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June 17, 1994, burns in America’s memory as one of the most significant days in sports, and car history. As documented in the ESPN 30/30 film, June 17, 1994, saw the following events:

• Arnold Palmer playing his final round at the U.S. Open

• The commencement of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, hosted for the first time by the United States

• The New York Rangers celebrating their win at the Stanley Cup Finals with a ticker-tape parade on Broadway

• Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks

• Ken Griffey Jr. tying Babe Ruth's record of the most home runs (30) before June 30th and the team's 65th game of the season

On that same day, former Heisman trophy-winner, O.J. Simpson was a passenger in a white 1993 Bronco owned and driven by Al Cowlings as they attempted to elude the Los Angeles Police Department in a televised low-speed chase.

An estimated 95 million people watched the event that was described as "the most famous ride on American shores since Paul Revere's."

Since then, Ford Broncos have only increased in popularity and value.

According to Bloomberg, the current average value of a Bronco in perfect condition is $47,025 compared to $23,400 five years ago. For one in drivable and generally good but not perfect condition, the value is $29,188 compared to $14,500 five years ago.

BluePrint Engine’s exhibition booth at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association, (SEMA), trade show in Las Vegas featured an electric blue Ford Bronco from Maxlider Brother Customs.

The stunning Bronco was displayed with its hood open, showing off a BluePrint crate engine complete with BluePrint break-in oil.

Located in Bloomington, Illinois, the Maxlider family specializes in rebuilding, restoring, and selling quality, classic vehicles, but especially Broncos. They opened shop four years ago as the popularity of the classic car increased around the country. Their 8,000 square-foot shop has restored more than 300 Broncos.

Their inventory consists of classic Ford Broncos, Ford Mustangs, classic trucks, vintage SUV’s, and other hot rods. They even have a “Classic Car Matchmaker” program where you can submit the kind of classic car you’re looking for, and their scouts around the country will help you find the right fit.

Ford Broncos were produced from 1966 to 1996 and were viewed as five different generations:

• 1966-1977 – Generation I (The ‘Early Bronco’)

• 1978-1979 – Generation II

• 1980-1986 – Generation III

• 1987-1991 – Generation IV

• 1992-1996 – Generation V

Ford formally announced at the beginning of 2017 that they would bring back production of Broncos in 2020 but have not released any other details.

Until then, BluePrint Engines will continue to provide cool engines for these sweet, classic rides.

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BluePrint Engines wowed visitors at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association, (SEMA), trade show in Las Vegas with more than just crate engines.

The company’s exhibition booth featured an electric blue Ford Bronco from Maxlider Brothers Customs with its top open, displaying a BluePrint crate engine complete with BluePrint break-in oil. Next to the iconic Bronco sat a jet black, Boss Hoss motorcycle that, at one point, was driven around the floor of the trade show.

What set the BluePrint Engine’s booth apart from other vendors was the interactive screen that allowed visitors to experience the company's new website, said BluePrint Engines President Shawn Sterling.

“Having our new website front and center was a really great way to engage with guests and to have them browse our crate engines in a different way,” Sterling said.

BluePrint engines announced its new website in September that now allows its more than 200 items to be searched for by displacement, make, model, block type, horsepower, part number, and budget.

The BluePrint Engines website is equipped with a comparison tool that is helpful when trying to find the right engine.

Utilizing social media was another way that BluePrint Engines was able to interact with guests at the SEMA show, says Product Manager Dru Chramosta.

“We had a ton of our Facebook fans following along during our live videos wanting to get the ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the show,” Chramosta said.

BluePrint Engines was featured at the Ford, Factory Five, Brookeville Roadster, Inc., OPTIMA Batteries, Battle of the Builders, and Speedway Motors booths as well.

She says that having the chance to meet customers from around the country was a huge highlight of attending the show.

“We strive to turn all of our customers into friends and we’re humbled by the positive and kind comments from the folks we’ve been able to meet so far in Vegas,” Chramosta said.

The 2017 SEMA Show drew more than 70,000 domestic and international buyers and visitors. The displays were segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase featured nearly 3,000 newly introduced parts, tools, and components.

The annual SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, and networking opportunities. The 2018 SEMA show will take place in Las Vegas from Oct. 30 - Nov. 2. More dates and details can be found on the SEMA website.

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