WESTERN PIONEER: Benny Binion’s Family Stagecoach Replica

June 1, 2021
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

A piece of Las Vegas history: Benny Binion’s family stagecoach replica (Lot #651) is headed to the Las Vegas Auction.

It was poker great “Amarillo Slim” Preston who referred to Poker Hall of Famer and Las Vegas icon Benny Binion as “either the gentlest bad guy or the baddest good guy you’d ever seen.” Those words ring true. Binion was a Las Vegas pioneer, a colorful character with an even more colorful past. His self-titled Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel and Casino was staple of Las Vegas’ famous Glitter Gulch. In the 1970s, he helped to establish the National Finals Rodeo and the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Now, at the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, is a chance to own a piece of Binion family and Las Vegas history. Offered with No Reserve as Lot #651 is a beautiful replica of Benny Binion’s family stagecoach. Built by Scott Smith – who worked for Benny Binion for 25 years – this stagecoach took over a year to complete and was finished in 1982. The stunning horse-drawn coach was used to promote Binion’s Horseshoe Casino and toured around the country.

The stagecoach in action at a rodeo.

The design was modeled after Frazell coach with a heavy Concord-Western Mail aesthetic that presents well in its signature red paint with yellow undercarriage and wheels. The handsome wagon was purchased from the Binion family in 2017 and restored that same year by Hansen Wheel and Wagon. Benny Binion himself was photographed using this coach until his passing in 1985. The stagecoach was used in the Oklahoma National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in 1983-84 and NFR Las Vegas in 1985, 2000-04. The vehicle is ready to be hitched to head for a show or rodeo.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles headed to the 2021 Las Vegas Auction, click HERE.