The classic car driven by Marilyn Monroe to her third wedding is to be auctioned - and is expected to fetch up to $500,000.
"Some Like It Hot" star Monroe bought the black two-door Ford Thunderbird straight from the factory in 1955.
This stunning Ford Thunderbird owned by Marilyn Monroe from 1955 to 1962 will be sold by Julienâs Auctions, on November 17, 2018. See SWNS story SWMONROE. It is estimated that it will sell for $250,000-$500,000. One of the most desired women in the world, Monroeâs life was deeply troubled, but during the time that she owned this car she was enjoying some of the happiest days of her life. Soon after buying the Thunderbird, Monroe married the celebrated playwright Arthur Miller. A published report at the time suggests that Monroe and Miller drove this vehicle to their civil wedding ceremony on June 28, 1956 and likely their private wedding on June 30, 1956. (SWNS)
She drove in it with playwright Arthur Miller to their wedding in 1956, according to auctioneer Julien’s Auctions.
It is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000 when it goes under the hammer on November 17 in Los Angeles.
Monroe and Miller were often photographed in the car. (Getty)
Monroe owned the convertible for six years before gifting it to John Strasberg, the son of director Lee Strasberg, for his 18th birthday shortly before her death in 1962.
The Thunderbird, dubbed a "personal luxury car" by Ford, has been partially restored.
Milton Green, Monroe and Miller took advantage of the car's three-across bench seat. (Getty)
But special attention was “given to the retention of original parts, with most driver and passenger touch surfaces left undisturbed”.
The V8 Thunderbird, which boasts 225 horsepower and a top speed of 113 mph, has clocked 30,399 miles since its engine rebuild.
This stunning Ford Thunderbird owned by Marilyn Monroe from 1955 to 1962 will be sold by Julienâs Auctions, on November 17, 2018. See SWNS story SWMONROE. It is estimated that it will sell for $250,000-$500,000. One of the most desired women in the world, Monroeâs life was deeply troubled, but during the time that she owned this car she was enjoying some of the happiest days of her life. Soon after buying the Thunderbird, Monroe married the celebrated playwright Arthur Miller. A published report at the time suggests that Monroe and Miller drove this vehicle to their civil wedding ceremony on June 28, 1956 and likely their private wedding on June 30, 1956. (SWNS)
Darren Julien, president of Julien’s Auctions, said: “Once in a while something comes along that has a powerful magic about it, a charisma, because of everything and everyone associated with it.
“This wonderful black Ford Thunderbird is not only part of the automotive history but comes with an aura of glamour, romance and tragedy of a true Hollywood legend.”
This stunning Ford Thunderbird owned by Marilyn Monroe from 1955 to 1962 will be sold by Julienâs Auctions, on November 17, 2018. See SWNS story SWMONROE. It is estimated that it will sell for $250,000-$500,000. One of the most desired women in the world, Monroeâs life was deeply troubled, but during the time that she owned this car she was enjoying some of the happiest days of her life. Soon after buying the Thunderbird, Monroe married the celebrated playwright Arthur Miller. A published report at the time suggests that Monroe and Miller drove this vehicle to their civil wedding ceremony on June 28, 1956 and likely their private wedding on June 30, 1956. (SWNS)
The car will be sold be as part of an Icons and Idols sale.
Monroe, who was also a model and singer, became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s.
She married her first husband, James Dougherty, aged 16 and divorced before signing acting contracts with Twentieth Century-Fox and Columbia Pictures.
Monroe was scouted following a successful pin-up modelling career and appeared in a series of minor film roles.
But the blonde bombshell became one of the most marketable Hollywood stars, landing leading roles in noir film Niagara and comedy Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
She married twice more, to baseball player Joe DiMaggio (1954), and Miller six years before her death.
Monroe struggled with substance abuse and depression. She died suddenly in 1962 after overdosing on barbiturates at her LA home.