As we previously reported, a car previously owned by Formula One driver Jenson Button (pictured top right) is rolling onto the auction block at Bonhams on April 11.
And it probably won't surprise you to learn that the car in question isn't a Mini Cooper, but rather a classic 1978 Ferrari 512BB Berlinetta Boxer.
With 49,155 miles on the odometer and around £94,000 spent on its maintenance and restoration over the past 33 years, the classic auto is set to take pole position at Bonhams with a high-end estimate of £110,000.
|
A 1978 Ferrari 512BB seems like the perfect choice to compliment Button's life of fast cars, glamorous women and exotic locations.
But it also raises the question: which classic motors have other iconic celebrities chosen to drive over the years? We had a look and, as you'll see below, some choices are more surprising than others...
5. The Boss's yellow 1957 hot rod
In his autobiography, all-American rocker Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen wrote: "In '70's New Jersey, the car was still a powerful image. That summer I bought my first set of wheels for $2,000.
"It was a '57 Chevy with dual, four-barrel carbs, a Hurst on the floor and orange flames spread across the hood." The stunning looking yellow convertible was the artist's first vehicle, bought in 1975. It includes orange flames along the bonnet and sides.
|
Springsteen is thought to have composed hits such as Born to Run in the car, before selling it in 1976 when its striking appearance started to bring him too much attention from fans. It recently brought even more attention at a Gotta Have Rock 'n' Roll's auction earlier this month, selling for $46,8000.
4. Elvis Presley's car fit for a King
Less famous than Elvis's Pink Cadillac is his 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Saloon Limousine in powder blue. It was one of only a handful of cars that the singer registered himself, and one of two 600 Mercedes that he owned.
At the time Elvis took delivery of this car he was in the process of rebuilding his career, which had been in the doldrums for some years. His career resuscitation would culminate in the 'Comeback Special TV show in December 1968, NBC's highest rated show of the season.
|
Presley owned the car for two years before, in typical generosity, he gave it to one of his friends, James Leroy Robertson. It was sold by Bonhams on December 6 last year at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey, UK for an impressive £80,700.
3. Steve McQueen's wheels for Le Mans
The late Great Escape star's legend remains synonymous with his passion for fast cars and motorcycles. And this 1970 Porsche 911S is among the classic motors that caught his eye.
In spring 1970, Steve McQueen's Solar Productions headed to France to start work on the racing film, Le Mans. To make his stay in France even more agreeable, McQueen bought a Porsche 911S to use both in the movie and as personal transport.
|
McQueen was so happy with his 911 that, at the end of filming, he decided to keep the car. Porsche transported it to Germany, where the transmission was modified. The 911 was then shipped to McQueen's home in California, United States.
But fascination with the car didn't end there. It was considered missing since it left La Sarthe in 1970 when the filming completed for Le Mans. That is, until March 2011, when it was reported that McQueen's 911S would be sold by RM Auctions on 18-20 August 2011, as part of its Monterey sale.
2. Eric Clapton's 'wonderful looking' Ferrari
This is also another for Steve McQueen. What did he and legendary guitarist Eric Clapton have in common? They each drove a
|
Another 1963 Lusso, reportedly ordered for the personal use of Mylène Demongeot, the famed French actress who starred alongside Brigitte Bardot and others $720,500. It appeared
the youngest registered UK owner of a Rolls Royce in the UK (even though she didn't have a driver's licence)?
|
As was traditional in various parts of Europe in the late-'40s, Saoutchik designed the coachwork atop Delahaye's chassis to the specifications of Sir John Gaul of Monte Carlo. Gaul - a good friend of the
- Read all the latest Classic Cars news
Join our readers in over 200 countries around the world - sign up for your free weekly Collectibles Newsletter today