This 1969 Ford Bronco Just Sold For $1.7 Million

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Probably the most famous Ford Bronco sold at auction this week for $1.7 million. You know that there must be something more to it than being just an old Baja 1000 race car to go for that kind of money. And you would be right. The Parnelli Jones off-road racer called “Big Oly” has a cool backstory, as well as being one of Jones’ favorite cars. 

Big Oly Bronco had no auction estimate because how do you place value on an icon?

Big Oly 1969 Ford Bronco Baja 1000 winner | Mecum

Jones’ Big Oly, as it is known, came from his personal car collection. Auctioned through Mecum, there was never an estimate of value because how do you place value on an icon? It was called “Big Oly” from its Olympia Beer sponsorship. 

Jones at this stage of his career was beginning to get selective about what he raced. Though having successes in the past with Bill Stroppe, he refused to race with him at the 1967 Baja 1000. At one point Stroppe said Jones “wasn’t man enough to race off-road.” That dare became the basis for Big Oly.

Jones constructed the Bronco with help from a Bill Stroppe fabricator

Big Oly 1969 Ford Bronco Baja 1000 winner overhead rear 3/4 view
Big Oly 1969 Ford Bronco Baja 1000 winner | Mecum

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Jones was unsuccessful with his mostly stock Bronco at the 1967 1000. He decided to build something wilder and completely custom-made for the 1968 event. Using one of Bill Stroppe’s fabricators, Jones began constructing Big Oly in his garage.

When Stroppe found out he was livid. But eventually decided that the project should be finished at his shop for it to have the best outcome. With its tube frame and lightweight aluminum and fiberglass body, it was like nothing that had raced off-road before. 

The Big Oly Bronco was a stout, unique race car to tackle off-road obstacles

Big Oly 1969 Ford Bronco Baja 1000 winner 289 ci engine
Big Oly 1969 Ford Bronco Baja 1000 winner | Mecum

Built with extreme suspension travel to absorb the rough terrain. It also featured other firsts like the top built as an airfoil for added downforce. He got that idea from racing outlaw sprint cars. The reduced windshield height cut down on dust in the cockpit. Big Oly’s total weight was a light 2,600 lbs. All of this made for a stout, completely unique race car to tackle off-road obstacles. 

Entered in the 1970 Baja 1000, it broke an axle early in the race. But Jones was back in 1971 to win the race, something he repeated in 1972. Also in 1972 and again in 1973, it won the Baja 500 and Mint 400 off-road races. It is considered one of the staples of off-road design and construction. 

Since its racing days, Big Oly has been housed in Jones’ private car collection. It occasionally sees the light of day for special events or Concours. There may not be another Ford Bronco with as much history as Big Oly. And there sure hasn’t been one to bring this kind of money.

Big Oly 1969 Ford Bronco Baja 1000 winner | Mecum
Big Oly 1969 Ford Bronco Baja 1000 winner | Mecum

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2021 Ford Bronco Sport Review: From Daily Driving to Off-Roading

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Welcome to part two of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport review. Today I will have to roll up my sleeves and give the Ford Bronco Sport a bath because I got it dirty. During my week with the Bronco Sport, I used it as a daily driver and took it off-roading in the Great Smoky Mountains. 

2021 Ford Bronco Sport review for daily driving and off-roading 

2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Allison Barfield

You can get started in a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport for about $26,820, but I tested the First Edition, which has an MSRP of about $38,000. The base engine is a 1.5-liter option with 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. 

The First Edition has the more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It’s pretty exciting and fast. Driving around Asheville, NC was enjoyable with more than enough power to merge into traffic and get up to highway speeds. 

It has an auto-start and stop feature to save fuel, and it’s pretty efficient. The engine turns off at red lights but turns on fast enough to get off the line without delay. Also, the Bronco Sport is pretty good on fuel. It gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway. 

How comfortable is the Ford Bronco Sport? 

A red 2021 Ford Bronco Sport parked on top a rock in the forest
2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Allison Barfield

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The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport serves as a comfortable daily driver. The bucket seats are incredibly supportive, and you have a high seating position with a commanding view of the road. The High-performance Off-road Stability Suspension (H.O.S.S) absorbs impacts well for a smooth ride over road bumps and rocky terrain. 

