The world’s most famous white Bronco, known for its role in the infamous OJ Simpson police chase in 1994, is expected to go up for sale in the near future with a hefty price tag of at least $1.5 million. The news has caused quite a stir among collectors and fans of true crime memorabilia, as the white Bronco holds a significant place in history.
The white Bronco, driven and owned by OJ Simpson’s friend, Al Cowlings, has had an eventful life. According to Simpson’s former agent, Michael Gilbert, who currently owns the Bronco along with two of Cowling’s friends, they had always planned to sell it, especially now that it’s the 30th anniversary of the infamous chase. “Who knows if we are all going to be around for the 35th or the 40th?” Gilbert told Darren Rovell’s new media outlet Cllct.
Aside from its role in the OJ Simpson case, the white Bronco has had a wild journey. After the chase, Cowlings initially attempted to sell it for $75,000 to a memorabilia shop, where tourists planned to take rides in the Bronco along the police chase route. However, he later decided to sell it to Gilbert and his friends instead.
The Bronco was then kept in a Los Angeles condominium garage for 17 years before being transported to the Luxor in Las Vegas to be part of a sports museum. However, when the museum closed, the white Bronco was returned to Gilbert’s house. Due to his wife’s request, it was then loaned to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 2016.
In 2017, the white Bronco made an appearance on the popular show “Pawn Stars” where the show’s star, Rick Harrison, was asked to pay $1.3 million for the vehicle. However, after struggling with the high price, Gilbert lowered it to $1.25 million. Harrison ultimately declined, stating that because there were no previous sales to compare it to, it would be too much of a gamble. Gilbert, on the other hand, maintained that he would never sell the Bronco for under $1 million.
It’s important to note that the white Bronco up for sale is not OJ Simpson’s personal vehicle, but rather the one owned by Cowlings. This distinction is crucial, as it was in this Bronco that the infamous cellphone conversation between Simpson and Cowlings took place during the chase.
The potential sale of the white Bronco has sparked a debate on the ethics of profiting from such a notorious piece of history. However, Gilbert maintains that it is simply an item of interest for true crime enthusiasts and should be viewed as just another piece of pop culture history.
As the world waits for the white Bronco to be officially put on the market, it remains to be seen who will ultimately be the lucky owner of this iconic vehicle. One thing is for sure – the white Bronco will forever hold its place in history as a symbol of one of the most infamous police chases in modern times.
