In the aftermath of O.J. Simpson’s death, the infamous white Bronco which is central to one of the most unforgettable events in American history may finally be sold three decades on.
The car gained notoriety during a 90-minute police chase on June 17, 1994, days after Simpson was wanted by the LAPD for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. The 1993 Ford Bronco belonged to his former teammate Al Cowlings.
The NFL star was seen in the backseat of Cowlings’ vehicle, reportedly holding a gun to his head before ultimately surrendering and being apprehended at his Brentwood residence. Now, three decades later, Simpson’s former agent, Michael Gilbert, along with two others, is potentially poised to capitalize on the renewed fascination with all things related to ‘Juice’ by considering the sale of the car, according to Daily Mail.
Gilbert, along with two friends of Cowlings, reportedly purchased the car from Cowlings around the time of Simpson’s trial. The vehicle has been on loan to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Tennessee since 2016, displayed alongside cars once owned by figures like John Dillinger and Ted Bundy.
Gilbert mentioned considering selling the car even before Simpson’s recent passing. The owners, including Gilbert, are seeking a minimum of $1.5 million for the sale of the car, whether through a private or public transaction. Gilbert stated that the last official offer they received for the car was approximately $750,000 before Simpson’s passing.
Following the infamous chase, the Bronco remained parked in a Los Angeles garage for nearly two decades. It later resurfaced, appearing on The Strip in Las Vegas, and again six months later at an exhibit in Connecticut.
The Bronco was subsequently housed at Gilbert’s residence before he was requested to dispose of it.
“My wife didn’t like it there,” Gilbert said. “She wanted her parking spot back.”
For years, the whereabouts of the car remained a mystery until Gilbert spoke out a few years ago.
Although Simpson owned the same make and model of vehicle, his car was seized as evidence after traces of blood from both victims were found inside it when it was located outside his home on the night of the murders, as reported by the Alcatraz East Crime Museum.
The vehicle driven during the police chase actually belonged to Cowlings, who bought the Bronco to match Simpson’s. Cowlings claimed Simpson forced him to drive during the chase by threatening him at gunpoint.
Before the trial, Michael Kronick, founder of Startifacts, offered to buy the car for $75,000. Cowlings agreed initially but backed out upon learning Kronick’s intentions.
“We found out that the company was going to rent the vehicle to a company in L.A. called Grave Line Tours, that visited famous graves,” Gilbert told ESPN.
“They were going to re-enact the chase with the Bronco and then take people to Nicole’s grave. The trial hadn’t taken place yet, and we didn’t want people thinking anyone associated with O.J. did this.”
Following the fallout, Cowlings sold the car to his two friends and Gilbert, who still possess it.
Simpson’s Bronco, a symbol of pop culture and crime history, was custom-made, equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing approximately 185 horsepower, and has only accumulated about 32,000 miles.
Simpson passed away on Wednesday at the age of 76 after a brief struggle with prostate cancer.
