Pink Panther Car & Chitty Chitty For Auction
Two unique Hollywood vehicles will go under the hummer at the Chelsea Auto Legends Show on September 4. The first is one of the rarest and most spectacular cars ever produced: the bespoke “Panthermobile” created for NBC’s Pink Panther TV show that ran from 1969 until 1976. The 42-year old “Panthermobile” is in original condition, but according to the seller, it needs some restoration. Its engine is not running, though it did when its current owner bought it to another auction in 2007. Nevertheless, it’s not street-legal anyway… Its sale estimate is between £50,000 and £100,000 (US$81,000-$162,000).
The second “movie star” that will be auctioned off at the same event is ta replica of the legendary car from the 1968 film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (be careful not to pronounce it like SP’s City Wok Guy).
This is not one of the six original cars built and used in the movie, but a fully licensed replica with full documentation. Its creation begun in 2000 by Tony Green. Green remained true to the originals even using some of their parts like the brass snake horn.
The car, which bears the license plate “GEN 22”, is powered by a 3.0-liter Ford V6, features an automatic Borg Warner transmission and is completely street legal. Even though it is fully functional, it hasn’t been driven for the last 18 months, so a service will probably be required.
The originals were designed by Ken Adam and built by Ford Racing Team and one fully functional example recently came up for auction with an estimate of US$1,000,000-$2,000,000.
The replica, which is sold along with authentic blueprints, has a sale estimate of £150,000-250,000 (US$243,500-$406,000).
Chitty
Chitty
Chitty
Chitty
Pink Panther Car
Pink Panther Car
Pink Panther Car
