Post by Clouseau on Feb 13, 2007 8:08:18 GMT
dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_headline=rinky-dinky-car&method=full&objectid=18613982&siteid=66633-name_page.html
RINKY DINKY CAR
By Bill Caven
THE Pink Panther is flogging his "one and only truly original" car - on eBay.
And the 23ft long, custom-built limo is expected to attract bids of more than £75,000.
The unique 6ft wide Pink-mobile - the only one ever built by Hollywood craftsman Jay Ohrberg - first featured in the cartoon series screened in the 1960s and 1970s.
It was brought to the UK 18 months ago by Stirling businessman James Smith to be used as a crowd-puller at events up and down the country.
Now, James has been given permission by the car's American owner to find a buyer.
James, 45, said: "There has been a lot of interest in the car.
"The reaction from the public at displays has been phenomenal, mainly from those who watched the cartoon series.
"But even young kids want their photos taken sitting in it."
Jim and wife Sheila stumbled across the seven litre-engined car when they won a trip to the US in a radio competition.
There, they met owner Jay, who also designed the original Batmobile.
James added: "We got talking to him and he agreed to let us bring it to Britain as a business venture. It has proved a massive attraction.
"The engine is in immaculate condition but has not been started for a while. The brakes would also need attention."
Any buyer would be able to continue displaying the car, as it comes with copyright permission from MGM studios.
James said: "I will be sorry to see it go. I was the Panther's No.1 fan, so it has been an enormous thrill to have the car."
By Bill Caven
THE Pink Panther is flogging his "one and only truly original" car - on eBay.
And the 23ft long, custom-built limo is expected to attract bids of more than £75,000.
The unique 6ft wide Pink-mobile - the only one ever built by Hollywood craftsman Jay Ohrberg - first featured in the cartoon series screened in the 1960s and 1970s.
It was brought to the UK 18 months ago by Stirling businessman James Smith to be used as a crowd-puller at events up and down the country.
Now, James has been given permission by the car's American owner to find a buyer.
James, 45, said: "There has been a lot of interest in the car.
"The reaction from the public at displays has been phenomenal, mainly from those who watched the cartoon series.
"But even young kids want their photos taken sitting in it."
Jim and wife Sheila stumbled across the seven litre-engined car when they won a trip to the US in a radio competition.
There, they met owner Jay, who also designed the original Batmobile.
James added: "We got talking to him and he agreed to let us bring it to Britain as a business venture. It has proved a massive attraction.
"The engine is in immaculate condition but has not been started for a while. The brakes would also need attention."
Any buyer would be able to continue displaying the car, as it comes with copyright permission from MGM studios.
James said: "I will be sorry to see it go. I was the Panther's No.1 fan, so it has been an enormous thrill to have the car."
if you're interested in following (or bidding on) the auction, you can find the listing for the Pink Panther's car on eBay by clicking here...
