Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird heads to auction

Julien's Auctions' Los Angeles on Saturday, November 17, 2018

Los Angeles, California – The 1956 Ford Thunderbird, owned by Marilyn Monroe from 1955 to 1962, will be sold by Julien’s Auctions as part of their annual event "ICONS & IDOLS: HOLLYWOOD" to take place on November 17, 2018 live in Los Angeles and online at juliensauctions.com. It is estimated that it will sell for $250,000-$500,000.

Soon after buying the Thunderbird, Monroe married the celebrated playwright Arthur Miller. A published report at the time suggests that Monroe and Miller drove this vehicle to their civil wedding ceremony on June 28, 1956 and likely their private wedding on June 30, 1956.

The Marilyn Monroe Thunderbird was purchased on December 20, 1955, from Westport Motors, Westport, Connecticut in the name of her corporation, Marilyn Monroe Productions. Most accounts suggest it was a Christmas gift from her business partner and photographer, Milton Greene.

Amy Greene, Milton Greene’s wife, speaking about this car, said: “Marilyn liked to drive. We’d take the convertible and with the top down, we’d go sailing along the highway. We both liked to feel the wind in our faces and the warmth of the heater on our legs.”

It was a powerful car for its time with a 225 horsepower V-8 engine and a top speed of 113 MPH.This car features its complete dual, through the bumper exhaust system and gives a deep throaty roar at speed--adding to its “va-va voom” personality.

The vehicle has a roadster body with two-doors and was designed to be Ford’s answer to the two-seater Chevrolet Corvette. However the Thunderbird emphasized driver comfort and amenities as well as performance. By dubbing it a “Personal Luxury Car” Ford created a whole new niche in the American automobile market. The 1956 model had the spare wheel mounted in a flashy exterior “continental kit” to allow for more trunk space. 

Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Thunderbird came from the factory with both its canvas convertible top and a detachable hard top with distinctive “porthole” windows. A truly iconic look for a Hollywood legend.

Monroe owned this gorgeous vehicle for six years until generously giving it as an 18th birthday gift to John Strasberg, the son of director and acting coach Lee Strasberg and his wife Paula. Legal transfer likely took place ony a few short months before Monroe’s tragic death August 5, 1962.

Darren Julien, President/Chief Executive Officerof the leading American Auction House that bears his name, says: “Once in a while something comes along that has a powerful magic about it, a charisma, because of everything and everyone associated with it. This wonderful black Ford Thunderbird is not only part of automotive history but comes with an aura of glamour, romance and tragedy of a true Hollywood legend. It will make the centerpiece of any classic car collection and be an object of fascination to millions.”

The Marilyn Monroe Thunderbird was traced and purchased by the current owner with the assistance of the accompanying documents which were among those received by Lee Strasberg when he inherited the majority of the Marilyn Monroe estate.

The current owner says: “I found the vehicle in lovely show condition. Nevertheless, the car has received a frame-off restoration to its exact original appearance by Prestige Thunderbird, Inc., of Santa Fe Springs, CA. Prestige is the premier west coast firm specializing only in classic 1955, 1956, and 1957 Ford Thunderbirds.”In recognition of the car’s important provenance, special heed was given to the retention of original parts, with most driver and passenger touch surfaces left undisturbed.

“Finding this car, a classic two-seater model, after 56 plus years of its unknown whereabouts, was a singular event. No other car has been located and documented as owned by the incomparable Marilyn Monroe.”

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird owned by Marilyn Monroe has the serial number P6FH151382. The vehicle is accompanied by documents relating to Monroe and her ownership of the vehicle including: a Declaration of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle issued by the State of Connecticut; a letter from the insurance company Kalvin, Miller, Meyer and Sachs; and a letter from the City of New York Department of Finance Bureau of Collections. These documents were purchased at a Julien’s Auctions sale held on November 18, 2016 and came from files of the Estate of Lee Strasberg. Strasberg became the owner of the documentation when Monroe died. The lot is additionally accompanied by a detailed history of the vehicle compiled by the current owner and consignor.

The car features a Raven Black exterior with an elegant black and white interior. It has a 312 cubic-inch V-8 engine with Holley 4 bbl. Carburetor generating 225 horsepower, Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, and power seats. It comesequipped with both a black canvas convertible top and a “porthole” windowed hardtop, rear fender shields (skirts)and American Classic 670R15 radial tires. The odometer reads 30,399 milesfollowing an engine re-build.

In the early 1950s, North American manufacturers began to worry that they didn’t have anything to sell to someone who wanted a two-seater sporting machine. GM was the first out of the gate, with the Chevrolet Corvette appearing as a ’53 model. Ford’s entry, the Thunderbird, was unveiled in 1554 and first produced for the 1955 model year. The “T-bird” created a sensation when it appeared. Actress Jane Wyman was the very first person to take delivery of a new Thunderbird and drove it right into the middle of a party she was giving to celebrate the event.

For more information on Julien’s Auctions, go to: www.juliensauctions.com

ABOUT JULIEN’S AUCTIONS:

Julien’s Auctions produces high profile auctions in the film, music, sports and art markets. Julien’s Auctions has received international recognition for its unique and innovative auction events, which attract thousands of collectors, investors, fans and enthusiasts from around the world. Julien’s Auctions specializes in sales of iconic artifacts and notable collections including Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Lady Gaga, Banksy, Cher, Michael Jackson, U2, Barbra Streisand, Les Paul, Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix and many more. Based in Los Angeles, Julien’s Auctions has a global presence bringing their auctions and exhibitions to targeted destinations worldwide including London, New York, Las Vegas, Japan and China. Live auctions are presented for bidders on-site and online via live streaming video and mobile technology. For more information on Julien’s Auctions, go to www.juliensauctions.com. Connect with Julien’s Auctions at www.facebook.com/JuliensAuction or www.twitter.com/JuliensAuctions or www.instagram.com/juliens_auctions.

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