21-07-2025
Gooding Christie's To Auction Autos Owned By Francis Ford Coppola, Others August 15, 16
Gooding Christie's, the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, will present a series of gorgeous and rare vehicles from four highly regarded collections at its 21st annual Pebble Beach Auctions, held on Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16.
Among the headline offerings are cars from the personal collection of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola as well as important selections from the Mitchell Rasansky, Brian Pollock, and Bethel Collections.
From the Francis Ford Coppola Collection
1948 Tucker
Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, known for The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now, brings to auction a small but emotionally significant set of vehicles. His 1948 Tucker 48 (Estimate: $1,500,000–$2,000,000), featured extensively in his 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream, is one of only 50 ever built and one of just 12 finished in #200 Waltz Blue Metallic. Anyone remember 'Hold that tiger?'
This car has been the centerpiece of Coppola's private collection and displayed at his Inglenook Winery in Napa Valley.
Also offered is the director's final Westfalia - a 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Westfalia (Estimate: $30,000–$40,000, without reserve), purchased new and customized with a Sony sound system and drop-down video monitor.
Rounding out the group are a charming 1913 Ford Model T Touring (Estimate: $15,000–$25,000, without reserve) and a ultra-stunning 1936 Cord 810 Cabriolet (Estimate: $90,000–$120,000, without reserve), showcasing groundbreaking Gordon Buehrig design.
From the Mitchell Rasansky Collection
Iconic cars for upcoming auction
A lifelong enthusiast approaching his 90th year, Mitchell Rasansky is offering 10 historically significant and beautifully maintained vehicles. Leading the group is the 1927 Bugatti Type 35B (Estimate: $2,500,000–$3,000,000), a Grand Prix winner driven by Louis Chiron and long housed in the prestigious Dr. Peter Williamson Collection. A 1925 Bugatti Type 35 Supercharged Grand Prix (Estimate: $625,000–$850,000) also joins the sale.
American prewar racing is well represented with a 1927 Miller Model 91 Front Wheel Drive (Estimate: $600,000–$900,000), the 1932 Ford 'Mitchell Auto Co. Special' Roadster (Estimate: $250,000–$350,000, Without Reserve), and a 1950 'McNamara Special' Sprint Car (Estimate: $100,000–$150,000, Without Reserve), a National Championship winner driven by Joey James.
Other highlights include a pair of Kurtis-Kraft midget racers, a 1958 Jaguar XK150 S, and a 1956 Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster—each offered at no reserve.
From the Brian Pollock Collection
Brian Pollock Collection
The late Brian Pollock's meticulously curated collection is a standout for this auction as well. A Pebble Beach class judge and passionate vintage rally participant, Pollock was renowned for his attention to detail and preservation of historical authenticity.
Among the highlights is a 1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT 'L-Series' (Estimate: $500,000–$700,000) that Pollock purchased on his honeymoon and a 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Drophead Coupe (Estimate: $400,000–$550,000) with rare James Young coachwork.
Additional offerings include a 1937 Morgan Sports Two-Seater Barrelback (Estimate: $60,000–$80,000, Without Reserve) and a finely tuned 1966 Jaguar Mk II 3.8 (Estimate: $35,000–$50,000, Without Reserve).
From the Bethel Collection
Seven vehicles from the private, Dallas based Bethel Collection will be offered without reserve, representing a cross-section of iconic marques.
Leading the group is a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT (Estimate: $1,250,000–$1,500,000) with under 8,000 miles, followed by a rotisserie-restored 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (Estimate: $725,000–$825,000) and a Classiche-certified 1966 Ferrari 330 GTC (Estimate: $500,000–$600,000, Without Reserve).
Other entries include a rare-color 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT, a 1961 Porsche 356 B Super Roadster by Drauz, a Grabber Orange 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302, and a 1980 Toyota FJ43 Land Cruiser in John Deere Green.
The Dates for the auction are Friday, August 15, at 4 p.m. and Saturday, August 16, at 11 a.m. Both are Pacific times.
General Admission:
$50, includes access to the viewing and auction
Bidder Registration & Live Broadcast:
