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Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco was a 4x4 SUV produced from 1966 through 1996, with four distinct generations.

It was initially introduced as a competitor for the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout. A major redesign based on the Ford F-Series truck in the late 1970s brought a larger Bronco to compete with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger. The smaller Ford Bronco II accompanied the Bronco for several years in the1980s. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the return of the large Bronco, based on a newer F-Series.

The full-size Broncos and the successor Expedition were produced at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

The Bronco permanently entered popular culture in 1994 as the vehicle in which O. J. Simpson traveled during his (in)famous low-speed chase with police through the Los Angeles area. It was a white 1993 model owned by Al Cowlings.

1966-1977

The original Bronco was a small SUV, intended to compete with Jeeps and International Harvester Scouts. Its small size (92 inch wheelbase) made it popular for off-road and some other uses, but impractical for such things as towing.

The idea behind the Bronco began with Ford product manager Donald N. Frey, who also conceived of the Ford Mustang; and similarly, Lee Iacocca pushed the idea through into production. In many ways, the Bronco was a more original concept than the Mustang; whereas the Mustang was a fraternal twin of the Ford Falcon, the Bronco had a frame, suspension, and body which were not shared with any other vehicle.

The Bronco was designed under engineer Paul G. Axelrad. Although the axles and brakes were sourced from the Ford F-100 four wheel drive truck, the front axle was located by leading arms (from the frame near the rear of the transmission forward to the axle) and a lateral track bar, allowing the use of coil springs which gave the Bronco a tight (34 foot) turning circle, long wheel travel, and an anti-dive geometry which was useful for snowplowing. Rear suspension was more conventional, with leaf springs in a typical Hotchkiss design. A shift-on the-fly (with utmost difficulty) Dana Engineering transfer case was standard, and heavy duty suspension was an option.

The initial engine was the Ford 170 cubic inch straight six, modified with solid valve lifters, a six quart oil pan, heavy duty fuel pump, oil-bath air cleaner, and a carburetor with a float bowl compensated against tilting.

Styling was subordinated to simplicity and economy, so all glass was flat, bumpers were simple C-sections, the frame was a simple box-section ladder, and the basic left and right door skins were identical except for mounting holes.

Base price was only $2,194, but the long option list included front bucket seats, a rear bench seat, a tachometer, and a CB radio, as well as functional items such as a tow bar, an auxiliary gas tank, a power takeoff, a snowplow, a winch, and a posthole digger. Aftermarket accessories included campers, overdrive units, and the usual array of wheels, tires, chassis and engine parts for increased performance.

The Bronco initially dominated the market against the Scout and Jeep until the advent of the full-size Chevrolet Blazer in 1969, a much larger and more powerful vehicle which could offer greater luxury, comfort, space, and a longer option list including automatic transmission and power steering, and thus had broader appeal. Ford countered by enlarging the optional V8 engine from 289 cubic inches and 200 horsepower to 302 cubic inches and 205 horsepower, but this still could not match the Blazer's optional 350 cubic inches and 255 horsepower. In 1973, power steering and automatic transmissions were made optional and sales spiked to 26,300, but by then Blazer sales were double those of the Bronco, and International Harvester had seen the light and come out with the Scout II which was more in the Blazer class. For the average driver, those vehicles made more sense than the more rustically-oriented Bronco; however, the low sales of the Bronco (230,800 over twelve years) did not allow a large budget for upgrades, and it remained basically unchanged until the advent of the larger, more Blazer-like second generation Bronco in 1978. Perhaps predictably, sales of the original model peaked (30,700) in its last year, 1977, as buyers who wanted more of a fun, spunky, no frills go anywhere vehicle took advantage of their last opportunity to buy one.

Racing

In 1965, racecar builder Bill Stroppe assembled a team of Broncos for long-distance off-road competition for Ford. Partnering with Ford's frequently favored race team Holman and Moody, the Stroppe/Holman/Moody (SHM) Broncos proceeded to dominate the Mint 400, Baja 500, and Mexican 1000. In 1969 SHM again entered a team of six Broncos in the Baja 1000. In 1971, a "Baja Bronco" package partially derived from Stroppe's design was offered in the Ford showrooms, featuring quick-ratio power steering, automatic transmission, fender flares covering Gates Commando tires, a roll bar, reinforced bumpers, a padded steering wheel, and distinctive red, white, blue, and black paint. However, at a price of $5566 versus the standard V8 Bronco price of $3665, only 650 were sold over the next four years. [1]

In 1966 a Bronco dragster built by Doug Nash ran the quarter mile in 9.2 seconds, reaching 150 miles per hour top speed.

