'Back to the Future DeLorean joins Volo Auto Museum's eBay auction lineup
VOLO - It's a perennial fan favorite that came surprisingly close to being given away as part of a 2015 promotion involving the Chicago Cubs, who were predicted in a certain film to win the World Series that year.
Sadly for Cubs and "Back to the Future" DeLorean fans, it would be another year before the boys in blue would claim the championship. But for those still interested in the Volo Auto Museum's flux-capacitor-fueled DeLorean, 2018 could be the year.
Indeed, it will be the year for some lucky bidder, as the car has now joined the roster of vehicles and other rarities being auctioned at no reserve (aka, highest bidder takes it regardless of price) this month on eBay, said Brian Grams, director of the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road.
The only screen-used DeLorean ever released into private hands by Universal Pictures sold, in unrestored condition, for more than half a million dollars in 2011, Grams said. The museum's 1981 DeLorean - an early exhibition model of the car made famous in the "Back to the Future" series and a signed gem of the George Barris Star Car Collection - is a fully functioning car featuring all of the movie version's props. The museum values it at $80,000 to $100,000.
"I really struggled with this decision," Grams said of adding the "Back to the Future" DeLorean to the Sept. 19-25 auction list. "This is a car that has captured the imaginations of so many of our visitors over the past two decades. It's a car we've continuously displayed for longer than almost any other vehicle we've ever had.
"But I have an opportunity to buy a 'flying' version from a private collector, and part of the draw here at the Volo Auto Museum is that we provide an ever-changing experience for our guests," Grams continued. "So, while it will be difficult to part with this one, it's had a terrific run here and the time seems right."
Among other vehicles included in the upcoming auction will be a screen-used Tucker replica, an off-road "Fast and Furious" vehicle and even Eddie Munster's personal 1964 Drag-U-La coffin car. The auction also is set to include everything from rare campers to vintage snowmobiles, gas-powered bicycles, tractors and Disney memorabilia.
"This is a no-reserve opportunity that won't come around again," Grams said. "Anyone interested can find the complete list of items being auctioned under 'Events' at volocars.com."
The Volo Auto Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It features about 400 classic, muscle and Hollywood cars and more. Regular admission is $15 for adults, $9 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. For other information, call 815-385-3644, find Volo Auto Museum on Facebook or visit volocars.com.