Original DeLorean, McQueen's suit sell for big prices at auction

12/30/2011

A recent auction in Los Angeles saw several pieces of automotive memorabilia from Hollywood sell for exorbitant prices, according to Hemmings.com.

Perhaps the most famous piece in the auction was the actual DeLorean that was used in the filming of "Back to the Future." Many replicas have been made of this iconic car over the years, but this vehicle was proven and certified to have been on-set. The vehicle sold for a whopping $541,200.

Some pieces at the auction sold for even more than that. It's tough to overstate the appeal of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, for example, as his racing suit from the 1971 film "Le Mans" sold for $984,000. For comparison's sake, the actual Porsche used in the film only went for slightly more, at $1.3 million.

Even more interesting is the story behind McQueen's suit - it was originally gifted to a British newspaper for a contest it ran in 1971. The winner was 12-year-old Timothy Davies, who held onto the item for four decades before deciding to cash in.

Whether you've just bought a high-priced vehicle or have been driving the same car for a decade, don't underestimate the importance of auto maintenance. Oil changes and radiator flush & fills can go a long way toward helping your car stay on the road for longer.