Engines

  • 1966-1972 170 in³ Straight-6
  • 1966-1968 289 in³ Windsor V8
  • 1969-1977 302 in³ Windsor V8
  • 1973-1974 200 in³ Straight-6

1978-1986 Full Size Bronco

The redesign of the Bronco in 1978 was based on the F-100 truck, sharing many chassis, drivetrain, and body components. Ford started the redesign in 1972, codenamed Project Short-Horn, but introduction was delayed by concerns over the mid-1970s fuel crisis. The increased size allowed them to compete with the full-size SUVs offered by GM (Chevrolet Blazer) and Chrysler (Dodge Ramcharger).

In the TV series 240-Robert, several 1979 Broncos were seen as rescue vehicles.

There was a major redesign of the model in 1980 (the 1980 model was based on the redesigned Ford F-series; this generation lasted until 1996 with sheetmetal changes), mostly powertrain and chassis related. A lot of cosmetics where redone. along with powertrain, suspension and other odds and ends. The ford bronco, in 1980 had the TTB (twin traction beam) setup in the front end for an independent front suspension. Engines:

  • 351 in³ 351M V8

replaced in 1982 by the

  • 351 in³ Windsor V8
  • 400 in³ 400 V8 optional through 1982 when it was eliminated from the company's lineup
  • 300 in³ Straight-6 added in 1980 — to many, the best powertrain offered for its low-end torque and legendary reliability
  • 302 in³ 302 V8 — added in 1980

1980-1986

The second oil crisis of the 1970s increased emphasis on fuel economy and led to the Bronco II design, nearer in size to the compact Ranger pick up and again sharing some chassis and drivetrain parts. However, full-size Broncos continued to be produced.

The Bronco II was short-lived since it spanned seven model years (1984 - 1990), and it was replaced by the Ford Explorer.

1987-1991

In 1987, the body and drivetrain of the full-size Bronco changed, as it was still based on the full size F-Series. Again based on the F-Series trucks in their latest redesign, continued the towing capability and storage space that the compact Bronco II lacked. Along with the body change came EFI (electronic fuel injection), which improved power and fuel economy. They were built at the Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan on the same line as F150s.

Engines:

  • 300 in³ Straight-6
  • 302 in³ V8
  • 351 in³ Windsor V8

1992-1996

An update of the 1987 edition to go along with an F-Series truck update. Most changes were visible as cosmetics. Primary changes occurred inside of the cab, with changes concentrating in the dash and accessories. No major drivetrain changes occurred.

1997

In the 1997 model year, the Ford Expedition, which more effectively competed with GM's Chevrolet Suburban, was introduced as the successor to the Bronco. The Bronco name was dropped from production, but was reused a few years later for a similar concept car.

2004 Concept

The 2004 Bronco Concept

At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, a Bronco concept car was introduced. Some features of the concept car, such as the box-like roofline, short wheelbase, and the round headlamps are features associated with the original Bronco, but this concept car also has a 2.0-liter intercooled turbo diesel engine and a six-speed transmission. This Bronco also is like the original because of its famous off-road capabilities. Basically, this concept car basically is like the original Bronco in some ways and is also a very futuristic off-road vehicle. Ford has--and is still considering--releasing this for production, likely based on the success of the retro-themed Toyota FJ Crusier.


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Ford has--and is still considering--releasing this for production, likely based on the success of the retro-themed Toyota FJ Crusier. At least two prehistoric creatures from the fossil record have been named after Godzilla:. Basically, this concept car basically is like the original Bronco in some ways and is also a very futuristic off-road vehicle. " Giant Billy and Mandy: All Out Attack". This Bronco also is like the original because of its famous off-road capabilities. Here is a partial list of such references:. Some features of the concept car, such as the box-like roofline, short wheelbase, and the round headlamps are features associated with the original Bronco, but this concept car also has a 2.0-liter intercooled turbo diesel engine and a six-speed transmission. As with any pop culture icon, Godzilla has been parodied, referenced to and homaged in many movies, TV shows, comic books, internet articles, and so on.

