We're beginning to think that George Barris' movie cars were more restrained than his customer cars -- and that Dolemite had the man on speed dial. Barris built the car you see above: a Bugazzi (boo-GOT-zee), which started out as a 1972 Lincoln Mark IV and was turned into "an American version of a Rolls-Royce."
That means it's been slathered in thirty coats of pearl lacquer and trimmed with 24-carat gold-leaf, hand-applied pinstripes. Up front are two lanterns where the headlights would normally go. Inside, you'll find gold, suede upholstery, Persian rugs, Italian doorhandles mounted on Italian marble slabs, a television, and a back seat wet bar. That could explain why the car cost $10,000 more than a Rolls. Or not.
There were but 12 built, and not only were they bought by celebrities and the owner of the Mustang Ranch, but Motor Trend named it Car of the Month in July, 1973. We don't know what number this car is, nor do we know how many have survived, but we do know you can take it home from Daniel Schmitt & Company for $99,000. Back in October, this car passed under the gavel at an RM Auction in October for a mere $19,800. We know that Barris had set out to make an American Rolls-Royce here, and we understand Schmitt & Co are looking to turn a profit here. But $99K? Guys -- it's not a real Rolls.
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