- Title: USA: CELEBRITY CARS ARE ON DISPLAY FOR RAND/ WORKMAN FINE MOTOR AUCTION
- Date: 9th September 2005
- Summary: (L!WE) NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, USA (FILE) (REUTERS) MIKE TYSON GETTING INTO A CAR
- Embargoed: 24th September 2005 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES/ UNIDENTIFIED FILM LOCATIONS
- Country: USA
- Topics: Business,Industry
- Reuters ID: LVA8KKTN0M47GBVOZST92CQ3BZQZ
- Story Text: Cars once owned by Paul Newman, John F. Kennedy Jr.
and Mike Tyson to go on the block in a New York auction, along with an original Batmobile.
With more than 250 luxury automobiles in stock, the Rand/Workman Fine Motor Auction and Luxury Lifestyle Expo is a motorist's heaven. The distinctive collection features rare creations and celebrity-owned cars from the likes of Paul Newman, John F. Kennedy Jr., and Mike Tyson.
A 2000 American Le Mans Series 911 GT3 R Porshe, raced by actor Paul Newman, is up for bids on the auction block.
The racer has special modifications which were not available on other 2000 porsches, and is ready hit the racing track again.
The deceased son of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr.'s college car, a 1988 Ford Thunderbird, is up for sale. The sale of the car is expected to earn high figures, but proceeds will be donated to charity.
The auction will feature a Mulliner Park Ward Continental "T" Bentley that was custom-designed for boxer Mike Tyson. It has a one-of a-kind interior leather treatments and custom exterior metallic color. It is expected to fetch between 175,000 to 225,000 U.S. dollars.
President and CEO of the Rand/Workman Fine Motor Auction and Luxury Lifestyle Expo, Bradford Rand said each of these celebrity driven cars would have a different effect on one rich enough to drive them home.
"It makes you feel like a different person with every car that you sit in to, for example if I was in a Porsche race car maybe I'll feel like acting in a movie or driving down the race car. But when I see John F. Kennedy Jr.'s car I get a little bit more sentimental. When I see Mike Tyson's Bentley, I want to go to the gym. Every car kind of has it's own breath, has it's own flavor. So there's a car for everyone," said Rand.
One of the highlights of the auction is the 1938 Maybach SW38 two seat roadster. The sale marks the first time that this automobile will be exhibited to the public. According to the auction organizers, the Maybach is one of only two of the models in existence and is expected to garner 5 million U.S.dollars in bids.
Other specialties include one of the first Corvette cars produced by General Motors. The two-door convertible has a 6-speed manual transmission and features the classic corvette white with red leather interior.
Rand said that these luxury cars are not for everyone; with auction prices ranging well into the 6 and 7 figures, the expo caters to a select crowd. Said Rand, "A lot of investors. A lot of people that appreciate lovely cars.
People that are simply car enthusiasts. High net worth individuals or people that have maybe said 'You know what, I've got a hundred million dollars in the bank, let me go enjoy my life before I die."
The auction block will also host a piece of Hollywood history. The Batmobile, featured in the 1992 Warner Brother's film, "Batman Returns," is one of three cars built for the movie. However, being one of the most recognizable and trademarked vehicles, the future owner will have to sign an agreement promising not to use the car on public roads.
Bidders will also have the chance to take home a replica of the high-backed motorcycle used in the film "Easy Rider."
But if you want to roll out of this auction with a bit of automotive history, you better bring lots of money.
The auction takes place over three days in New York city, from September 9 through the 11th. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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