This Big Oly Ford Bronco tribute pays homage to the Baja 1000-winning racer.
Even Better?
Most Blue Oval fans are familiar with "Big Oly," a first-generation Ford Bronco that Parnelli Jones piloted to his first Baja 1000 win. That special racer is still around and kicking, and recently sold at auction for huge money. However, this incredibly well-done tribute just hit the block at Barrett-Jackson's Las Vegas auction, giving someone else the chance to bring home the next best - or perhaps even better - thing.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Front Suspension
Though it looks a lot like the real thing, this Big Oly tribute actually features a host of enhancements and modern upgrades that make it superior to that old racer, starting with a custom chromoly tube frame chassis. Up front, its custom suspension features 24-karat gold-plated Sandco upper and lower A-arms, Bilstein Blackhawk shocks, Bilstein 2.5-inch coilovers and 2-inch bump stops, Hypercoil springs, PRP Limit straps, and 24 inches of total wheel travel.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Rear Setup
In the rear, that list continues with 24-karat gold-plated 4-link Dirt-Tech trailing arms, Bilstein Blackhawk shocks, Bilstein 2.5-inch coilovers and 2-inch bump stops, Hypercoil springs, PRP Limit straps, and 31 inches of wheel travel. The off-road build rolls on a set of custom American Racing billet aluminum beadlock wheels wrapped with 39-inch BFGoodrich Racing Baja T/A KR tires.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Big Power
Power for this build is plentiful thanks to a 438 cubic-inch 351 Windsor-based engine packed with goodies including Ross 11:1 pistons, Ford Performance heads, a forged steel crank, H-beam rods, a Bassani custom stainless-steel exhaust system, a Comp Cams solid-roller camshaft, FAST EFI throttle body, and Holley Terminator X EFI system, which sends 723 hp to the wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Rounded Out
The rest of this impressive drivetrain is wrapped up with things like Gear Vendors overdrive and a Winters gate shifter for the gearbox, along with a rear end packing a Dirt-Tech axle housing, Summers Brothers 40-spline 300M axles, a Currie/Gearworks Trophy Truck third member, and a 10-inch polished 5.14 ring & pinion gear set.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
New, but Old
Inside the cabin, this Big Oly tribute utilizes a set of PRP seats with racing harnesses, AutoMeter gauges, and a Lowrance GPS for proper off-roading, while the exterior/bodywork and paint were completed by McNeil Racing. The result is a ride that mimics the original's unique, menacing looks, all with modern components underneath.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Famous Build
Since its completion, this amazing Big Oly tribute hasn't seen any off-road action, but it has made the rounds, spending time in the San Diego Automotive Museum, the Petersen Automotive Museum, and a slew of magazines and online features. Now, it's looking for a new home, but it most certainly won't be cheap to acquire.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
