"Gatsby" cars tend to be expensive

6/2/2011

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is often referred to as "The Great American Novel," but when Hollywood was putting together the film adaptation of the book in 1974, they ultimately went with a British brand - Rolls-Royce - as the main ride.

Now, the yellow 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton that featured in the film is headed for the auction block, according to USA Today. The car, which was driven by Mia Farrow and Robert Redford in the films, will be sold to the highest bidder at a Bonhams auction in Greenwich, Connecticut, and the vehicle's Hollywood pedigree coupled with its rarity is expected to command a significant sum.

The Rolls isn't the only exotic car with Hollywood ties that will be on the auction block. Sammy Davis Jr.'s 1968 Maserati Ghibli Berlinetta is also up for sale.

Meanwhile another "Gatsby" project is slated for the silver screen, as director Baz Lurhmann plans to begin shooting his adaptation of the novel soon, with Leonardo DiCaprio penciled in for the title role. According to Business Insider, producers have already purchased a 1929 Packard and 1929 Duesenberg in preparation of filming, spending more than $3 million of the film's budget already.