A pair of 1941 Lincolns that were used in Francis Ford Coppola's epic The Godfather have sold for a combined $120,750 at Bonhams' Scottsdale Auction, which took place on January 16 in Arizona.
 Two other Continental Coupes were shot and their doors filled with explosives |
The Lincoln Continental Coupe saw the highest bids of the pair, realising $69,000. The 1941 Lincoln Custom Limousine followed, achieving $51,750.
The Continental Coupe came out on top due to its larger part in the film, being the same car that Sonny Corleone (James Caan) is assassinated in at a Long Island tollbooth. This being one of the film's most memorable moments certainly increased its appeal for collectors.
However, those who have seen the film may be thinking of the bullet holes that riddled the car's body during the scene. Fortunately, the example at auction was replaced with two identical Continental Coupes before the shooting was filmed.
 Just 250 models were built in 1941, with the Custom Limousine reserved for the most prestigious customers |
The Custom Limousine can be seen twice in the film, first when being driven by one of the Corleone family's rival dons and then again in the background of the wedding scene. One of just 295 Custom Limousines built in 1941, the example at Bonhams was restored prior to filming and has been kept in climate controlled conditions since.
Both cars were consigned from the collection of Eugene Beardslee, who originally supplied them for the 1972 movie.
Also selling at Bonhams was a 1972 Lamborghini Muira, which achieved pole position at $1.2m, and Lady Astor's Rolls-Royce which saw $181,000.
Paul Fraser Collectibles will be bringing you more of the latest from Scottsdale in the coming days, so be sure to check back with us regularly.
