The famous Ford Bronco "Big Oly" sold for $1.87 million.

The Big Oly is the most famous Ford Bronco in history as it won the Baja 1000 in the early 70s for two consecutive years, finishing first in other aftermaths, driven by Parnelly Jones.

There are great icons in the history of motorsport, and Big Oli is one of them. It is an off-road vehicle based on a 1969 Ford Bronco that is best known for winning the Baja 1000 in 1971 when it was driven by Parnelli Jones, one of the most famous racing drivers in history. But that wouldn't be his only achievement, "Big Oli" also won the same race the following year and won the Baja 500 and Mint 400 in 1973. Without a doubt, an incredible piece that was sold just a few days ago at the Mecum Auction during the 34th Dana Mecum Spring Show held May 14-22 in Indianapolis.

The final price was $1.87 million, which is a record for a car of this type. The closest amount in this segment came two years ago with a Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 sold by Barrett-Jackson for $1.21 million. The event where the "Big Oli" was sold sold a total of 2500 unique examples, many of which belonged to private collections, such as this car, which was the main attraction at the head of the Parnelli Jones collection, which also featured it. They found two 2007 Ford Mustangs (one with serial number 001), a 1994 Ford Mustang STV Cobra (also number 1 of 1000 units produced), and a 1927 Ford T-Bucket Track Roadster, among other treasures that were also sold. .

The incredible figure achieved is due not only to his legacy as a part of motorsport history, but also to that of his previous owner, Parnelli Jones, one of the most incredible drivers ever. A winner both in off-road racing and in a large number of tracks, he knew no obstacles or fixed disciplines when it came to driving. Although retired, Parnelli Jones has a long career as the owner of his Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing team, which has competed in several races, even comparing his triumphs to the "Big Oli".

The Ford Bronco "Big Oly", nicknamed due to the sponsorship it received from the Olympia Brewing Company, is also known for completing the Baja 1000 in 14 hours and 59 minutes, an amazing time for the time because it broke the record. one hour earlier. . His Big Oli triumphs were marked by three characteristics that Parnelli Jones demanded when he created it and that have remained in the design of these cars ever since: faster, stronger and lighter.

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