San Francisco, CA, September 30, 2008 — The mega movie star Bruce Willis needs no introduction. He has been a continuous part of popular culture since he burst onto the world stage more than 20 years ago, first in the television series “Moonlighting” and then in the cinema tetralogy “Die Hard.” Now, this leading man’s collection of American muscle cars is proudly being offered by renowned auctioneers Bonhams & Butterfields in Los Angeles on October 25. The cars in the collection are representative of Willis himself in that they are purely American and focus on strength, performance, individuality and quality. Following […]
San Francisco, CA, September 30, 2008 — The mega movie star Bruce Willis needs no introduction. He has been a continuous part of popular culture since he burst onto the world stage more than 20 years ago, first in the television series “Moonlighting” and then in the cinema tetralogy “Die Hard.” Now, this leading man’s collection of American muscle cars is proudly being offered by renowned auctioneers Bonhams & Butterfields in Los Angeles on October 25.
The cars in the collection are representative of Willis himself in that they are purely American and focus on strength, performance, individuality and quality. Following are highlights of five of these magnificent automobiles.
-1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible-
A gift from his then-wife Demi Moore, it received a thorough restoration and retains its original 283cu-in engine delivering 220hp, has Powerglide transmission, front disc brakes, power booster, power steering, and comes with both soft and hard tops. (Est. $70,000/$90,000)
-1967 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster-
Considered the most desirable year-model Corvette in history, this 427cu-in big block offers 435hp and takes off like it’s turbocharged when the second set of Holley 2-barrel carbs comes on line. Like all of Willis’ cars, it has extras like power brakes, power steering, Cragar S/S alloy wheels, and an Alpine 5-CD changer in the glove box with an infrared remote so it doesn’t detract from the otherwise stock appearance or require removal of the original AM-FM radio. (Est. $110,000/$150,000)
-1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible-
This gorgeous, essentially stock car with 400cu-in V8 engine and 330hp is fully equipped with factory A/C, front disc brakes with power assist, power steering, 4-speed manual transmission (recently rebuilt), dual exhausts, Power Flex fan, twin hood scoops, and its original radio which has been augmented by an Alpine stereo system whose custom speakers are tucked into the back of the car. (Est. $30,000/$50,000)
-1968 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible-
The perfect, updated convertible version of the iconic car that launched Steve McQueen through the streets of San Francisco in the classic movie “Bullitt.” Willis had leading professionals exhaustively rework the engine to 468cu-in delivering 570hp! A full mechanical restoration included drivetrain, suspension, body and cosmetics to the utmost degree. The list of add-ons is staggering but what’s most interesting about this sexy powerhouse is that there are only two visual hints that this car isn’t stock: the polished Cragar S/S alloy wheels and, when seen in motion, a controlled suspension that informs onlookers that this is a serious driver’s car.
(Est. $150,000/$175,000)
-1969 Dodge Charger-
Having a “Bullitt”-style Mustang that McQueen’s character drove meant that Willis needed a “Bullitt” Charger that the bad guys drove. This 2-door hardtop has a 440 engine bored and stroked to 502cu-in offering 700hp, along with all the extras like Aries pistons, Edelbrock heads and intake manifold, Holley carbs, Flowmaster exhaust, Mopar 4-wheel disc brakes, Hydroboost assist, power steering, Perfect Fit A/C, Alpine stereo, and much, much more. (Est. $50,000/$70,000)
These no-expense-spared performance cars personally upgraded, owned and driven by a legend of the silver screen will be offered at Bonhams’ annual Classic California Sale held, fittingly, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in downtown L.A.’s Miracle Mile District on Saturday, October 25th.
Complete and detailed descriptions of these cars, as well as the never-before-offered personal belongings of Steve McQueen, offered by his first wife, Niele Adams, can be found in the sale catalog. This may be reviewed and purchased at www.Bonhams.com/us.
Interested collectors may register to bid in the auction – in person or remotely – via the web site, by emailing motors.us@bonhams.com, or by calling 415-391-4000.
Whether for the cars or effects of either movie star, Willis or McQueen, or for the inventory of exceptional motorcycles, motorcars and automobilia being offered, this unique sale is not to be missed.
For general information about the Motoring Department, visit www.Bonhams.com/Motors.