Vintage Ford that starred in 1980s hit film is being sold at auction

A 1939 Ford 91A V8 that featured in a groundbreaking eighties movie is being sold at auction from the end of this week – but do you recognise it from the big screen?

Having rolled off the production line in the USA in late 1939, the vintage Ford reportedly made its way to the UK sometime in the 1960s and has remained on British soil ever since. 

The 1980s saw the V8-powered sedan benefit from a lengthy restoration whilst spending time in a museum before its screen debut in 1988.

When the hammer drops, experts estimate it could sell for between £20,000 to £30,000. 

Do you recognise this vintage Ford V8 that’s heading to UK auction? It featured in a groundbreaking movie some 35 years ago…

The 1939 Ford 91A V8 was used in Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), appearing alongside Bob Hoskins in multiple scenes and the film’s promotional material

The Ford is one of a selection of vintage motors that appeared heavily in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which is widely recognised as the first film to successfully bring animation and live-action together and went on to win four Academy Awards alongside many other accolades.

The Ford’s art deco-style body ensured it was the perfect prop in Toontown, near Los Angeles, the backdrop for the movie, which showcases cartoon characters living alongside real people.

‘It was a core element of the famous forties iconography that gave the film its distinct, noir tone,’ the auction lot description details.

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The Ford’s art deco-style body ensured it was the perfect prop in Toontown, near Los Angeles, the backdrop for the movie, which showcases cartoon characters living alongside real people

The Ford’s glossy black paint and trim remain in excellent, original condition, having last been resprayed and restored over three decades ago

Despite being set in 1947 LA, Who Framed Roger Rabbit was actually filmed at Elstree Studios in London with the Ford appearing alongside Bob Hoskins in multiple scenes and the film’s promotional material. 

READ MORE: The Wolf of Wall Street Lamborghini Countach is heading to auction – here’s how much it could make 

It last had a bare-metal respray in the mid-eighties ahead of its silver screen debut.

Today, the glossy black paint and trim remain in excellent, original condition, confirming the quality of the work some 35 years ago. 

The legendary Ford ‘flathead’ 3.6-litre V8 is equally original but benefits from subtle improvements, including a larger aluminium radiator to enhance performance and reliability. 

The vendor has retained the car’s originality and status over the last 27 years of ownership, making it a rare survivor – especially given so many examples have since been converted to Hot Rods. 

And as well as being mostly original, it’s also been used sparsely.

Today, the odometer shows a mere 21,659 miles – that’s an average of 258 miles per year since it came off the Ford production line.

The odometer shows a mere 21,659 miles – that’s an average of 258 miles per year since it came off the Ford production line

The vendor has retained the car’s originality and status over the last 27 years of ownership, making it a rare survivor – especially given so many examples have since been converted to Hot Rods

The legendary Ford ‘flathead’ 3.6-litre V8 is equally original but benefits from subtle improvements, including a larger aluminium radiator to enhance performance and reliability

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is widely recognised as the first film to successfully bring animation and live-action together and went on to win four Academy Awards

A comprehensive file of paperwork, bills and MOTs, an original Ford De Luxe instruction booklet and ‘running in’ instructions go to confirm the care its owner has clearly lavished on the car.

It will be available to the highest bidder in a five-day online auction hosted by Car & Classic, which begins on Friday (19 August) at 13:00. 

‘This is a Ford with a very special backstory, playing a key part in a movie that many will remember for its unique blend of actors – both real and cartoon,’ says Car & Classic’s Dale Vinten.

‘Today the car not only holds that appeal to fans of Roger, Jessica and Bob Hoskins but it also is a very original pre-war Ford that benefits from subtle upgrades to enjoy and show for many years to come.’

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