FYI: Two iconic Lamborghinis from "The Wolf of Wall Street" are making headlines again, grabbing the attention of car enthusiasts worldwide.
The Real Life Drama of "The Wolf of Wall Street" Lamborghinis: An Auction Saga
The legendary story of the two Bianco Polo 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Editions featured in "The Wolf of Wall Street" movie has taken an unexpected and thrilling turn this month. Known for their brief yet memorable appearance in the Martin Scorsese film, these exotic cars have become the subjects of a fascinating auction saga.
A Tale of Two Lamborghinis
In the film, both Lamborghinis play pivotal roles, with one surviving the shoot intact and the other becoming a symbol of protagonist Jordan Belfort’s chaotic life, eventually reduced to an undrivable wreck. The soap opera surrounding these cars intensified in August when RM Sotheby’s announced it would auction the pristine car in December. However, the whereabouts of the wrecked counterpart were a mystery until Bonhams revealed its plans to auction it during the season-ending Formula One race weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Auction Highlights and Surprises
The sale of the wrecked Lamborghini was anticipated with a pre-sale estimate ranging from $1.5 million to $2 million. Despite this, the highest bid in Abu Dhabi reached $1.35 million, which the seller declined, leaving the car unsold.
On the other hand, RM Sotheby’s auction of the pristine example went off without a hitch on December 8th in New York City, fetching a hefty $1.65 million post-fees—an impressive figure considering Hagerty’s valuation of a concours-condition Countach is around $780,000. It’s worth noting that Lamborghini manufactured only about 660 of these Silver Anniversary Coupes globally, with a mere 12 imported to the U.S. in Bianco Polo.
The Pristine Lamborghini’s Journey
According to RM Sotheby’s, the mint-condition Lamborghini was driven by its Maryland owner to New York for the film’s shooting. Sporting smaller European bumpers and a black-and-white steering wheel, it differed slightly from its twin, primarily used for the film’s destructive scenes. The rear wing, initially removed by the owner, was reattached for filming purposes. Once the movie became a hit, the owner sold the car. The new owner, who consigned it for RM Sotheby’s auction, re-installed the U.S.-spec bumpers, leaving the rear wing unchanged.
Both Lamborghinis shared powerful specs: a 5.2-liter V12 engine churning out 449 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. These features underscore why these classics are cherished by car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
What’s Next for the Wrecked Lamborghini?
With a captivating auction story unfolding around these cars, the automotive community eagerly awaits the reappearance of the wrecked Lamborghini in an auction catalogue. It’s expected that the seller, having turned down $1.35 million once, won’t likely do so again.
In Conclusion
These iconic vehicles, immortalized in pop culture through "The Wolf of Wall Street," continue to capture the imaginations of car aficionados. Their journey from the big screen to high-stakes auction floors exemplifies the enduring allure of classic supercars. Stay tuned as the saga of these extraordinary Lamborghinis continues to unfold.
Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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