At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, a Bronco concept car was introduced. Godzilla and his fellow monsters have appeared in several video games, including:. The Bronco name was dropped from production, but was reused a few years later for a similar concept car. Several manga have been derived from specific Godzilla films, and both Marvel and Dark Horse have published Godzilla comic book series (1977–1979 and 1987–1999, respectively). In the 1997 model year, the Ford Expedition, which more effectively competed with GM's Chevrolet Suburban, was introduced as the successor to the Bronco. The series make several homages to the Shōwa films and several antagonist monsters have been inspired by extant Toho creations. No major drivetrain changes occurred. Saturday morning cartoons, both featuring an investigative scientific team who call upon Godzilla as an ally.

Primary changes occurred inside of the cab, with changes concentrating in the dash and accessories. The success of the Godzilla franchise has also spawned two U.S. Most changes were visible as cosmetics. Putting the Godzilla films' suits and effects crew to further use were several Japanese television shows; Ultraman and some shows inspired by it used the suits occasionally for cameos but Godzilla Island primarily followed the further adventures of the kaiju featured in the films. An update of the 1987 edition to go along with an F-Series truck update. Hedorah, has acquired permission to make a 40-minute film for IMAX theaters, and has secured close to complete funding. Engines:. Yoshimitsu Banno, director of Godzilla vs.

They were built at the Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan on the same line as F150s. (Please note that the titles listed below are Toho's preferred English titles; for further discussion, see Toho Kingdom.). Along with the body change came EFI (electronic fuel injection), which improved power and fuel economy. All of these, with the lone exception of the 23rd, were produced by Toho Studios in Japan. Again based on the F-Series trucks in their latest redesign, continued the towing capability and storage space that the compact Bronco II lacked. Since 1954, there have been 29 official Godzilla films produced. In 1987, the body and drivetrain of the full-size Bronco changed, as it was still based on the full size F-Series. It is later killed by the "true" Godzilla from a hit to the tail, and its radioactive breath.

The Bronco II was short-lived since it spanned seven model years (1984 - 1990), and it was replaced by the Ford Explorer. In Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) a kaiju named Zilla, of identical to design to the American interpretation of Godzilla, attacks Sydney, Australia. However, full-size Broncos continued to be produced. The monster that had appeared in New York was not, in fact, Godzilla, but an entirely different yet similar monster. The second oil crisis of the 1970s increased emphasis on fuel economy and led to the Bronco II design, nearer in size to the compact Ranger pick up and again sharing some chassis and drivetrain parts. The Gotham attack was referred to in the 2001 movie Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. replaced in 1982 by the. In response to negative fan reaction to the 1998 American Godzilla film, Toho inserted derogatory references to the American film and creature design in two of its Millennium movies.

Engines:. The exceptions: In Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack and in the VS series, he was 60 meters to 80, and in Godzilla: Final Wars and Godzilla VS Destoroyah, he was 100 meters (he was supposed to be 50 meters in Final Wars, but budgetary cutbacks in miniature sets forced this size change). The ford bronco, in 1980 had the TTB (twin traction beam) setup in the front end for an independent front suspension. Godzilla's most prominent size in this series is 55 meters. along with powertrain, suspension and other odds and ends. Since the films are different, the sizes are different in some cases. A lot of cosmetics where redone. The common theme to this era is that all movies use Godzilla (1954) as the jumping-off point.

There was a major redesign of the model in 1980 (the 1980 model was based on the redesigned Ford F-series; this generation lasted until 1996 with sheetmetal changes), mostly powertrain and chassis related. The rest follow entirely different timelines. In the TV series 240-Robert, several 1979 Broncos were seen as rescue vehicles. Only two of the films in this era, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and Godzilla: Tokyo SOS, are directly related to one another. The increased size allowed them to compete with the full-size SUVs offered by GM (Chevrolet Blazer) and Chrysler (Dodge Ramcharger). Unlike the previous two series, this era does not feature a continuous timeline. Ford started the redesign in 1972, codenamed Project Short-Horn, but introduction was delayed by concerns over the mid-1970s fuel crisis. Destoroyah.

