CHARACTERS AMONG THE CARS: A 50 Facts & Favorite Memories Feature
June 29, 2021
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Elvis and Marilyn Monroe took to the stage at one Barrett-Jackson event.
To mark Barrett-Jackson’s half-century in business, in this special series we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite moments from the past 50 years – as well as some little-known facts about The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions.
Spotted in the Barrett-Jackson VIP Services area – is that Jack Nicholson?
From famous movie cars to famous movie stars, Barrett-Jackson is known to attract the best in entertainment from the stage and screen. Along with this exclusive group of stars, celebrity impersonators are also drawn to the auction. Barrett-Jackson has seen the likes of Batman, Elvis, James Bond, Barney Fife, Marilyn Monroe, Boss Hogg, Daisy Duke and more. Bringing their own style and panache to the auctions, these happy icons join in the camaraderie at Barrett-Jackson – and when you see them, just know it’s all for the love of great cars.
Holy Costume Party, Batman!
It was a momentous occasion at the 2013 Scottsdale Auction when the original Batmobile sold for a TV/movie car record auction price of $4.62 million. Not only was the car’s creator – legendary customizer George Barris – in the passenger seat, but the car was also accompanied by Linda Vaughn dressed as Catwoman when it rolled up on the block, and Batman and Robin impersonators had wandered through the auction crowd for days leading up to the sale.
“Batman and Robin” accompanied the original Batmobile onto the auction block in 2013, along with Linda Vaughn as Catwoman and legendary car customizer George Barris.
Does anyone know who was under the masks of this crime-fighting duo? Bruce Wayne? Burt Ward? No one knows for certain, but characters like this at the auctions always causes a stir.
Can’t Help Falling In Love
The King. He still needs no introduction, and his cars – particularly Cadillacs – have certainly been showstoppers and headliners at the auctions. Back in 2006 during Barrett-Jackson’s 35th Anniversary Scottsdale Auction, Elvis Presley’s 1960 Lincoln Limousine sold for a swoon-worthy $556,200.
“Sonny and Cher” were onstage to watch the sale of their George Barris-customized 1966 Mustangs at the 2010 Scottsdale Auction.
In 2007, California car designer John D’Agostino brought his tribute to Elvis to the auction block in the form of a highly customized 1959 Cadillac Eldorado.
The auction crowd was on their feet when this Lavender Pearl beauty sold for $275,000. At the 2014 Las Vegas Auction, in preparation of the King’s 1967 “Honeymoon Cadillac” crossing the block, it was only fitting to have an Elvis impersonator wandering among the guests on The Beach at Mandalay Bay during the Opening Night Party.
So be on the lookout when you join Barrett-Jackson in celebrating the culmination of their 50th Anniversary year at the 2022 Scottsdale Auction – you never know who might be there!