June 17, 1994, was a day that would forever change the way America viewed televised events. During Game 5 of the NBA Finals, television screens across the nation switched from the basketball action to a gripping live scene on the freeway in Los Angeles. The pursuit was not of a criminal in the usual high-speed fashion; instead, it was a slow-speed chase featuring a white 1993 Ford Bronco with O.J. Simpson in the back seat, making it one of the most iconic moments in criminal history.

The Infamous White Ford Bronco

The white Ford Bronco, driven by Al Cowling, Simpson’s close friend and former teammate, became an unwitting star of the chase. As the vehicle slowly made its way through the streets of Los Angeles, millions of viewers were transfixed by the bizarre spectacle unfolding before them. Cowling was at the wheel while Simpson, wanted for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman, sat in the back seat.

The chase itself lasted for over two hours, capturing the attention of 95 million viewers. The nation watched as the Bronco traversed the highways, making its way to Simpson’s Brentwood home, where the suspect eventually surrendered to authorities without further incident. This event marked the beginning of the Bronco’s place in American pop culture, transforming it from just another vehicle on the road into a symbol of a criminal case that would dominate the headlines for years to come.

Watch the video detailing how O.J. Simpson’s car chase unfolded live on TV!

The Aftermath of the Chase

O.J. Simpson’s trial would ultimately see him acquitted of all murder charges, despite the highly publicized and controversial nature of the case. However, the Ford Bronco, which had once been a part of the sensational live broadcast, began to fade from the public eye as Simpson’s trial and later legal battles took over the spotlight. But many people still wondered what had happened to the vehicle.

The Journey of the Bronco Post-Chase

A year after the infamous chase, the Bronco changed hands. Al Cowlings, the owner of the vehicle during the pursuit, sold the truck to Simpson’s agent, Mike Gilbert, for $75,000. Over the years, the Bronco moved out of Los Angeles, but in 2016, it found a permanent home at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where it continues to draw attention from visitors curious about the infamous chase and its connection to Simpson.

Attempts to Sell the Bronco

In 2017, as Simpson’s release from prison in Las Vegas following his conviction for armed robbery made headlines, Gilbert tried to sell the Bronco. He offered the vehicle to Rick Harrison of “Pawn Stars” for an eye-watering $1.3 million, an offer that was declined. Despite lowering the asking price to $1.25 million, the deal never materialized, and the Bronco remains in Gilbert’s possession.

According to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, no legitimate offers for the Bronco have been received in recent years, and there has been no significant effort to sell the vehicle since its appearance on the popular reality TV show.

The Bronco’s Place in Criminal History

Today, the Bronco is displayed alongside other infamous vehicles in the museum, such as the Volkswagen Beetle driven by serial killer Ted Bundy and a car used in the film about the infamous Bonnie and Clyde. The museum houses these vehicles as part of its ongoing effort to showcase a collection of cars that have been tied to criminal history in various ways.

Visitors to the museum can stand alongside these infamous cars, including the Bronco, and reflect on the cultural impact these vehicles have had, not only due to the crimes they are linked to but also the way they’ve captured the public imagination.

The Passing of O.J. Simpson and the Legacy of the Bronco

On January 18, 2025, O.J. Simpson passed away at the age of 76 after battling prostate cancer. His death marks the end of an era that began with the Bronco chase and his infamous trial. The white Ford Bronco, however, remains a lasting symbol of that turbulent time in American history.

Despite the passage of time, the Bronco continues to evoke memories of a time when the lines between celebrity and criminality blurred, and it remains a reminder of one of the most watched television events in history. As it sits in its place of honor at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, the Bronco’s legacy is far from over, continuing to draw attention and spark curiosity about the story that brought it into the public eye.

Check out the video exploring the whereabouts of O.J. Simpson’s iconic Ford Bronco!

Final Thoughts

The O.J. Simpson white Ford Bronco is more than just a vehicle; it is a symbol of a moment in history that captured the collective attention of the world. From its role in the slow-speed chase to its place in criminal lore, the Bronco is a reminder of a day when television history was made, and a vehicle that became forever linked to a case that changed the way the world viewed celebrity, crime, and justice.

Though the chase itself may have ended in 1994, the Bronco’s place in history is still firmly intact. For anyone interested in criminal history, it serves as a tangible connection to the past, offering a glimpse into the strange and fascinating intersection of fame and infamy.