Craig Jackson’s Barrett-Jackson Teams Up With Michael Bay, Paramount Pictures To Auction Iconic Transformers Vehicles

January 4, 2016
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Optimus Prime from the first three Transformers films will cross the block at No Reserve on Saturday, January 30.

Optimus Prime from the first three Transformers films will cross the block at No Reserve on Saturday, January 30.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jan. 4, 2016 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions®, announced today that Paramount Pictures and American filmmaker Michael Bay will auction two vehicles that starred in the Transformers movie franchise, during the company’s nine-day 45th Anniversary Auction, from Jan. 23-31, 2016, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Up for sale at No Reserve is the iconic truck, Optimus Prime (Lot #1325.1), featured in the first three science fiction action films. Bay has consigned a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS (Lot #1325.2), which was cast as Bumblebee in the latest film, “Transformers 4: Age of Extinction.”

Lot #1325.1 - 1992 Peterbilt 379 "Transformers Optimus Prime" Stunt Truck

Lot #1325.1 – 1992 Peterbilt 379 “Transformers Optimus Prime” Stunt Truck

“The hottest Hollywood stars at Barrett-Jackson come in all shapes and sizes,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re excited that Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay have chosen us to sell Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, two of the leading heroes from the Transformers movie franchise. Our Scottsdale auction is always electric and will serve as the ideal venue for these two celebrities seeking new homes.”

Like the movie character that it represents, Optimus Prime (Lot #1325.1) is big. An entire team of artists and illustrators worked tirelessly, drawing potential trucks and cars, trying to zero in on just the right look for each robot/vehicle. When the film’s production designer showed Michael Bay a photo of the enormous tractor trailer, the director was immediately taken by the lines and size of the truck. Specs include a custom bumper, “headache rack,” dark tinted windows, ominous, glowing blue lights and the trucks two most important and well known features: the blue and red flamed paint job and “Autobots®” badge mounted prominently to the grille shell. Optimus Prime is a fully functioning vehicle with a real VIN and a title in Paramount Pictures’ name.

“I’m confident that Optimus Prime and Bumblebee will be a huge hit in Scottsdale,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “These vehicles are part of a celebrated global phenomenon and have cemented their place in the hearts of fans who watched them in action on the big screen. The two heroes will be an exciting part of any collection for movie fans and car enthusiasts alike.”

Lot #1325.2 - 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS "Transformers Bumblebee"

Lot #1325.2 – 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS “Transformers Bumblebee”

Bumblebee is a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS (Lot #1325.2) that was featured in the latest Transformers movie, “Age of Extinction.” Owned by American filmmaker Michael Bay, this Resto-Mod features custom suspension, an LS3 Corvette engine with overdrive transmission, and Wilwood brakes with added stunt caliper. The exterior is finished in satin black paint with high-gloss yellow accents and custom carbon-fiber fender flares and air dam. The car was also included in a March 2015 Architectural Digest feature of Bay’s cinematic Los Angeles home.

For more information on becoming a bidder, follow the link to www.barrett-jackson.com/bid.  Enjoy the 45th Anniversary Scottsdale Auction in style with a Barrett-Jackson VIP Experience Package. Information on available packages and how to be a part of this world-class event is available here.