similar money got you a 4.0-litre Cherokee five-door, but a comparable 2.6 Pajero was only 100k.

The Bronco II looks a generic small 4×4, but I like it. It’s simple and hassle-free, and the high rear windows give it a more modern look.

This one is powered by the 2.9-litre Cologne V6, which is the same engine as can be found in the Scorpio; developing 140 horses in the Bronco II. I don’t know if it’s a saloon car engine in a truck chassis or a truck engine in a saloon car.

All in all, this one seems to be in good, clean shape and the dirt on it doesn’t cover up any traces of abuse. Like the Comanche shot some time ago, US-built light trucks do not always seem to have it too tough around here.