Bugatti Royale for sale through Bonhams

above: Bugatti T41 Royale Coupé Napoleon via http://americanshaft.tumblr.com

I know these are two different cars, but getting good photos isn't always easy images via: http://supercars.net/

When built, nobody could afford them--production began right at the start of the Great Depression.

A mere six Royale's were produced and two were never sold, staying instead with the Bugatti estate.

This car, the 1930 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Kellner Coach (or 'Coupe') was one of those cars (bricked up behind a false wall during World War II). It stayed with the family until 1950 when both cars were sold to American multimillionaire Briggs Cunningham, who was himself a sports car constructor and Le Mans 24-Hours racing driver.

After more than 30 years of ownership, Cunningham eventually sold the car to fellow American auto connoisseur Miles Collier, who placed the Kellner Coach up for auction in 1987. The car sold for a record £5.5 million at London's Royal Albert Hall before an audience of 4,000 enthusiasts. Now the present anonymous owner--believed to be Japanese--has commissioned Bonham & Brooks in London to offer the Bugatti Royale for resale to anyone willing to pay the asking price.

http://sleetapawang.spaces.live.com/blog/

In the right place, at the right time, and even better... get paid to do it with a camera! Meet Laura, she posts private collections, celebs, etc

That is Laura, and Danny Trejo

Go over to her website for lots more, and comment to tell her to post the rest of the stuff! http://hagertyblog.blogspot.com/

Update to Ron Pratte post, the Darryl Gwynn Foundation

As has become a common and admirable occurance at Barrett Jackson auctions, Darryl Gwynn auctions off a remakable historic racecar, Ron buys it, offers it at auction again, it was bought by another collector who matched Ron's generosity, and was bought by a third collector who says it'll be for auction again soon.

Why the buy and sell, and the Gwynn connection? All of the money for the sale of Gwynn's vehicles go directly to the Foundation, with no auction fees, and everyone realizes that this astonishing generosity is to be applauded and continued by some who can afford it. Financially it may be a tax thing, but when over a half a million goes to a kids charity, I dare anyone to pick a bone with it. Respect, applaud, repeat.

For the full story and details: http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/autos-gwynn-dragster-scores-triple-header/

For the post about the collector and philanthopist Ron Pratte: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2009/01/ron-pratte-car-collection.html

Sonny and Cher Mustangs that Barris kustomized went for $198,000

http://www.pbase.com/xl1ken/fff0502

The pair stayed together and sold for $198,000.
Both cars were originally taken straight off Ford’s San Jose assembly line and the Motor Company commissioned the legendary George Barris to personalize these cars to reflect the couple’s flamboyant onstage personas.

Sonny’s Mustang was finished in Murano Gold Pearl, adorned by dark brown side panel and with an orange and gold fade-away treatment over the wheel wells and grille openings. The interior was upholstered with Bobcat fur and antique buffed leather trimmed with rustic suede.

Cher’s Mustang featured a hot pink pearl finish, blended with candy red, deep red side panels and a matching fade-away treatment. It also had white Ermine fur and black antique Scottish leather upholstery, trimmed in hot pink suede. Both cars were fitted with opulent three-inch long Mouton fur carpeting, Sonny’s in gold and Cher’s in hot pink.

Upon completion, the cars were used for publicity purposes before going on to appear in Sonny and Cher’s only feature-length movie, Good Times. Following the movie’s wrap, they toured the car show circuit before they were returned for the use of Sonny and Cher and later reverted back to George Barris. http://classiccars.about.com/