A variety of weird and wonderful automobiles are raising eyebrows and prices in auctions around the world.
Two vehicles are screen stars themselves and one was auctioned at the seaside home of many of the world's most glamourous stars.
The Pink Panther car, complete with characters from the TV cartoon series Image: Robson Kay |
The first of the celebrity cars is the original Pink Panther car, used in both the film and TV series. It has to be one of the most recognisable and unusual vehicles ever made and was the brainchild of Hollywood vehicle designer Jay Ohrberg, whose other creations include Knight Rider's K.I.T.T. and two Batmobiles.
The car, now 42 years old, was owned by its creator until 2007, when it was bought for £88,000 ($141,000). Although it was believed to be in working order when it was sold, the engine currently does not run, although the rest of the bright pink car is in completely original condition. It is valued at between £50,000 to £100,000. with the auction ending on October 14.
Another star up for sale is from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. This time, it's an exact replica of the six original cars used in the film, complete with fold out wings and brass lamps. The replica took it's builder, Tony Green, three years to complete helped by master boat builders and engineers and is fully licenced by MGM Studios. The car is also road legal, powered by a three litre Ford V6 engine.
While the originals from the film have commanded up to $2m, this replica is expected to fetch a more modest £150,000-£250,000 ($240,000 - $400,000) through an online auction.
However, when it comes to price, both of the film stars are likely to be eclipsed by the sale of the oldest surviving three litre Bentley which stole the show at an auction in Pebble Beach, California. When bought by its original owner, and Bentley's third customer, Ivor Llewellyn in 1921, the car cost £1,150 ($1,141) - not an insignificant sum in those days. However, when the hammer finally fell, the 2011 sale price was a massive $875,000.