Pop culture cars bump up Bonhams' Scottsdale auction

From the world of cinema and music come three vehicles with unique provenance.

First are two Lincolns used in the critically acclaimed film by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather: a 1941 Lincoln Custom Limousine that was shown in various scenes such as the wedding of Don Corleone’s daughter, Connie, and, more prominently, the 1941 Lincoln Continental Coupe driven by Sonny Corleone, played by James Caan, as he speeds towards the Long Island toll booth where assassins lie in wait. (A different car was used for the shoot-out scene.)

Then there’s the impeccable 1956 Pontiac Safari 2-Door Station Wagon, formerly owned by a member of the multiple Grammy-winning musical group the Kingston Trio.

From the world of competition and sporting cars is a thrilling assembly of postwar vehicles from Europe that’s sure to delight any enthusiast.

In addition to the headlining 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing recently announced, perhaps most intriguing is the story of the British built, Chevrolet-powered MGB custom drag racer known as Megalomania. Created in 1966 by Englishman Keith Sales and raced at drag events in the UK, including the famed Santa Pod raceway, it disappeared for over three decades until it was discovered and rescued from a scrapyard in the Arizona desert. Having undergone a meticulous, no-expense-spared restoration, Megalomania is certainly one of the most fascinating cars from the golden age of drag racing.

Other British cars include the uncommon and desirable 1951 Jaguar MK V Drop Head Coupe, as well as a 1957 Jaguar XK 140 Fixed Head Coupe whose year makes it eligible for a number of historic road events including the California Mille and Mille Miglia.

Also consigned is a well-preserved 1967 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Series II, arguably one of the most versatile – not to mention the best value – front engine V12 Enzo-era prancing horses.

These, of course, join the 30-strong collection of cars from the Oldenburg Family that includes numerous Ferraris and Jaguars as well as the Lamborghini Miura. These and many other unique and important motorcars will offered on Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz.

With a very limited time left, sellers interested consigning exceptional cars to this internationally-attended sale are encouraged to immediately contact one of the following motoring specialists at Bonhams:

• Mark Osborne, San Francisco: 415-391-4000 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Rupert Banner, New York: 212-461-6515 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• David Swig, West Coast: 415-391-4000 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Eric Minoff, East Coast: 917-206-1630 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Details about this sale, including registration and catalog purchases, can be found at Bonhams.com/Scottsdale.