2022 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition on 2040-cars

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A 1985 Ford Escort for $915,000? If it was owned by Princess Diana

What makes a used car worth more than the car itself? If it was owned by John Lennon. Or Muhammad Ali. Michael Schumacher, perhaps, or Stirling Moss. This year’s edition from the Hagerty organization of its “Power List” makes for amusing reading even if youÂ’re not on it. But you can make believe that you are. Essentially, the list, which was launched only last year, tracks the impact of celebrity ownership of a vehicle on its value, as measured by its worth at auction. Nearly 400 sales of celebrity cars and bikes have been analyzed from around the world by Hagerty using market data and “expert” analytics. Hagerty is aware, certainly, that famous folks — from royalty, sports, movies and music — grab gobs of attention from ordinary people. ThatÂ’s why the 2023 Power List comprises these categories: Art Cars, Racing Drivers, Movies and TV, Musicians, Royalty, Screen Stars, Sporting Icons. But you don't have to be a rock star or a F1 pilot to get listed: Princess Diana, besides an Escort Turbo RS that she owned between 1985 and 1988, numbered a convertible 1994 Audi 80 Cabriolet and a Jaguar XJS Cabriolet among her rides. HereÂ’s a look at some of the more notable entries: Racing driver category: In pole position was an unlikely titleholder, a 1976 Ford Bronco. This was the car bought new by legendary Canadian Formula 1 driver Gilles Villeneuve and untouched since his death; it sold at the Aguttes auction in Paris last December for $148,000, a huge 210% increase over the $47,800 that Hagerty would value a regular example in the same condition. Just a note: The list doesnÂ’t include race cars, only vehicles kept privately by the drivers. Musicians: A 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow had been Freddie MercuryÂ’s personal chauffeur-driven transport from 1979 until his death in 1991. Without celebrity ownership, Hagerty would value the Silver Shadow at a lowly $9,500, a car that would take a lot of time, effort and money to restore properly. But add in MercuryÂ’s aura and bids ended at $362,500. “ItÂ’s no surprise that MercuryÂ’s car dominated our Musicians list on the 2023 Hagerty Power List,” the company said. Movies and TV: For those readers now emerging from hibernation since 1968, the news is that the historic Highland Green Mustang from “Bullitt” remains at the top of the Power List for the second year running.

Malaise Era All-Stars

A few weeks ago, we bid a fond happy 40th anniversary to the automotive dark ages of 1973-84 that have come to be known as "The Malaise Era" - the performance ice-age when 160 horsepower was a lot and a 0-60 time of under 10 seconds was remarkable. Like music in the 1980s, everything in automobiledom didn't suck, however. There were a few bright spots. Here are five of our favorites:
1976-79 Porsche 930, aka 911 Turbo Carrera (above)
Photo Credit: Dorotheum

Someone burnt the schnitzel out of this trio of Porsches

Every vehicle has a story, and right now, we're wondering about the tale of three extra crispy Porsches – listed as a " 1963 Porsche Porsche" (a 356), a 1970 914 (we're pretty sure it's probably a 912, not a 914), and a 1996 911 – stuck in a Woodhaven, MI salvage yard. Yes, salvage. Fire has consumed all three cars from stem to stern, the 914 looks partially flattened and, along with the 356, has part of a tree growing out the back. Shockingly, no one's bid yet. But right now, we just want to know what happened. Obviously there was fire. A lot of fire. But beyond that, we don't know. Autoblog called the salvage yard, located in southern metro Detroit, and couldn't uncover any information – a customer service rep told your author that the company doesn't have "the story" on the cars and doesn't staff mechanics at the facility. Perhaps it's this lack of mechanics that explains the outrageous prices the salvage yard listed on its website. The repair estimate on each car should read "Never," but instead, a six-figure appraisal accompanies each car. They're probably low-balling. The lowest estimated retail value, meanwhile, is $75,000. At least the primary damage – "Burn" – is correct, albeit something of an understatement. Check out the images of each car up top. And if you want more information – or God forbid you're actually considering bidding on one of these – you can click over to the salvage yard's website. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Burnt Porsches in Michigan View 9 Photos News Source: Copart [1, 2, 3]Image Credit: Copart Auto News Porsche Auctions Coupe Performance Classics fire porsche 356 salvage porsche 912