The wild horses are one of the most popular and prominent exhibits at the privately owned museum, which opened in 2016 after a similar crime museum closed in Washington. The vehicle was owned by Al Cowlings, Simpson’s friend and former teammate, and he was driving at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour as Simpson fled from police.
The car was previously featured in a 2017 episode of the reality TV show Pawn Stars, in which Simpson’s former agent, Mike Gilbert, purchased the car in part to prevent its potential use by a touring company. He said he did. He sought over a million dollars from the show but failed.
The museum declined to say who allowed the car to be on display, citing privacy concerns.
“There are different reactions across generations, because the reactions of people who saw the chase live are different from those who were around,” Pennington said. She added, “Most people are shocked to see that because it’s the White Bronco of the OJ chase and it’s such an iconic moment in history.”
Pennington said the suffering experienced by victims of the crimes featured in the exhibit or those who survive those crimes is never far from the museum’s heart. She said Simpson’s death may change the face of the temporary exhibit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the tragedy, but she plans to focus on the victims.
On Thursday, the museum taped a label announcing Simpson’s death on a plexiglass case next to the Bronco where a set of Simpson’s golf clubs are on display. At least two visitors learned of his death from the sign.
David Hardigree, visiting from northern Kentucky, recalled the Simpson trial and the debate over whether he was guilty or not.
But his visit Thursday was just “ironic timing,” he said.
