1979 Stutz Bearcat Sedan

The newly revived Stutz Motorcars were one of the world's most expensive automobiles of their era. They were hand-crafted and built in Torino, Italy, on an American chassis and originally sold for $74,765. All the accessories are 24-karat gold plated, and the trunk is fur lined. About 700 examples of the Stutz were built, and of those, less than 50 were 4-door sedans.

This example has been in storage for over 25 years and driven less than 9,000 miles since new.

The first Stutz was purchased by Elvis Presley, who later bought three more. The Stutz vehicles were popular with celebrities and wealthy individuals. Frank Sinatra, Lucile Ball, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Johnny Cash, Kenny Rodgers, Larry Holmes, Evil Knievel, Willie Mays, Mohamed Ali, and the King of Saudi Arabia all owned Stutz motor cars.

Omar Bongo, the President of Gabon, special ordered this car for his son, Ali-Ben-Bongo, as a gift for his 20th birthday. At the time, Ali Ben Bongo was attending Law school in the United States. President Omar Bongo, one of the wealthiest men on the planet, had at least three more Stutzs in Gabon, including a limousine. After Law school, Ali-Ben-Bongo returned to Gabon, leaving his Stutz behind. He entered politics, and at the age of 29, he became Minister of affairs. In 1991 he was made Deputy of the National Assembly and, in 1999, was appointed Minister of Defense. On June 8th, 2009, President Omar Bongo died, and shortly after Ali-Ben-Bongo was elected President of Gabon.

This Stutz has a 350 cubic-inch V8 engine offering 160 horsepower. There is a 3-speed automatic transmission, rear seats embroidered with the Great Seal of Gabon, and 24k gold-plated accessories.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2014