The redesign of the Bronco in 1978 was based on the F-100 truck, sharing many chassis, drivetrain, and body components. The Millennium Series is the official term for the series of Godzilla movies, unofficially called the "Shinsei Series" (or even the "Alternate Reality Series") by American fans, made after the VS Series ended with Godzilla vs. In 1966 a Bronco dragster built by Doug Nash ran the quarter mile in 9.2 seconds, reaching 150 miles per hour top speed. Examples of this changed behavior include the American Godzilla running away and hiding from the military instead of fighting, a lack of radioactive fire-breath, the laying of eggs by Godzilla, and the ease with which the monster is dispatched by the military at the end of the film. [1]. Also, the behavior of the American Godzilla is viewed as running contrary to the long-established Japanese Godzilla traditions. However, at a price of $5566 versus the standard V8 Bronco price of $3665, only 650 were sold over the next four years. Instead, he resembles a gigantic bipedal iguana or Komodo dragon.

In 1971, a "Baja Bronco" package partially derived from Stroppe's design was offered in the Ford showrooms, featuring quick-ratio power steering, automatic transmission, fender flares covering Gates Commando tires, a roll bar, reinforced bumpers, a padded steering wheel, and distinctive red, white, blue, and black paint. The Godzilla in this movie is almost entirely computer-animated, and bears little resemblance in look or manner to his Japanese counterpart. In 1969 SHM again entered a team of six Broncos in the Baja 1000. However, the biggest change is in the Godzilla character itself. Partnering with Ford's frequently favored race team Holman and Moody, the Stroppe/Holman/Moody (SHM) Broncos proceeded to dominate the Mint 400, Baja 500, and Mexican 1000. Another is that it is produced by a different company. In 1965, racecar builder Bill Stroppe assembled a team of Broncos for long-distance off-road competition for Ford. The most obvious is that the American movie restarts the saga from the beginning, setting the main action in New York City.

Perhaps predictably, sales of the original model peaked (30,700) in its last year, 1977, as buyers who wanted more of a fun, spunky, no frills go anywhere vehicle took advantage of their last opportunity to buy one. GINO is so called for multiple reasons. For the average driver, those vehicles made more sense than the more rustically-oriented Bronco; however, the low sales of the Bronco (230,800 over twelve years) did not allow a large budget for upgrades, and it remained basically unchanged until the advent of the larger, more Blazer-like second generation Bronco in 1978. The monster in the 1998 film has since been dubbed GINO (Godzilla In Name Only) by many Godzilla fans. In 1973, power steering and automatic transmissions were made optional and sales spiked to 26,300, but by then Blazer sales were double those of the Bronco, and International Harvester had seen the light and come out with the Scout II which was more in the Blazer class. Set in New York City and produced by Columbia Pictures, this movie is not considered to be part of any of the three eras of the Godzilla series. Ford countered by enlarging the optional V8 engine from 289 cubic inches and 200 horsepower to 302 cubic inches and 205 horsepower, but this still could not match the Blazer's optional 350 cubic inches and 255 horsepower. In the 1998 film, Godzilla had been a reptile mutated after a French atomic test, on a French Polynesian island.

The Bronco initially dominated the market against the Scout and Jeep until the advent of the full-size Chevrolet Blazer in 1969, a much larger and more powerful vehicle which could offer greater luxury, comfort, space, and a longer option list including automatic transmission and power steering, and thus had broader appeal. The $136 million US boxoffice fell far short of marketing expectations, thus the film is generally viewed as a failure despite turning a profit worldwide. Aftermarket accessories included campers, overdrive units, and the usual array of wheels, tires, chassis and engine parts for increased performance. Despite being one of the highest grossing films of the year when factoring in overseas profits, the film was widely panned by cult followers of the Godzilla franchise, critics on both sides of the Pacific, and movie-goers in general. Base price was only $2,194, but the long option list included front bucket seats, a rear bench seat, a tachometer, and a CB radio, as well as functional items such as a tow bar, an auxiliary gas tank, a power takeoff, a snowplow, a winch, and a posthole digger. The only Godzilla movie not made by Toho is the 1998 film Godzilla, directed by Roland Emmerich. Styling was subordinated to simplicity and economy, so all glass was flat, bumpers were simple C-sections, the frame was a simple box-section ladder, and the basic left and right door skins were identical except for mounting holes. Hence, The Return of Godzilla brought the series back to form.

