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Few off-road legends carry the weight of Parnelli Jones' "Big Oly" Bronco, and this 2023 Ford Bronco Saleen Big Oly Edition Prototype wears that legacy with real conviction. Serial number 23-001P, showing just 145 miles, is headed across the block as Lot S314 at Mecum Auctions' Nashville 2026 sale on Saturday, September 26, giving collectors a rare shot at the very first example of Saleen's tribute to one of the most famous race trucks ever built.
A Tribute to a Baja Icon
The original Big Oly carried Parnelli Jones to back-to-back overall wins at the Baja 1000 in 1971 and 1972, and its reputation has only grown since. When the real truck crossed the block, Big Oly sold for $1.87 million, a clear sign of how much the name still means to enthusiasts. Saleen's Big Oly Edition channels that history into a modern Bronco, and this prototype is where the program started.
The look lands right away. The gold-and-white livery is inspired by the Olympia Beer sponsorship on Jones' racer, and Saleen backs it with its own grille, a dual-vent heat extractor hood, custom high-clearance fenders front and rear, and an aggressive rear spoiler. Black Rhino Solid wheels in Gunmetal wrap 37-inch Nitto Recon Grappler tires, giving the truck the stance to match the paint.
Lit Up for the Desert
Like any proper desert runner, this Bronco comes ready to see in the dark. An extensive KC HiLiTES setup includes a roof-mounted light bar, a bumper light bar, windshield-mounted pods and rear-facing pods, all run from an auxiliary control panel inside the cabin. Roof storage bags and door and roof tool kits are included too, so the next owner has the gear to put it to work.
Saleen Muscle and Real Suspension Upgrades
This is more than a costume. Saleen professionally modified the twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 to make 375 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, paired with an automatic transmission and breathing through a MagnaFlow performance exhaust. Underneath, a Saleen-exclusive Racecraft five-link rear suspension works with a long-travel front setup using coilover dampers and tubular control arms, the kind of hardware that makes the Baja references feel earned. It's a fitting modern companion to classic Baja builds like this 1970 Baja Bronco tribute.
A Race-Inspired Cabin
Inside, black leather upholstery with Alcantara suede inserts and Saleen-embroidered headrests set a purposeful tone. The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara, and body-color trim on the dash and wheel ties the cabin back to the exterior livery.
Why It Stands Out
Saleen has a long track record of turning Fords into collectible machines, from the ultra-rare SA-40 Speedster to the 800-hp S302 Yellow Label. This Bronco adds something those cars can't: a direct link to one of Ford's greatest off-road racing stories, plus prototype status and the first serial number. With 145 miles and a clean CarFax, it is about as close to new as a piece of Saleen history gets.
Modern Broncos have quickly become a favorite platform for builders, as seen in our look at the Baja-ready Bronco R, but few carry a story this strong. Anyone who wants a usable, head-turning tribute to Parnelli Jones and Big Oly should keep a close eye on Lot S314 in Nashville.
Photo credit: Mecum Auctions
