Optimus Prime and Bumblebee Vehicles from “Transformers” Headed to Auction

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.

 

Posted by GeorgeKennedy    

 

                          

                                                               

When the Transformers franchise first hit the big screen back in 2007, it was a long time coming for fans of the 1980s cartoon and its accompanying collectible toys. But as the films took shape, the automotive world formed a whole new attachment to the films, as Autobots and Decepticons took the form of unique custom vehicles. Two of these incredible vehicles are set to cross the auction block later this month.

 

Auction house Barrett-Jackson hosts is annual Scottsdale event January 23-31, and is one of the biggest of the year. With more than 300,000 expected event participants and 5.5 million expected to watch, the Scottsdale event is sure to bring in some serious cash for the many unique vehicle crossing the auction block.

Few vehicles will have as a unique pedigree as the 1992 Peterbuilt 379 that played the role of “Optimus Prime” in the very first Transformers live action film from 2007. This truck was used as a picture and stunt truck, and being the first vehicle used for “Optimus Prime,” makes it arguably the most important vehicle from the franchise.

 

 

The other vehicle crossing the auction block, on the other hand, is from the most recent film. It is the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS “resto-mod” that was used to depict the character “Bumblebee” from the 2014 film, Transformers: Age of Extinction. The vehicle is currently owned by director Michael Bay. It is one incredible looking car, with an all-black paint scheme, save for the yellow spoiler and yellow band near the front.

Under the massive cowl induction hood is a Corvette-sourced GM LS3 V8 engine, sending power through a 6-speed manual. The interior is completely custom, and you can even see the custom yellow support bars. (We’re hesitant to suggest that those offer any major safety advantage. After all, when dealing with Michael Bay, assume everything is for show over substance.)

Both vehicles are being sold with no reserve, and estimates have not been offered. It should be noted that the “Optimus Prime” Peterbuilt is not street legal, might not be emissions-compliant in all 50 states, and is being sold simply as a display vehicle. That might hurt its price, but you can find out the true price when both vehicle cross the auction block later this month in Scottsdale.