AUTOS: Making Magic At Barrett-Jackson
Las Vegas magician Criss Angel brings cars and motorcycles from his 'Mindfreak' TV show to Mandalay Bay collector-car auction.
The restored 1957 Pontiac Star Chief convertible is owned by Criss Angel's brother, JD. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)
JD’s car is a beautifully restored 1957 Pontiac Star Chief convertible in its original factory black. “The car is magnificent and very rare with Tri-Power and a continental kit,” he said, noting some of the original features on the highly optioned car. The 347-cubic-inch Tri-Power V8 churns out 290 horsepower, with a Hydromatic transmission, power steering, power brakes and a power top. The other original features on this numbers-matching car include fender skirts, spinner hubcaps and a deluxe Electromatic push-button radio.
Motorcycles have also made repeated appearances in
Mindfreak and Criss Angel’s stage shows. “A bunch of Criss’s motorcycles are on display at the Luxor Theater where he performs,” JD said. Two of those special motorcycles will be offered at Barrett-Jackson from Angel’s collection.
A 2007 bike that was custom-built for Angel is called the MF 13 Lane Splitter (Lot 652.5), described as a “riding machine” that features Criss Angel and
Mindfreak branding throughout. The motorcycle starred on Angel’s show as well as many other TV appearances and magazine features, though it has been ridden a total of just 30 miles. It features a 96-cubic-inch S&S engine with Intelligent Spark technology, six-speed transmission, custom paint, a 12-over Sugar Bear front end with a 45-degree rake, 1.75-inch custom frame and a 150mm rear tire.
A 2007 custom MF 13 NUB motorcycle built especially for Angel has been ridden only 20 miles. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)
Another 2007 custom motorcycle built especially for Angel is the chopper dubbed MF 13 NUB, which also made repeated appearance in
Mindfreak plus other TV shows and various magazine stories. The one-of-a-kind Criss Angel signature-series machine has been customized and specifically designed in every detail, featuring a 96-cubic-inch S&S engine with Intelligent Spark Technology, six-speed transmission, a Pro 1 wide-glide front end with a 36-degree rake, a 1.75-inch stretch frame, complete custom paint and a 200mm back tire. And this bike has only 20 miles on its clock.
All of the Criss Angel consignments are being sold with reserve under a new Barrett-Jackson policy, which had been all no-reserve in previous years.
JD said that each winning bidder will receive special TV footage, publicity material and other extras along with their vehicle. There will also be “a special bonus to be announced for the winning bidders,” he added.
Criss Angel will be present on the block as the vehicles are sold, JD said, taking a break from his usual busy performance schedule and bringing a dose of his own special magic to the auction.
Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the
automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at