Owning a vintage automobile is one thing. Owning a vintage automobile with a celebrity pedigree is quite another. And when it comes to celebrities, few have ever been bigger than Old Blue Eyes. With his whisky voice and his urbane appeal, the Chairman of the Board ruled the airwaves, silver screen and tabloids for decades.
When anything Frank Sinatra owned comes up for auction, it’s a special event. What could be more special that the car he received as a wedding present from his wife, Barbara and the car he gave to her on the day they exchanged their vows?
His car is a sleek 1976 Jaguar XJ-S Coupe. Equipped with a V12 engine and every top-of-the-range option including the Panasonic RM-710 Cockpit overhead console car audio system and very early GE car phone. Decked out in the very appropriate, British Racing Green paint, it was one of the few cars of its day capable of exceeding 150 MPH. The Jag retains its outstanding documentation on file from new and confirming Mr. Sinatra’s ownership of the car which includes the window sticker, owner’s manual and original sale paperwork plus the car’s California title, signed by Sinatra, as well as an original Palm Springs Airport parking pass issued to the Sinatras.
His gift to her is a 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I, finished in Peacock Blue with Beige interior piped in Surf Blue to match Mr. Sinatra’s eyes. It also has a console specially covered to match the rest of the upholstery. Photographs on file show the Sinatra’s enjoying their wedding, with Mrs. Sinatra posing proudly with her new Rolls-Royce. According to Russo and Steele both cars have been well-maintained, and are offered in much the same condition as they were new.
In addition, the highest bidder for either of these two cars is also going home with this fantastic cache of irreplaceable memorabilia, including a Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational golf bag and umbrella and an original wedding day photo album featuring the Sinatras and many of the eras biggest celebrities with negatives complete with a signed letter of authenticity from the events photographer Chuck Scardina.
Both the Rolls and the Jag are offered separately with no reserve, so they will sell at this auction. Auction previews run daily from 10:00 AM Wednesday August 12th through Saturday August 15th in Monterey. You should contact Russo and Steele in advance for bidder registration. You can do that and get more information visit www.russoandsteele.com.