Each year, the Auburn Auction and Show brings together collectors and enthusiasts from across the world to marvel at a diverse collection of rare and iconic automobiles. Hosted by Worldwide Auctioneers, the 54th annual edition promises to be especially memorable, thanks to a lineup of celebrity cars that have not only graced the silver screen but also left an indelible mark on automotive history. From a Lamborghini that roared through Hollywood to a chopper immortalized in the cultural zeitgeist, this year’s auction is a journey through time, fame, and four (or two) wheels. Joining this collection of iconic vehicles are 250+ cars offered without reserve (including the very one’s in this story).
duPont REGISTRY readers can receive complimentary bidder registration using code “dupont” at checkout.
1998 Lamborghini Diablo ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ VT Roadster
Supercar meets Hollywood legend.
In the realm of exotic cars, few names are as evocative as Lamborghini. The 1998 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster featured in The Wolf of Wall Street effortlessly marries supercar prestige with Hollywood stardom. With its signature Super Fly Yellow exterior and a top speed of over 200 mph, this Diablo was the star of one of the film’s most memorable scenes—the infamous Benihana arrest.
As one of just 132 VT Roadsters built for the U.S. market, this car isn’t just a collector’s dream; it’s a slice of cinematic history. With just 8,275 miles on the odometer, this rare gem offers the thrill of Lamborghini performance and the allure of a movie star in its own right. Having spent time in the garages of A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio, this car encapsulates both speed and status.
1949 Studebaker M5 ‘Grateful Dead’ Pickup
Rock and roll on four wheels.
The Grateful Dead didn’t just shape music; they defined a generation. Their sound system may have been revolutionary, but their equipment hauler, a 1949 Studebaker M5 affectionately dubbed ‘The Dred,’ played an equally significant role in their storied history. Once owned by Owsley Stanley, the band’s legendary sound engineer, ‘The Dred’ was a slow yet steady workhorse that carted the band’s gear to gigs, including their first album recording session in Los Angeles.
Adorned in its original psychedelic livery, this Studebaker remains a testament to the free-spirited ethos of the Dead. Its patina tells a tale of late nights, jam sessions, and a band that rewrote the rules of rock and roll. For any collector with a love of music and counterculture, ‘The Dred’ offers an unparalleled connection to an era that continues to resonate today.
1962 Lincoln Continental Convertible
Presidential style and enduring elegance. The JFK parade car.
A car that once carried President John F. Kennedy during a 1962 parade celebrating the Niagara Frontier, this 1962 Lincoln Continental Convertible is as steeped in history as it is in elegance. With its iconic suicide doors and smooth slab-sided design, the Continental became the epitome of 1960s style and sophistication.
Lovingly restored with a new red leather interior and black convertible top, this Lincoln offers both luxury and history in equal measure. Accompanying the sale is photographic documentation of President Kennedy in the car, as well as the original brass plaque commemorating the presidential connection. This car represents a bygone era of American grandeur and would be a highlight in any collection.
1974 AMC Matador Penske/Allison Race Car
The dawn of a racing legend.
For racing enthusiasts, the 1974 AMC Matador Penske/Allison race car represents a pivotal moment in NASCAR history. Built as a promotional car for Roger Penske’s team and driven by the legendary Bobby Allison, this Matador is the earliest known example of the Matador Coupe and stands as one of the last remaining examples.
With its red, white, and blue livery, this car was more than just a promotional tool—it became a symbol of the racing prowess that carried Allison to the upper echelons of the sport. Having sat in Allison’s shop for decades, this Matador is a time capsule from a golden era of NASCAR, waiting for a new owner to continue its legacy.
1952 Harley-Davidson ‘Captain America’ Motorcycle
An American icon on two wheels.
Few motorcycles can boast the cultural impact of the 1952 Harley-Davidson chopper, known as ‘Captain America.’ Made famous by its appearance in the 1969 film Easy Rider, this chopper embodied the freedom and rebellion of the open road. The bike offered at this year’s auction is particularly special—it’s the ‘crash bike’ from the film, meticulously rebuilt and restored by actor Dan Haggerty.
With its original Panhead engine and unmistakable star-spangled tank, this bike is a piece of American pop culture that transcends the world of motorcycles. Owning this Harley is akin to owning a piece of the open road, complete with the ethos of a generation that lived for freedom, independence, and the pursuit of the American dream.
One-Off Custom by Rick Fairless: “Psychedelic” and “Bettie”
Custom motorcycles as rolling art.
Rick Fairless has long been a name synonymous with radical custom choppers, and his creations, Psychedelic and Bettie, represent the apex of his career. Both bikes are not just functional machines but rolling works of art that capture the essence of the 1960s and beyond.
Psychedelic, built in 2001, features an explosion of vibrant paintwork that includes references to icons of the ’60s like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. With its long, lean lines and intricate detailing, it stands as one of the most unique choppers ever created.
Bettie, on the other hand, is an ode to the curves of Bettie Page, with a custom-built frame and artwork that shocks and awes. Powered by a 121-cubic-inch V-Twin engine, Bettie combines raw power with exquisite design, making it a must-have for any serious collector of custom motorcycles.
The Auburn Auction: A Labor Day Tradition
For over half a century, the Auburn Auction has been a Labor Day tradition. This year’s event, taking place from August 29 to 31, promises to be one for the books. With over 400 cars crossing the block, including more than 250 offered without reserve, the auction is a paradise for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re there to bid on a piece of history or simply to marvel at the incredible machinery on display, the Auburn Auction continues to be a celebration of all things automotive.
With celebrity cars, iconic motorcycles, and historic race cars, this year’s lineup is a tribute to the enduring allure of the automobile and the stories they tell.
duPont REGISTRY readers can receive complimentary bidder registration using code “dupont” at checkout.
