“Rick the Spotter” Harrison of “Pawn Stars” fame is bringing two vehicles to the upcoming Las Vegas auction, including his luxurious 2012 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (Lot #730).
Celebrities are a special breed of car buyers. In many ways they are surrogates for the rest of us, because they have the means to buy anything we want in our wildest dreams. But like any other car buyer, their needs and tastes are just as different as everyone else’s. There are some very special vehicles in the Tammy Allen Collection crossing the block at No Reserve during the 2016 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction with celebrity provenance, including a pair of custom 1966 Ford Mustang convertibles designed by the legendary George Barris for Sonny and Cher (Lot #682 and Lot #682.1), a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S600 once belonging to daredevil Evel Knievel (Lot #373) and a car that’s a celebrity in its own right: a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle better known as “Herbie” (Lot #374) that appeared in the 1968 classic film “The Love Bug.” In addition, each of the cars shown below represent some very specific requirements that individual celebrities simply couldn’t live without. And now you don’t have to, either.
Wagon ’Ho
A larger-than-life movie star needed a larger-than-life car – so John Wayne had this 1975 Pontiac Safari Station Wagon (Lot #775) customized by George Barris to fit his needs – and size.
Maybe it was the Chief Pontiac imagery that prompted John Wayne to buy this No Reserve 1975 Pontiac Safari Station Wagon (Lot #775). After all, Pontiac, an honorary chief, lived his life in and around Detroit and the Great Lakes during the same time the United States was being formed. He was considered to be a brave and courageous warrior. The city of Pontiac, Michigan, is named after him – as are five other cities in the United States.
On the other hand, it could have been for the same reason any growing family wants or needs more spacious transportation. Everyone knows the Duke didn’t like being fenced in. That might help explain why this very car appealed to him. It also happens to be the last of the Duke’s daily drivers for him and his family. This car represents the third customized Pontiac station wagon in which the Wayne clan travelled.
When Wayne bought this Pontiac wagon, he noticed a lack of headroom during entry and exit if he happened to be wearing his cowboy hat. So he asked car customizing guru George Barris to accommodate his need. Barris surmised that by simply raising the roofline he could create the extra room literally out of thin air. And the Duke would have to bow to no one, not even Pontiac stylists.
This classic machine ‒ originally from the collection of John Wayne’s late son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Gretchen Wayne ‒ is presented with a letter of authenticity from Barris Kustom Industries, who restored the vehicle in 2014. So if you ever wanted to be the boss of your own wagon train, now’s the time to saddle up, pilgrim.
The Best of Two Worlds
Built especially for two-time World Series champ Aubrey Huff, this 1969 Mustang Mach 1 (Lot #769) will be offered at No Reserve in Las Vegas.
This 1969 Mustang Mach 1 (Lot #769), offered at No Reserve, is the final answer to the question of which cars are the best: the ’60s-era classics or the modern-day interpretations. It turns out that a combination of both can outshine any of them every day of the week. Here’s a stunning example. Built specifically for the major-league tastes of two-time World Series champion first baseman Aubrey Huff, this Mustang takes the concept of Resto-Mod to the next level, known as Pro-Touring.
When the sky is the limit, a frame-off restoration is the very first step. The second step is to call in the likes of Roush Racing, which lives and works at the outermost edges of the Ford-powered performance world. For openers, a 560 horsepower 427IR crate engine with all appropriate wiring sparked by an MSD ignition sets the stage. This power plant utilizes an 8-stack fuel-injection system that provides the fuel and air, along with the most electrifying induction visual one can imagine.
The goal of this project was to keep the car as stock and original looking as possible. The interior is immaculate and perfectly original. Except for those aggressive-looking wheels and tires, and its outrageous engine, no one will know the nature of the beast you are driving. Batter up!
Pawn Stars Picks
The plush interior of Rick Harrison’s Rolls-Royce (Lot #730).
From the collection of “Rick the Spotter” Harrison of “Pawn Stars” TV fame come two vehicles that couldn’t be from more opposite ends of the automotive spectrum.
The first, Harrison’s 2012 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (Lot #730), represents the ultimate in luxury. With less than 30,000 miles and completely original, this sumptuous black sedan rides on chrome wheels and is powered by a V12 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. No two of these magnificent motorcars are the same; this one features a panorama sun roof, rosewood dash and door panels, massaging seats – and even rear tray tables and monitors for your entertainment pleasure.
Pop culture car: the AMC Pacer (Lot #608) used in the iconic comedy film “Wayne’s World.”
Although certainly not luxurious, Harrison’s second offering, being sold at No Reserve – the actual 1976 AMC Pacer (Lot #608) used in the 1992 film “Wayne’s World,” starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey – represents an opportunity too good to pass up for fans of pop culture. This car has been extensively restored to movie condition – complete with its baby blue paint job and original props, including the famous licorice dispenser. The only part of the restoration not true to the film is the operational stereo system – just waiting for you to belt out your very own rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Across the Music Spectrum
Three cars on the Las Vegas auction docket were once owned by men who each have made their mark on very different genres of the music scene.