The initial engine was the Ford 170 cubic inch straight six, modified with solid valve lifters, a six quart oil pan, heavy duty fuel pump, oil-bath air cleaner, and a carburetor with a float bowl compensated against tilting. However, the further Godzilla was taken away from his roots, the less popular he became. A shift-on the-fly (with utmost difficulty) Dana Engineering transfer case was standard, and heavy duty suspension was an option. When it was discovered that Godzilla was popular with children, sequels were toned down in obvious screen violence, and Godzilla was made out to be a good guy instead of an indestructible, abhorrent mistake of men. Rear suspension was more conventional, with leaf springs in a typical Hotchkiss design. The reason for the continuity shift was based on a realization that the marketing of the movies had removed the reason it was so loved. Although the axles and brakes were sourced from the Ford F-100 four wheel drive truck, the front axle was located by leading arms (from the frame near the rear of the transmission forward to the axle) and a lateral track bar, allowing the use of coil springs which gave the Bronco a tight (34 foot) turning circle, long wheel travel, and an anti-dive geometry which was useful for snowplowing. Destoroyah after a run of seven films.

Axelrad. Known as the VS Series, (unofficially known to American fans as the "Heisei Series", for the ruling emperor of the time), the continuity ended in 1995's Godzilla vs. The Bronco was designed under engineer Paul G. The timeline was revamped in 1984 with The Return of Godzilla; this movie was created as a direct sequel to the 1954 film, and ignores the continuity of the Showa series. In many ways, the Bronco was a more original concept than the Mustang; whereas the Mustang was a fraternal twin of the Ford Falcon, the Bronco had a frame, suspension, and body which were not shared with any other vehicle. The American release Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956) incorrectly stated Godzilla's height to be 400 feet, an inaccuracy that lingers today. Frey, who also conceived of the Ford Mustang; and similarly, Lee Iacocca pushed the idea through into production. In all films of this original series, Godzilla was 50 meters tall, and weighed 20,000 tons.

The idea behind the Bronco began with Ford product manager Donald N. This period featured a rough continuity, although the chronology is confused, as some of the later movies were set in an arbitrary future time, often 1999. Its small size (92 inch wheelbase) made it popular for off-road and some other uses, but impractical for such things as towing. The Showa period saw the addition of many monsters into the Godzilla continuity, three of which (Mothra, Rodan and Varan) had their own solo movies, as well as a movie for the Toho-ized King Kong. The original Bronco was a small SUV, intended to compete with Jeeps and International Harvester Scouts. The films Son of Godzilla and All Monsters Attack were aimed largely at youthful audiences, featuring the appearance of Godzilla's son, Minya. . Starting with Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (made 10 years after the first Godzilla film), Godzilla became a semi-playful antihero, and as years went by, he evolved into an anthropomorphic superhero.

It was a white 1993 model owned by Al Cowlings. Godzilla, which had the highest ticket sales of any Godzilla movie. Simpson traveled during his (in)famous low-speed chase with police through the Los Angeles area. This tendency started with King Kong vs. J. Godzilla, this period also featured a somewhat more lighthearted Godzilla. The Bronco permanently entered popular culture in 1994 as the vehicle in which O. With the exception of the serious Godzilla (1954) and the semi-serious sequels Godzilla Raids Again and Mothra vs.

The full-size Broncos and the successor Expedition were produced at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan. This Showa timeline spanned from 1954, with Godzilla (1954), to 1975, with Terror of Mechagodzilla. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the return of the large Bronco, based on a newer F-Series. The initial series of movies is named for the Showa period in Japan (as all of these films were produced before Emperor Hirohito's death in 1989). The smaller Ford Bronco II accompanied the Bronco for several years in the1980s. The Godzilla series is generally broken into three eras, reflecting the broader division of daikaiju eiga into the Shōwa era, Heisei era, and Millennium era. A major redesign based on the Ford F-Series truck in the late 1970s brought a larger Bronco to compete with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger. Godzilla would go on to inspire Gorgo, Gamera, and many others.

