Marilyn Monroe’s Thunderbird is coming to auction for the first time

By Lizzie Pope

| 25 Sep 2018

Classic & Sports Car – Marilyn Monroe's Thunderbird is coming to auction for the first time

Hollywood names don’t come much bigger or more desirable than Marilyn Monroe, so expect this 1956 Ford Thunderbird to attract a lot of attention when it comes to auction later this year.

Owned by Monroe between 1955 and 1962, it came from the factory with its convertible roof and a detachable hardtop with distinctive ‘porthole’ windows, as pictured above. And, being a ’56 model, it also had the spare wheel mounted in a flashy exterior ‘continental kit’, increasing boot space.

It was bought on 20 December 1955 from Westport Motors in Westport, Connecticut by Marilyn Monroe Productions; it is believed that it was a Christmas present from Milton Greene, Monroe’s business partner and photographer.

When this T-bird crosses the block at Julien’s Auctions’ ‘Icons & Idols: Hollywood’ sale on 17 November in Los Angeles, it will be the first time it has come to auction. And as you might expect for such a glamorous vehicle, it has a high price: pre-sale estimates value it from $300,000-500,000 (around £228,000-380,000).

You get Hollywood style in abundance with the Ford Thunderbird

Finished in Raven Black with a black and white trimmed cabin, this Ford Thunderbird, serial number P6FH151382, is powered by a carburettored 312 cu in V8 with 225hp, mated to a Ford-O-Matic automatic gearbox.

And befitting someone of Monroe’s status, it also has powered steering, windows and seats, and powered brakes. It wears American Classic 670R15 radial tyres and has a bumper skirt at the rear.

Just six months after taking ownership of this car, Monroe married her third husband, the playwright Arthur Millar.

In a report published at the time it was suggested that the couple drove this Ford to their civil ceremony on 28 June 1956 and also to their private wedding two days later.

Space for two to enjoy classic, wind-in-the-hair motoring, film-star style

After enjoying this car for six years, Monroe gifted it to John Strasberg, the son of acting coach and director Lee Strasberg, for his 18th birthday.

Monroe’s Thunderbird was traced and bought by the current owner with the assistance of documents, which were among those received by Lee Strasberg when he inherited the majority of the late actress, singer and model’s estate – and all supporting documentation will be sold with the car.

“I found the vehicle in lovely show condition,” remembers the current owner. “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 specialising only in classic 1955, 1956 and 1957 Ford Thunderbirds.”

Due to the car’s history, special heed was given to the retention of original parts, with most driver and passenger touch surfaces left undisturbed. And, post engine rebuild, the odometer reads 30,399 miles.

He adds: “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.”

The T-bird comes to auction on 17 November with a $300,000-500,000 (around £228,000-380,000) estimate

“Once in a while something comes along that has a powerful magic about it, a charisma, because of everything and everyone associated with it,” said, Darren Julien, President/CEO Julien’s Auctions.

“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.”

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