The large windows provide excellent visibility, making it easy to maneuver around tight city areas. Plus, the backup camera has an overview display that helps you easily park and back out of any spot. The front-facing camera displays obstacles in front too. 

I enjoy the wireless charger and all of the storage space the tiny Bronco Sport manages to provide. The center console is pretty deep, and there are four cup holders in the front. But the zip pockets on the rear of the front seats seem limited. They have a mesh design for hanging up your camping tools and gear, though. 

The backseat is also comfortable and supportive, but taller passengers may wish they had a little more legroom. But the climate control system works efficiently to keep everyone comfortable, and the tall ceiling provides extra space. 

How is the Ford Bronco Sport for off-roading? 

A red 2021 Ford Bronco Sport parked in a field filled with green grass
2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford

NOTE: All activities were performed in an off-roading park in a safe environment with experienced drivers.

I wasn’t going to pass up the chance to test the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport in the wild, so I followed a Jeep Wrangler up into the mountains. The Bronco Sport provided confident steering and braking power around tight curves covered in dirt and gravel. 

The automatic 4×4 system works well to determine when the back tires need more power. If you lock the 4×4 system on, you can feel an increase in control. The Bronco Sport feels well planted and confident in slippery terrain. 

I didn’t have a protractor to measure how steep inclines were, but I decided (after taking the time to assess the angles and maneuvers that would be necessary) to climb an incredibly steep slope to a camp spot. It looked like nothing had tried to drive up there in a while, but things are just getting active again with the spring weather, so that wasn’t a concern on this course.

I felt like I was riding up a roller coaster hill, full of excitement, not nerves, and the Sport did great. It didn’t slip in the dirt and leaves or struggle once. It had plenty of power to make it to the top. 

With the excellent camera views and confident brakes, I was able to back down the incline without breaking a sweat. The front-facing camera, as well as the overhead view, provide you with sure footing to execute tight maneuvers without damaging any equipment.

The Ford Bronco Sport didn’t have any trouble going through deep mud, massive puddles, or over rocks. It showed no signs of overheating. It felt confident and provided its abilities to Go Over Any Terrain in the Blue Ridge mountains. At the end of the day, when I was tired from playing in the woods, it provided a smooth and comfortable ride back into town. 

Everywhere I’ve driven in the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport so far has been a fun journey. This sporty SUV is excellent for daily commutes and for getting away in the woods. It provides an engaging experience, no matter where you travel.

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Mazda Just Killed Off the Mazda6 In the U.S., Here’s What to Buy Instead

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Fans of the Mazda6 got some bad news last week. The automaker announced it would be discontinuing its flagship sedan after the 2021 model year. The good news is that the Mazda6 isn’t the only affordable new car worth your consideration. So if you’re in the market for an affordable new car? You might want to consider these alternatives to the Mazda6.

Mazda discontinued the Mazda6 in the U.S.

Mazda6 | Mazda

Mazda has announced that its flagship sedan will no longer be offered in the U.S. after the 2021 model year. The Mazda6 sedan is currently in its third generation and was first introduced way back when in 2012. Mazda also announced its plans to discontinue the Mazda CX-3. 

“For more than 100 years, Mazda has successfully navigated shifting consumer needs and an ever-changing industry with beautifully designed vehicles that are fun to drive,” Mazda explained in a press release announcing the news. 

“As consumer interests continue to evolve, Mazda will discontinue CX-3 and Mazda6 for the 2022 model year. Although these two vehicles will be leaving our lineup, we are proud of the performance, design, quality, and safety they contributed to our brand,” the automaker added.

The 2021 Toyota Camry is a Mazda6 alternative worth taking a look at

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Now, just because the Mazda6 is being discontinued, doesn’t mean there aren’t other affordable new cars out there that are worth your consideration. In fact, among the best new midsize sedans are options like the 2021 Toyota Camry. 

As for what this Mazda6 alternative has to offer? This year’s model comes equipped with a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The EPA reports that with this engine, the Toyota Camry delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Kelley Blue Book added the Toyota Camry is also one of the only new midsize sedans available with a V6 engine.

This affordable new car offers up no shortage of features too. Take, for example, the Camry’s available Audio package. This package adds tech-savvy features like a Qi-type wireless phone charging pad, Toyota connected services, and WiFi hotspot capability.