It was initially introduced as a competitor for the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout. The Japanese version of Godzilla was greatly inspired by the commercial success of King Kong, and the 1953 success of The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms. The Ford Bronco was a 4x4 SUV produced from 1966 through 1996, with four distinct generations. Such an ability was used in Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah; where Godzilla's heart beats after Godzilla explodes. 351 in³ Windsor V8. This would make it possible for Godzilla to continue indefinitely, even though he appears to die. 302 in³ V8. In Godzilla 2000, it is discussed that Godzilla possesses a component known as "Organizer G-1", or "Regenerator G-1" in the English version of the film, which allows him to heal from any wound, possibly even regenerate himself from mere fragments.

300 in³ Straight-6. In the subsequent films, another of Godzilla's species take his place or Godzilla simply doesn't stay dead (there is some debate about this). 302 in³ 302 V8 — added in 1980. Nonetheless, Gojira - or Godzilla - returned in a series of films, all from Toho. 300 in³ Straight-6 added in 1980 — to many, the best powertrain offered for its low-end torque and legendary reliability. Serizawa's oxygen destroyer, killed Godzilla at the end of the first movie, dissolving his flesh and bone into nothingness. 400 in³ 400 V8 optional through 1982 when it was eliminated from the company's lineup. The deoxygenation of Tokyo bay, caused by Dr.

351 in³ Windsor V8. On his 50th (Japanese) birthday, on 29 November 2004, Godzilla got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 351 in³ 351M V8. Creator and producer Tomoyuki Tanaka accepted on his behalf via satellite but was joined by "Godzilla" himself. 1973-1974 200 in³ Straight-6. Destoroyah, Godzilla received an award for Lifetime Achievement at the MTV Movie Awards. 1969-1977 302 in³ Windsor V8. In 1996, after his then-final appearance in Godzilla vs.

1966-1968 289 in³ Windsor V8. The creature also made an appearance in a Nike commercial, in which Godzilla went one-on-one with NBA star Charles Barkley. 1966-1972 170 in³ Straight-6. The Blue Öyster Cult song "Godzilla" also contributed to the popularity of the movies. Sony currently holds some of those rights, as well as the rights to every Godzilla film produced from 1991 onward. The American company UPA contracted with Toho to distribute its monster movies of the time, and UPA continues to hold the license today for the Godzilla films of the 1960s and 1970s.

Much of Godzilla's popularity in the United States can be credited with TV broadcasts of the Toho Studios monster movies during the 1960s and 1970s. Toho immediately followed it with 1999's Godzilla 2000: Millennium, which began the current series of films, known informally as the Mireniamu or Millennium series. All but one of the 29 films were produced by Toho: a version was made in 1998 by TriStar Pictures and set in the United States by the directors of Independence Day (ID4) and is somewhat despised by most Godzilla fans. Films have been made over the last five decades, each reflecting the social and political climate in Japan.

Some have pointed out the parallels, conscious or unconscious, between Godzilla's relationship to Japan and that of the United States; first a terrible enemy who causes enormous destruction, but then becoming a good friend and defender in times of peril. The Versus and Millennium Series have largely continued this concept. The radioactive contamination of the Japanese fishing boat Daigo Fukuryu Maru through the United States' Castle Bravo thermonuclear device test on Bikini Atoll, on March 1, 1954 lead to much press coverage in Japan preceding the release of the first movie in 1954. Godzilla was originally an allegory for the effects of the hydrogen bomb, and the unintended consequences that such weapons might have on Earth.

As a result, the monster came to be known as "Godzilla" also in Japan (the belief that American distributors were responsible for the name "Godzilla" is a misconception, since Toho came up with the name for international markets to begin with). In 1956, it was adapted by an American company into Godzilla, King of the Monsters (based on Toho's international title), edited and with added, principal scenes featuring Raymond Burr, and this version became an international success. Gojira was first released in the United States in 1955 in Japanese-American communities only, under Toho's international title, Godzilla. But since Gojira was neither a gorilla nor a whale, the name "Gojira" was devised in a different way for the film's story; Gojira's name was "originally" spelled in katakana (呉爾羅).

