Written by:
SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
Celebrity ownership, this time one of the most famed eccentrics in U.S. history, scored a million-dollar result at a recent collector-car sale in Tulsa.
Howard Hughes changed his Lincoln limousine into a fast and sporty boat-tail speedster. (Photo: Leake Auction Company)
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A 1936 Lincoln Boat Tail Speedster once owned by Howard Hughes sold for $1 million at the Leake Car Show & Auction on June 13, the largest single sale in Leake’s history in Tulsa.
Originally a full-bodied sedan used as his personal limo, Hughes redesigned and restructured the Lincoln into a boat-tail speedster. Hughes reduced the weight of the vehicle and modified its engine to run up to 100 mph. It was rumored that Hughes performed these modification to compete in a speed or endurance contest, or possibly to develop his own version of a concept car.
Because of the car’s aerodynamic design, it was able to get close to an aircraft while filming without disrupting the aircraft’s natural airflow, according to the auction information. Although there is no known reason why Hughes built the vehicle, it remains as unique and eccentric as its creator.
"This was a very unique vehicle, and it was a privilege to auction it in Tulsa," said Richard Sevenoaks, president of Leake Auction Company. "Howard Hughes was a very complex man and this car is a reflection of its unique creator."
The Lincoln recently completed a body off frame restoration in April 2009 and has been restored both mechanically and cosmetically.
Approximately 10,000 people attended the 2009 Leake Car Show & Auction. Total bids for the auction reached $22 million, with more than 600 bidders registered for the show, including a bidder from Australia, according to Leake. The Tulsa auction also had a strong increase in Internet and phone bidding, the company said.
