Gerard Butler’s first-gen Ford Bronco destroyed in Malibu fire
Fire doesn’t play favorites when it comes to people or property. Gerard Butler, star of 2007 hit movie 300 and the recently-released Hunter Killer, posted a photo on Instagram showing what’s left of his Malibu home and his classic first-generation Ford Bronco. Fortunately, Butler left the area before fire swept through his neighborhood.
“Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating,” Butler wrote. “Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit, and sacrifice of the firefighters. Thank you @LosAngelesFireDepartment. If you can, support these brave men and women at SupportLAFD.org.”
Butler later posted a video showing the devastation in his neighborhood.
The restored first-gen Bronco, built from 1966–77, is right now the hottest car in the market according to our data. It was also #1 in June 2017 and hasn’t been out of the top 10 since 2016. Not only have values been consistently strong, but prices continue to rise—200 percent up in the last decade. The top auction sales (excluding this one for charity) were $143,000 each for a 1971 Stroppe Baja Edition at Mecum 2018 Kissimmee and a 1969 Custom 4×4 at Barrett-Jackson 2018 Scottsdale.
Built to compete with the Willys CJ-5 Jeep, the two-door 1966–77 Bronco was originally powered by a 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine, but it received an optional V-8 midway through the first model year—becoming the first small 4×4 to have one.
Prior to the wildfires, Butler’s restored Bronco was painted powder blue. It was photographed by paparazzi in September. Butler seems to be a legit car enthusiast, too, judging by his Instagram account. He’s posted several photos of himself driving a first-gen Chevrolet Corvette, sitting atop a Triumph Bonneville T100 motorcycle, and posing with the Ghostbusters Caddy.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the California wildfires. If you are a Hagerty member and need to file a claim, call us at 800-385-0274 or send an email to wildfire@hagerty.com.