The name was allegedly originally a nickname of a large worker at Toho Studios. The name "Gojira" is a combination of gorira which means "gorilla" and kujira, which means "whale" in Japanese. the first Godzilla movie always appilies to all Subsequent movies, most of the time the creature is described as prehistoric, often a surviving dinosaur, and its first attacks on Japan are linked to atomic testing in the Pacific Ocean, including but not limited to using nuclear mutation as an explanation for the creature's great size and strange powers. .

Although much of Godzilla's significance as an anti-war symbol has been lost in the transition to pop culture, the nuclear breath remains as a visual vestige of the creature's early Cold War politics. The earliest two Godzilla films visually and thematically evoke the US bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the aftermath and human damage of Godzilla's attacks. Godzilla is characterized as amphibious, nearly indestructible and highly regenerative, and breathing a sort of nuclear fire or "heat-ray". (For a list of these films, see below.).

A new film is slated to be produced by Advanced Audiovisual Productions. In 1998 TriStar Pictures produced a nominal remake of the original set in contemporary New York city. To date, Toho has produced 28 Godzilla films. Godzilla (ゴジラ - Gojira) is a giant Japanese movie monster (kaiju) first seen in the 1954 Japanese tokusatsu film Gojira, produced by Toho Film Company Ltd.

Dakosaurus andiniensis, a crocodile from the Jurassic Period, was nicknamed "Godzilla" before being scientifically classified. Gojirasaurus quayi is a theropod dinosaur that lived in the Triassic Period; a partial skeleton was unearthed in Quay County, New Mexico. There is a drink in Malaysia called "Milo Godzilla", consisting of a cup of Milo with ice cream and/or whipped cream on top of it. The Fairly OddParents.

Rugrats. Invader Zim. Jimmy Neutron. Animaniacs.

Garfield and Friends. Reign Storm. Godzilla has cameoed or inspired likenesses in several other (usually animated) shows:

    . One The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy episode is titled.

    However, his name gives away that he is a parody of Godzilla. There is a Warcraft creature called Gahz'rilla who is a hydra. However, when they visit Tokyo, Ultraman flies by them, waves, and then starts dancing and singing with Godzilla. In Olive the Other Reindeer, a show often shown on Cartoon Network during the Christmas season, Olive, Santa, and Santa's reindeer sing a song titled "Merry Christmas After All" while traveling the world delivering presents.

    Mariah Carey's video for "Boy (I Need You)", which takes place in a futuristic Japanese metropolis, features a yellow, fire-breathing Godzilla-like monster, also brought to life by suitmation. It is identified by a civilian as Godzilla, but another civilian corrects him, stating that it only looks like Godzilla due to copyright issues. In Austin Powers in Goldmember, Austin crashes his car into a dinosaur like parade float while in Japan, causing it to roll around the streets uncontrollably. In The Fairly Oddparents TV movie School's Out: The Musical before the Mayor starts singing it shows Godzilla destroying the city.

    In the episode of the Comedy Central animated reality show parody Drawn Together entitled "Super Nanny", Godzilla plays a minor role as Ling-Ling's conscience (with his size probably meant as a subtle joke to Ling-Ling's cultural responsibility). Godzilla is distracted by Mothra, Rodan and Gamera, allowing the plane to escape. In the last scene of The Simpsons 10th season finale "Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo", Godzilla attacks a plane going from Japan to the USA that the Simpsons are on. Featured in the Animaniacs short, "Warners and the Beanstalk" where Yakko tells the Giant, "Would you like it in Japan with Godzilla and Rodan?"(a parody of Green Eggs and Ham) The Giant ignores Yakko's offer resulting in Godzilla burning him with his Atomic breath, and Rodan blowing him away.

    Godzilla: Save the Earth. Godzilla: Domination. Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee. Super Godzilla.

    Godzilla: Monster of Monsters. Godzilla: The Series. The Godzilla Power Hour. Monster Planet Of Godzilla.

    Godzilla Island. Meteor Man Zone. Ultra Q. Ultraman.

    He can release a powerful atomic energy beam, usually blue but in some films red, from his mouth (which is ominously signalled when his dorsal fins glow/flash in the same color as the atomic beam). He is virtually indestructible, impervious to all modern weaponry. His iconic design (a charcoal-colored monster-like figure with small pointed ears, rough bumpy scales, powerful tail, and bony colored dorsal fins shaped like maple leaves).