I resemble that remark!;D
Yes, we have paperwork (actually posted in the thread about the "Billy Struple" signature) where Willie Stroppe and a rep for the movie signed a form showing all damage when it left for the filming in 1997. The tailgate dent (spare tire got pushed in) is not shown on the form and Jim Duff said it was like that when he got it in 1998. That is one of my questions for Willie when I complete my list and get in touch with him.
I bought the DVD but got an HD version and it will not play on my old POS DVD player, so I have not got to see it yet. I think it might just be a background shot if it even made it off the cutting room floor?
As for "it finding us". Jim Duff called and offered it to my dad back in Janurary/February. We've met the Duff's several times, having spent a week wheeling with them in Moab back around 2002 or 3 and they have been out to my place during the Carlisle All-Ford show. I think he knew we would truly appreciate this great Bronco and would take it around for others to see and enjoy as well. We were very flattered that he called and offered it to us.....and VERY glad he did too!;D
As for the price. We have only been asked a couple times so far, and I liked my dad's reply the best...."More than I should have, but less than I think it is worth".
With the history of this and the fact that it was one of only a few 77's Stroppe built and was also Bill Stroppe's personal vehicle (the only one I have heard of), I think it is nearly as close to priceless for a collectible FoMoCo built Bronco as they come.
There are some other winning Stroppe racers that are right there as well in by book, and of course there is the legendary Big Oly which is at another level entirely, but that racer is basically scratch built to look like a Bronco and shared very little parts which is why I make a differentiation there.
I'll post some pics of some of the original medical gear we pulled out when we detailed it.