O.J. Simpson: Bronco Found In Excellent Condition, FX Series Breaks Records


The white 1993 Ford Bronco that O.J. Simpson drove on that 1994 fateful day that made worldwide headlines has been found, now with a new owner, in almost perfect condition.

Inside Edition reports that the famous Bronco Simpson escaped in, which has been missing for 20 years years, was found with a new owner owner, whose name is currently not disclosed. According to the owner, only around 20 miles has been put on the Bronco since the purchase. He revealed he’s preserving the Bronco as an investment, and even took the gas out and stored it in a container.

“It’s iconic. It’s a part of history.”

The new owner of the vehicle is scheduled to be revealed on tonight’s episode of Inside Edition.

Simpson, on the other hand, didn’t take such prestige care of the vehicle when it was in his possession. In 1994, after threatening suicide while holding a gun to his head, the former NFL player got into the backseat of the Bronco as his friend Al Cowlings drove and headed down the Los Angeles freeway in Southern California. Cowlings led the police on a low-speed chase as he drove in and out of traffic. Five hours later, Simpson surrendered.

Although the incident happened in 1994, Simpson’s case is once again in headlines due to the new FX series, American Crime: The People v. O.J. Simpson. The series is already breaking records. Variety reports that the show’s season premiere averaged around 8.3 million total viewers, the largest number of viewers for any show on FX.

Metacritic states, “‘The People v. O.J. Simpson’ has garnered the best reviews for any television premiere of the year.”

When DVR numbers are counted in, a total of 12 million viewers watched the premiere, making the show FX’s highest-rated drama debut ever. This week’s show is expected to have high numbers again, as the infamous white Bronco will make its appearance as Simpson, played by actor Cuba Gooding Jr., huddles in the back seat in one of the most anticipated scenes of the show.

Oscar-winner Gooding Jr., 48, is appreciative of all of viewers but admitted that he passed on playing the role of Simpson at first. It wasn’t until after he learned Ryan Murphy would direct the show that he changed his mind.

Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. almost didn't take the role of O.J. Simpson. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sirius)
Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. almost didn’t take the role of O.J. Simpson. [Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sirius]

“I said to my agents, ‘Who’s directing this thing? Who’s the filmmaker?’ ‘They don’t have one. They’re going to attach you and then look for one.’ I go, ‘Pass.’ I’d been down that road a thousand times. I worked with every crackhead director that got financing. So my agents call me a couple weeks after this episode. They say, ‘Ryan Murphy wants to meet you.’ I said, ‘Whatever he wants, I’m in!’ They go, ‘It’s funny you said that, because he wants to do O.J. Simpson.’ I told them, ‘I don’t care what it is. I’ll play Marcia Clark. As long as it’s a real filmmaker, I’m in.'”

Taking the role of Simpson seems to be the right move for Gooding Jr. Not only are some critics raving about the directing and writing of the show’s premiere, but they’re also applauding the actor’s realistic portrayal of Simpson.

Jeff Jensen of Entertainment Weekly wrote, “Gooding’s Simpson is a man unhinged by his sudden fall from grace and privilege – a well-played perspective that works regardless of the final verdict.”

Yet, not all people are happy with the final product, including O.J. Simpson himself. Simpson didn’t actually see the show’s premiere, but he did send a message that he “feels indifferent” to Gooding Jr. portraying him. Gooding Jr. replied by saying he’s thrilled that the former football star acknowledged him but wonders about the mixed review that Simpson gave.

“He must be posted up at the payphone in jail right now. It’s like everybody keeps giving a quote that he said. He hasn’t seen the show, but ‘Cuba’s portrayal I feel indifferent about’?”

The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story airs on Tuesdays on FX, at 10 p.m. EST.

[Photo by Joseph Villarin/AP]

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