What Happened To The White Ford Bronco? Facts About O.J. Simpson And Al Cowlings Car Chase
The chase is on and we’re going along for the ride.
On Tuesday, FX’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson” will recreate the iconic 1994 white Ford Bronco car chase during episode 2 of “American Crime Story.” But before audiences tune into the anticipated installment, which will recount what happened during the historic, low-sped chase, there’s a few things you should know about the infamous white Ford Bronco.
What Happened During The Chase?
After failing to surrender to the Los Angeles police at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 17, 1994, O.J. Simpson, who was a suspect in the murder case of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, fled from a San Fernando Valley home in a white Ford Bronco. He was accompanied by Al Cowlings, a friend and former pro football teammate.
During the chase, which took place on an LA freeway, it was revealed that Cowlings was driving the vehicle while Simpson was in the back, reportedly holding a gun to his head. The chase lasted until 7:57 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Times, which is when Simpson and Cowling arrived to Simpson’s Brentwood home to surrender to the police.
The chase received national attention, according to USA Today, being watched by over 95 million viewers.
What Happened To The Car?
According to the Associated Press, Cowlings sold the SUV to three California-based men for $200,000 in December 1995. “He couldn’t drive it any longer,” attorney Steve Stone told the outlet, explaining why Cowling wanted to part with the notorious vehicle.
The vehicle was then consistently bought and sold throughout the years. It even ended up in the hands of “porn king” Michael Pulwer, according to the Daily News, who claimed the car was “well take care of” in 2014.
Where Is The White Ford Bronco Now?
The whereabouts of the Bronco have been uncovered, Inside Edition reported. The show’s chief correspondent Jim Moret explained that the car is located in a garage in North California. No further details were given about its location.
The current owner, who will be unveiled during the show’s Tuesday installment, has kept the vehicle in “prime condition.”
"It's iconic," the owner divulged to the out. "It's part of history."
The mysterious owner and Moret will take the iconic Bronco for a spin, giving audiences a look at what the vehicle looks like on the road once again.
Did Sales Peak Following The Chase?
According to reports, Ford’s sales on the Bronco increased by $7,000 in 1994 but steadily decreased until the company discontinued the line in 1996.
Why Was The White Ford Bronco Discontinued?
In 1996, Ford discontinued the line. However, Mark Schirmer, a communications manager for Ford utility vehicles, revealed to USA Today that the 1994 car chase had nothing to do with their decision to ax the two-door vehicle.
“We had decided to move away from the two-door, two-row, large SUV,” Schrimer confirmed. “It was already fading in customer popularity, long before O.J. made it a celebrity.”
Did O.J. Simpson Own The White Ford Bronco?
While the white Ford Bronco is associated with Simpson, the former football star didn't actually own it. The vehicle belonged to Cowlings. On the day that Simpson was going to surrender himself to the police, Cowlings showed up in the vehicle.
But with that said, Simpson did have a Ford Bronco at his home the night of the murders. Police discovered blood smeared on the outside of the car, as well as inside. According to NBC News, he had a rented the vehicle.
Viewers can tune in to Inside Edition on Tuesday, Feb. 9, to see who now owns the white Ford Bronco. Check local listings to see when the episode will air. Audiences can also watch FX’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson” recreate the historic chase on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 10 p.m. EST.
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