The world's most recognizable Ford Bronco to be auctioned

The world's most recognizable Ford Bronco and off-road racing's first "supercar," driven by one of the most diverse and successful drivers in motorsports history, will go on sale to the public for the first time in May. .

The famed 1969 Ford Bronco Baja 1000 Racer known as “Big Oly,” still owned by its even more famous driver Parnelli Jones, is scheduled to cross the Mecum auction block at the company's 34th Annual Original Spring Classic Auction from May 14 to May 22 in Indiana. State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Big Oly is best known for conquering the Baja 1000 field twice in consecutive wins, and its auction bid will be another historic moment for the winning Bronco as it crosses the block from Jones's private collection, along with a handful of other impressive vehicles, including a Formula One race car, and a selection of prized memorabilia from Jones's personal office.

The entire Parnelli Jones Collection will join approximately 2,000 other vehicles and a host of Road Art offerings for the annual auction, which stands as Mecum's flagship event and one of the auction house's largest.

Recently honored by American tuner company Saleen with a tribute version following Ford's 2021 reintroduction of the Bronco model, Big Oly has a legacy unmatched by any other off-road racer before or since its victories in 1971 and 1972 in the world championship. famous Carrera Baja 1000 that takes place annually in the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico.

The Baja 1000 is known for being one of the most prestigious and grueling off-road races in the world, founded in 1967 and consistently attracting competitors and spectators from countries around the world.

Built by Dick Russell and ridden by renowned racers Parnelli Jones and Bill Stroppe to his two Baja 1000 victories, Big Oly also dominated the Baja 500 and Mint 400 in 1973, cementing his legacy as the premier Bronco-inspired racer. vehicle ever built and probably the one most responsible for the top commercial sales success of the model line.

Jones' history as a professional race car driver and team owner is extensive; He is best known for winning the 1963 Indianapolis 500, and his other notable career moments include being the first Indianapolis 500 driver to qualify over 150 MPH in 1962 and winning the race as the owner of a team in 1970 and 1971 with driver Al Unser Sr.

Jones' racing record extends far beyond the brickyard with a roster that also includes sports cars, drag cars, midget cars, off-road vehicles and stock cars.

Among other offerings from Jones's private collection scheduled to cross Mecum's auction block are two Saleen Mustangs — No. 001 and No. 003 from Parnelli Jones' 1970 SCCA Trans Am Championship Tribute Editions, as well as a Ford The 1994 Mustang Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, the 1974 Parnelli VPJ-4 Chassis 4/002 Formula 1 car driven by Mario Andretti and a demanding replica of the 1963 Indianapolis 500 winning car known as “Ol 'Calhoun”.

Dana Mecum's 34th Original Spring Classic auction is open to buyers, sellers and spectators. Bidder registration is available online in advance and on site for $200 and includes admission for two for each auction day.

Those unable to attend and bid in person are encouraged to register to bid over the phone and online, allowing convenient bidding from the comfort of their home.

Doors open daily at 8 am and the car auction begins daily at 10 am Portions of the auction will air on NBC Sports Network.

Mecum's website is updated daily with the latest submissions, including detailed vehicle descriptions and photos.

To view the listing, consign a vehicle or register as a bidder for this and all Mecum auctions, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.

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