The Bronco is one of the most popular and prominent exhibits at the privately owned museum, which opened in 2016 following the closure of a similar crime museum in Washington. The vehicle was once owned by Al Cowlings, Simpson’s friend and former teammate, who was driving it at around 40 miles per hour while Simpson was fleeing from the police.
The car was previously featured on a 2017 episode of the reality television show “Pawn Stars,” where Mike Gilbert, a former agent for Simpson, mentioned that he purchased the car to prevent it from being used by a tour company. He tried to sell it for over $1 million on the show but was unsuccessful.
The museum did not disclose who authorized the display of the car, citing privacy concerns.
“Different generations have different reactions to it, as people who witnessed the chase live respond differently,” Pennington stated. She added, “Most people are surprised to see it because it is the white Bronco from the O.J. chase, which is such an iconic moment in history.”
Pennington emphasized that the museum always keeps the victims of the crimes featured in the exhibits, as well as the survivors’ pain, in mind. She mentioned that while Simpson’s death may impact a temporary display commemorating the 30th anniversary of the tragedy, the focus will remain on the victims.
On Thursday, the museum added a label acknowledging Simpson’s death on a plexiglass case next to the Bronco, which also displays a set of his golf clubs. At least two visitors found out about his death from the sign.
“It was quite surreal – people would argue about it, you know, at Waffle House,” recalled David Hardigree, who was visiting from Northern Kentucky, referring to the Simpson trial and the debates on his guilt or innocence.
However, he noted that his visit on Thursday was just “ironic timing.”
