Few vehicles excite off-roading enthusiasts more than the 1969 Ford Bronco ‘Big Oly’. To say this is a legendary vehicle would be an understatement. Big Oly is off-roading royalty.
Now, imagine this, you are enjoying a beautiful day for some nasty terrain. You are leaving clouds of dust in your wake as you rip through the desert. At the end of your run, you pull into your garage and hop out of your Bronco. It’s not just any Bronco, it is the Big Oly.
It doesn’t just have to be a daydream anymore, snap out of it. You can actually own this vehicle if you want it. The current owner is making it available through Mecum Auctions.
Parnelli Jones and Bill Stroppe guided this vintage Bronco to victories in the 1971 Baja 1000, 1972 Baja, and the 1973 Baja 500. Then they won the 1973 Mint 400 in it. Nobody could beat Big Oly.
[Ed. Note: Mike’s Sky Rancho bumper sticker for the win]
Part of the reason is because Parnelli Jones requested custom specifications to ensure Big Oly would be more lightweight and durable than the competition. Of course, he also wanted this Bronco to be faster. The end result is a vehicle that changed the off-roading industry forever.
Under the hood is a Ford Windsor V8 engine producing 390 horsepower. That is a lot of wild Broncos looking to roam the wilderness. This old horse still sports the winning Big Oly livery in all of its gold, white, and black glory.
One thing remains true, this 1969 Ford Bronco ‘Big Oly’ never needs to buy a drink in any 4×4 town. Big Oly isn’t just an important piece of off-road motorsports history, it is the most famous old-school Bronco in the world.
Don’t miss your chance to make Big Oly yours when it hits the Mecum auction block from May 14 to 22 of 2021. The winning bidder will be getting their saddle ready for another ride soon.
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