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John Wayne’s 1975 Pontiac Grand Safari Wagon, Customized By Barris, Going To Auction!


John Wayne’s 1975 Pontiac Grand Safari Wagon, Customized By Barris, Going To Auction!

Movie fans and car fans alike will be jamming their way to the front of the stage for the Mecum Auction in Monterey, California in August for their chance to bid on this 1975 Pontiac Safari, owned by John Wayne and modified by Barris Kustoms. The Duke liked Pontiac wagons for daily-driver and family duties, and goes against what most people expected, like the 1966 IH Travelall that he nicknamed “The War Wagon”.

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The wagon, the last of Wayne’s cars to be sold into private hands, is a 455-powered 9-passenger that had the options book thrown at it, including the exceedingly rare adjustable pedals. From purchase, it was shipped to Barris Kustoms for a roof extension, the third one that Barris did for Wayne. Why a roof extension? The Duke wanted his hat to fit when he sat in the car. Seriously, that’s it. This is the third and final wagon, following a ’70 Pontiac that had murals and steer horns, and a green Pontiac that was stock save for the roof cap. Luckily, this ’75 only got the cap and badge treatment as well.

Early predictions for the wagon fall into the $60,000-$70,000 range, but with the history and the celebrity associated to the car, it’s really anyone’s guess as to what the hammer price will be.

Click the link to see the auction listing for John Wayne’s 1975 Pontiac wagon: Mecum Link

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5 thoughts on “John Wayne’s 1975 Pontiac Grand Safari Wagon, Customized By Barris, Going To Auction!

  1. Scott Liggett

    I saw this car last year at the George Barris Crusing Back to the ’50’s show in Culver City, CA. The Wayne family sent it back to George Barris to have it restored and maintenced. This is probably one of the last cars John Wayne ever owned.

    1. Bryan McTaggart Post author

      According to the production company (who held the title since purchase), it is the last car Wayne purchased, and more than likely the last one he drove.

      1. GuitarSlinger

        Sad thing from looking at the photos is that its probably one of the ugliest of all the ‘ Duke’s ‘ cars as well . Eeesh . Proof that even Barris can get it wrong once and awhile . Then factor in Wayne’s rapidly diminishing popularity … the fact that he never was known as a ‘ Car Guy ‘ …. along with the multiple rumors now surrounding his legacy … and to be honest with you I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if this never even reaches its Reserve assuming it has one . The fact that the title is in the production company’s name rather than the ‘ Duke’s ‘ .. assuming the bidders haven’t been overly plied by cheap/free booze will do nothing for the cars value either

        e.g. Celebrity is no guarantee of value when it comes to the collectors market .

    2. Gary Campbell

      I’ve seen it twice, back in the late 70’s, with JW driving it around Newport. We lived about a mile away from him. One of those things I’ll always remember.

  2. Anthony

    Its cool.If I had that kinda extra dough around to do nothing with Id buy it. Bet that thing gets big bucks at the auction.

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