Auctions can be unpredictable, and it only takes two very determined bidders to drive bids to new heights
The auction world can be described as ‘unpredictable’ at best, estimates are largely arbitrary and there’s no guarantee as to where the gavel ultimately strikes down.
We’ve seen cars go for dizzying and head-scratching amounts of money, and conversely we’ve seen cars that we thought were great buys, absolutely tank.
So when this comprehensive replica of the Griswold’s Family Truckster rolled through Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auction, there was a palpable buzz as punters whipped out their phones for photos – but it was a shock to everyone when the bidding topped out at a staggering US$91,000 (AU$127,300).
READ NEXT: RECENT AUCTIONS RESULTS INDEX
The car was built by Gene Kennedy and his team at Bandit Movie Cars. It began life as a normal 1981 Ford LTD Wagon, though was dipped in ‘pea green’, modified to fit eight headlights, an extra set of tail lights, and an acreage of wood vinyl graphics.
It’s the smallest details that elevate this beyond your usual backyard replica car; like the missing hubcaps, Dinky’s leash still attached to the rear bumper, and a roof rack full of swag.
Underneath the bonnet sits the usual 5.0lt V8, and the glovebox bears Beverly D’Angelo’s signature.
Nearly AU$130,000 is a lot of money for any car, and there’s a bevy of cars on the list we’d rather buy before we got down to this one… But we’ve seen stranger things happen at auction, who knows what’s next?
Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page
Muscle Car Value Guide home page
Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page