While in the modern day Pink Panther movies, the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau seems to stick to smaller ordinary cars, in the original 1969 cartoon series, he and his animated pink panther partner, always drove a sleek, futuristic-looking vehicle. Turns out, that the Panthermobile not only still exists, but is also, currently up for sale.
Besides the really cool shape the vehicle is also unique because of its bright pink exterior and interior - The only parts spared from the pink are its steering wheel and tires! Also, the front seat features an open roof and fits only the driver - All passengers are relegated to the back, hidden under the car's covered area.
Featured prominently in the original cartoon's opening and closing sequence, the panthermobile was designed by Jay Ohrberg, a Hollywood car designer who is also responsible for the sleek Delorean in the 'Back To The Future' series of movies, the 1966 and 1989 Batmobiles, as well as, David Hasselhoff's intelligent and undestructible partner - KITT in the Knight Rider television show.
Apparently, Mr. Ohrberg loved his pink creation so much that he owned the car until 2007. It was only when the cartoon series moved to another television station and the opening and no longer featured the car, that he parted with it, for a princely sum of $130,136USD. Five years later, the Panthermobile is in the market again and is expected to fetch over $180,000 USD.
Wondering why such a rare car would be priced so reasonably? Well, there is the catch - While it was roadworthy when Mr. Ohrberg owned it, turns out that its engine is not so good anymore and the car cannot be driven - But, what's another few thousand dollars to get a brand new engine when you have the opportunity to buy history? Don't your agree?
Resources:Bornrich.com