Saleen’s Big Oly Bronco Is a Hell of a Dirt-Jumping Tribute
Saleen has unveiled a limited-edition Ford Bronco designed as a tribute to the Big Oly Bronco that Parnelli Jones drove to victory in the 1971 and 1972 editions of the Baja 1000. Years in the making, the truck gets a more powerful twin-turbo V-6, an overhauled suspension system, and heritage-laced styling.
You’ll need to crawl underneath this Bronco to spot the most significant modifications, but luckily that shouldn’t be a problem. It sits much higher than the standard Bronco, thanks to a Saleen Racecraft mid-travel suspension system and 37-inch tires. The company notes that the suspension features a five-link design with patented BVS technology that makes the Bronco well-suited to high-speed off-road driving. Many of you may point out that this is exactly what the Bronco Raptor was built for, and you’re absolutely right.
Styling helps set the two off-roaders apart. Saleen’s modern interpretation of Big Oly falls in line with the original with a white and gold livery that proudly includes the Olympia beer logo. Saleen also added a new front bumper with an integrated skid plate to improve the SUV’s approach angle, a redesigned grille, huge wheel arch flares, and a rear wing for additional downforce. Gold-colored wheels wrap up the look.
You’re on the wrong track if you’re expecting a stripped-out, race-ready cabin. Big Oly ships with leather- and Alcantara-upholstered front seats, an Alcantara-upholstered steering wheel, and body-colored trim.
Power comes from an uprated version of the twin-turbocharged, 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 offered on the regular-production Bronco. Saleen increased the six’s output to 375 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, up from 330 and 415, respectively, from stock. Details about how the tuner increased both figures haven’t been released, but Saleen has a long history of making Ford models go faster. The engine spins the rear or all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
For context, the Bronco Raptor puts 418 horses and 440 pound-feet of twist under your right foot from a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6. It sounds like a high-speed off-road duel is in the making somewhere.
Saleen stresses that the Big Oly is a limited-edition model, but it hasn’t revealed how many examples will be up for grabs. Pricing information hasn’t been announced, either, though nothing suggests it will be cheap.
Original Big Oly: YES!
This version: yawn.
The black hood is reminiscent of the original. But I think the hard top should be white. Otherwise, I’d take it. Too bad you can’t REALLY off-road it though.
Hopefully that modded motor doesn’t EcoBurst in the future.
Over priced toy. The real one was built right. And it was a winner.
I hope that is not a cartridge-type oil filter hanging below and outside of the frame. And we know the eight roof-mounted lights will be abused in traffic – Right?
Shock reservoir. But yeah it’s possible something could hit it…
But not at the grocery store or country club parking lots.
New owners will stash them in the garage and dust them off for the weekly Cars and Coffee events. In 20 years, they will brag that their 2025 Big Oly has only 18.2 delivery miles on the odometer. Too bad as they should be very capable vehicles to actually drive.
Cliche much.
Defiantly a money grab. Who in 2025 really knows what Big Oly and Olympia Beer was or is? (2) EcoBoost V6 is not or never will be a V8 and is a ticking time bomb. What can be learned from the word turbo and OEM? Fords care to the wind lack of quality will be cemented in this vehicle. I would be surprised if it has NO recalls pertaining to it currently. Just hang on. It will.
Get over it. It’s a rebodied Escape. I feel for those dumb enough to pay a premium to get one. It’s still an instant gratification world. It’s funny how times have changed. The automakers were in bed with the media. An unfavorable review would cost ad dollars. Today the American automakers cannot run from social media. Time is running out. Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi are bonding together. Ford may end up by way of the Packard.
One point of correction, this is based on the Ford T6 platform that is shared with the Ranger.