And so it begins.
With the release of the new 2021 Ford Bronco, vehicle up-fitters are racing to crank out concepts of what their version of the new Bronco will look like. Among the first to release an intriguing concept is Saleen, which is no surprise.
Saleen has a rich history of taking factory Ford vehicles and making them, well, louder, faster, and better looking. Saleen’s concept of the Bronco is no different and it pays tribute to a classic off-road racer, “Big Oly.”
Big Oly has gone down in the off-road racing history books as one of the most recognizable and well-known trophy trucks in Baja racing history. Big Oly was raced by Parnelli Jones and Bill Stroppe from 1970-1974 and won consecutive Mexican 1000s (now the Baja 1000).
The original truck still belongs to Jones but you can own your own homage to the infamous Big Oly with the new Saleen Big Oly Bronco.
©Bajabronco.com
Not only does the Saleen Big Oly sport a livery recalling the beer sponsor of the original Stroppe racing team, in true Saleen fashion, the new Bronco will have plenty of appearance, performance and lighting enhancements inspired by the trophy trucks of yesteryear.
Although the exact trim that the Saleen Bronco will be based on is unknown, the two-door renderings show a new host of lightweight body panels including the grille, front fenders, hood, rear quarter panels, and rear fenders. In addition to a completely redesigned body, Saleen has outfitted their concept with additional LED lighting in the front bumper, on the A-pillars, and a massive off-road light array on the roofline.
Protecting all of the new body panels and lights is a carbon front skid plate attached to an off-road bumper. The presumed Sasquatch package 35-inch spare is stored on a swing-away rear bumper painted Big Oly blue and the roof sports a slim, modular roof rack.
©Saleen Automotive, INC
Arguably the most notable feature of the Saleen Bronco is the adjustable rear spoiler. No doubt it’s a nod to the unmistakable aluminum wing from the original truck raced in the 1970s
The Saleen Big Oly Bronco is obviously not yet available, but if the first look is any indication of the things to come from vehicle up-fitters once the Bronco comes to market, I am excited to see what comes out over the next couple of years.
Visit the Saleen website for all of the details and to request information about the Big Oly Bronco.
Header image: Saleen Automotive, Inc
