There are Broncos, and then there are BRONCOS and then there is Big Oly. With Ford resurrecting the nameplate the first-generation Broncos have soared in collector interest. You can get a resto-mod Bronco 4X4 or buy a survivor. Now Mecum Auctions will offer you up a different version – Parnelli Jones’ Baja 500 racer – Big Oly
At this week’s Mecum Auction held in Glendale, AZ Dana Mecum unveiled Parnelli Jones’ Big Oly and announced it along with other items from Jones will be sold at his Spring Classic in Indiana. It was covered up before the “unveiling” and then enclosed in Mecum’s glass cage but we were able to get a close look before it was glassed up.
Big Oly Build
This might not be the normal Bronco and is essentially a Bronco in name only. A custom chrome-moly tube-frame chassis, aluminum inner panels, fiberglass body, a Ford 351 Windsor engine, four-wheel disc brakes, a Trans-Am-spec full-floating rear axle, plus a modified Twin I-Beam front suspension were used in this Baja cruiser.
The dirt racer was sponsored by the Olympia Brewing Company; hence the name Big Oly.
Big Oly Race Outcomes
The first year out in the Mexican 1000 it failed to finish but won the 1972 Mexican 1000 and both the Baja 500 and Mint 400 in 1973, before being leaving the circuit in 1975.
Jones kept the desert driver and never parted with it. But now it will be auctioned at the upcoming Mecum Auction. But since it is a Bronco in name only, will it draw the interest of the bidders? Let us know your thought and we will see what the outcome is in May
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I have even experienced a Toyota Camry scrape a driveway when “loaded” down with four adults! But Bridjit has come to our rescue.
If necessary you could order additional sections of the main straight piece for longer drives. These babies are tough and durable. Ours has been exposed to the harsh Arizona sun for years now with no deterioration.
It turns out the Hollywood magic must have worn out and the painted on Goodyear logo and Eagle name were removed showing the true brand of these tires – Pirelli.
For the past three years, at the end of the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show on Friday, some of the cars on display drive out of the show onto the surrounding street in front of the Las Vegas Convention Center. It has become known as “The Cruise” and has become very popular, even amongst weary, dog tired show goers.
This year SEMA had an emcee and a DJ spinning some tunes. Because it gets dark early in Las Vegas, SEMA even arranges for some portable lights so the cars can be easily seen.
Some cars tossed out sponsor t-shirts or hats to the crowd and Chip Foose came over to say hi and thanked the crowd for attending. SEMA was even selling a limited number of hats, embroidered to commemorate the Cruise