As for how much a new Toyota Camry costs? This year’s model boasts a base price of $25,045, making it only slightly more expensive than the Mazda6. At its most expensive price, this year’s new Toyota Camry will have you spending roughly $35,620.

The 2021 Honda Accord is a Mazda6 alternative that deserves your attention

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The 2021 Toyota Camry isn’t the only Mazda6 alternative worth considering. As a matter of fact, Kelley Blue Book reports the 2021 Honda Accord is another Mazda6 alternative worth taking a look at. This year’s model comes equipped with a 192-hp 1.5-liter turbo engine. According to the EPA, it also delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

Much like the Toyota Camry, this year’s Honda Accord offers no shortage of features too. Base models come standard with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This year’s Accord also offers features like remote engine start, a leather-trimmed interior, a head-up display, and a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Honda Accord is an affordably priced Mazda6 alternative too. Base models start at $24,970. Upgrade to the Honda Accord Sport and you can anticipate spending roughly $27,430. At its most expensive, this year’s Accord costs $36,900.

Is Mazda done with sedans?

Not necessarily. In fact, according to Car and Driver, the rumor is that there could be a new midsize Mazda sedan on the horizon. However, when asked by Car and Driver about the potential for a future Mazda 6, a company spokesperson replied, “We cannot share details of future products at this time.” So for now? You might want to keep these Mazda6 alternatives in mind.

The post Mazda Just Killed Off the Mazda6 In the U.S., Here’s What to Buy Instead appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Consumer Reports Tire Tips for RV Travel

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With summer finally upon us, RV travel is ramping up across the country. Consumer Reports tire tips can help keep your family safe on the road while adventuring around. Make sure you have the owner’s manual on hand to be able to consult it.

Consumer Reports tire tips: replace old RV tires

Consumer Reports tire tips show a Winnebago in Ridgway Colorado | Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Getting ready for a road trip in your new RV? Consumer Reports gathered some tips to help RV drivers stay safe while traveling this summer. One of the most important tips is to inspect and replace old tires. Even if you haven’t gotten much out of the current tires, Consumer Reports says to replace all of the tires at 10 years of age. If your vehicle’s owner manual says something different, abide by those suggestions, too. Depending on where your RV is stored, 10 years might be far too long.

To check the age of your tires, check the code on your sidewall. The Department of Transportation has a standardized code on the tire sidewall. The last four digits of the code will indicate what year manufacturers produced the tires. For example, if the code says 2008 at the end, the tires are from 2008. Tires produced before 2000 will only offer one digit for the year, but that means you should replace the tires.

Before going on a long trip, it is a good idea to check new tires too. Many factors can damage tires, especially when the vehicle tends to sit for extended periods. Check the tires for cuts, cracks, or any imperfections. Replace the tires if you notice any imperfections.

Choose the right RV tires for your trip

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The Goodyear G159s tire has been linked to hundreds of crashes that killed almost 100 people over the years, Consumer Reports says. This tire was not meant to be driven for long periods of time at higher speeds. The tire becomes too hot and falls apart. Due to this, the tires can separate and cause a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the tire in 2017, but that was already more than 10 years after the tire stopped being produced.

Choosing the correct tires for your RV size and the trip is important. Since there are not that many RV tires on the market, it is even more important to choose the correct ones. “This is an item to spend money on to get the best tires for your application; literally everything is riding on them,” CR notes. Be sure to read the manual for your RV to get the correct size and load capacity.

CR suggests it is better to buy tires that can handle a heavier load since you will likely be loading the RV with various items that increase the weight. Be sure to balance the weight in your RV properly, too. This helps ensure each tire is taking the same load, so the wear across all of the tires is more even.

Care for and maintain your tires

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Tire care for your RV does not stop at buying tires. To stay safe on the road, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your tires regularly. Make sure the tires are properly inflated throughout the trip and before you leave. The correct inflation pressure should be listed on the doorjamb of the RV or in the manual.

CR suggests cleaning the tires occasionally and keeping the RV out of direct sunlight. By cleaning the tires, you can make sure there are no defects. Keeping the tires out of the sun will help extend the life of the tires. It is also suggested that you not use tire shine products. These can make tires look better but can deteriorate the tires at a more rapid pace.

Driving around in an RV is a blast, but be sure to take precautions and choose the right tires for your adventure before taking off.

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