This 1989 Jaguar XJS (Lot #466) once belonged to music legend Frank Sinatra.
Probably the most world-renowned of these three was Frank Sinatra. Known not only for his silky smooth voice, but also for his excellent taste for the finer things in life, Sinatra once owned this 1989 Jaguar XJS (Lot #466), being sold at No Reserve, which was used sparingly as the crooner’s main Palm Springs transportation towards the end of his life. Well-looked-after with just over 11,000 miles on the odometer, the XJS still displays Sinatra’s personalized California license plates reading “FAS II,” and the timeless car comes with a copy of the title document issued in 1990 naming Sinatra as the owner.
This 2005 GMC custom van (Lot #453) was the ultimate mobile office for hip-hop mogul Sean Combs, aka P. Diddy.
Lot #453 is a 2005 GMC 3500 custom van – and when we say custom, we don’t mean that lightly. This was once the “ultimate mobile office” for hip-hop mogul Sean Combs, aka Puff Daddy or P. Diddy. The conversion alone reportedly cost $350,000, adding elements to the one-ton low-mileage van that include 4-wheel drive, massive Brembo front and rear brakes and a high-top roof. And that certainly isn’t all. This No Reserve vehicle also boasts a 2,000-watt ultra-high-end audio/video system, including KVH satellite television with six monitors, PlayStation and Xbox. Add to that Leer-jet-style luxury seating, custom inlaid wood floors, a wine cooler, an AMX touchscreen controller for the entire van, LED custom lighting, front and rear cameras, strobe lights and sirens, and you’ve got yourself the very vehicle from which to run your very own music empire.
This 2006 Chevrolet custom van (Lot #36.1) used to cruise around Blake Shelton’s 10 Pistols Ranch in Oklahoma.
If modern country is more your thing, you’ll be interested to note another custom van crossing the Las Vegas block at No Reserve, a 2006 Chevrolet (Lot #36.1) customized for use at country music and TV star Blake Shelton’s “10 Pistols Ranch” and wildlife preserve in Oklahoma. The van’s entire roof was removed for outstanding visibility, and it comes with custom off-road wheels, tires, suspension and lighting. Inside you’ll find a complete entertainment and stereo system, drink cooler, refrigerator and seating for many. The van comes with a title in Shelton’s name and signed by him, as well as several memorabilia items.
From the World of Racing
Holding six land speed records, this 1952 Buick Super Riviera known as “Bombshell Betty” (Lot #760) is being brought to Las Vegas by renowned photographer Peter Lik.
While the name Peter Lik may not be a household name, in photography circles the man is a rock star. The Australian photographer is best known for his nature and panoramic landscape images – but he also has rather interesting taste when it comes to automobiles.
Lik is bringing a very unique 1952 Buick Super Riviera known as “Bombshell Betty” (Lot #760) to Las Vegas to sell at No Reserve. This incredible aluminum-bodied race car holds no less than six land speed world records, achieved between 2009 and 2012 at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Betty runs on racing fuel and has a 4-gallon fuel tank next to the engine block – which is a 320ci straight-8 from a 1950 Buick Roadmaster, with a top custom intake manifold from Hart’s Collision-Racing Shop and a Jegs-Quick-Fuel 750cm racing carburetor.
This 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 Brickyard 400 pace car (Lot #371.3) is one of three coming to Las Vegas from the personal collection of NASCAR great Jeff Gordon.
Three Chevrolet Monte Carlo pace cars from the personal collection of four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon also will be roaring across the block in Las Vegas at No Reserve. The 1995 Z34 Brickyard 400 (Lot #371.2) on offer has only 12 miles on the clock and is one of a special run of 400 factory-produced models of the pace car selected for the inaugural NASCAR race at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 6, 1994. Lot #371.3 is a 1998 Z34 Brickyard 400 pace car – one of a handful used at the August 1, 1998, Brickyard 400 NASCAR race and given to Gordon for winning the famed event. A 2001 Limited Edition Super Sport pace car (Lot #371.4) with only 305 miles is one of 1,300 replicas of the actual 2001 pace car and comes equipped with several special features, including a race-inspired rear spoiler and a two-tone leather interior. All three represent a great chance to own a piece of NASCAR history.
Collectible classic cars are all about their uniqueness, style and history. Traditionally, the most rarified of these cars come with direct connections to the celebrities we all know and love. They give us a special connection to those people that often transcends the cars themselves. As a result, these highly desirable machines take on a life of their own, and, like their original owners, they will always stand head and shoulders above the rest.
For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles on the Las Vegas preview docket, click HERE.