Yes folks, if you're in the market for truly unique roadgoing vehicle, this may be just the thing you need. One of the world's most elite automotive marketplaces is the Barrett-Jackson Los Angeles Collector Car Auction which this year numbers amongst its offerings the Batmobile used by Batman (Michael Keaton) in the 1992 filming of BatmanReturns.
There's also a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 (Lot No 181) being sold by Sylvester Stallone. This is a very special car fitted with a racing interior and used as the Pace Car during the 2002 United States Formula One Grand Prix. The car was subsequently given to Stallone by AMG and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Each year the auction attracts some of the most delectable automobilia on the planet not to mention the attention of a very elite audience which it assembles in the
located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax Ave), Los Angeles, California
Admittance to the show and museum costs $10.00 though the bidders, who can also attend online, can be expected to pay a bit more. Two of the notable cars from last year's catalogue were a 1923 Mercedes 28/95 Targa Florio (knocked down for US$756,000) and the star of the 1962 Turin Auto Show, a Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe sold for US$432,000.
In addition to the historically significant machines to go under the hammer, the Hollywood stars also sell off their trade-ins at a healthy profit once it has been bestowed with their unique brand of celebrity. Items on the list this year include the absolutely stock standard 1969 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible owned by award winning actress Jodi Foster since new, a 1976 Rolls-Royce Corniche Fixed Head Coupe formerly owned by the sporting world's "Greatest" Muhammad Ali, a classic Cadillac Convertible (Lot No 7005)being sold by Pamela Anderson and a 1934 Ford 3-Window Hot Rod Coupe that actor Kurt Russell will be selling at no reserve. Both Pamela Anderson and Kurt Russell are scheduled to attend the auction in person to be on hand when their cars cross the auction block on Saturday.
But wait, there's more. Cars from the silver screen are bringing a massive premium with some offering superb motoring with cinematic glory an optional extra. Topping the bill in this area is a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (Lot No 176) used by Sean Connery in his last appearance as James Bond in 'Diamonds Are Forever', a classic 1960's red British Mini (Lot No 7002) from the remake of 'The Italian Job' and driven by Stella (Charlize Theron) Bridger before the final heist. One of the most beautiful cars on auction has a unique history: a 1938 Lincoln Zephyr Twelve Convertible driven by Annette Benning in the movie Bugsy.
From TV fame, there's also a 1993 Chevrolet Caprice New York City Taxi Cab used repeatedly as the favoured mode of transport by the four star New York friends in the hit comedy show Seinfeld.
The Barrett-Jackson Auction is being held at The Petersen Automotive Museum this weekend - Saturday, June 26 from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday, June 27 from 11am to 5pm.
Further information about the auction and on-line registration for bidding can be found on the company's website www.barrett-jackson.com