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An Iconic Tarantino Muscle Car Just Resurfaced In a Surprising Way

The closure of a Colorado car museum means some historic film props are being put up for sale.

A shiny chrome hood ornament shaped like a cartoonish duck with a large beak, expressive eyes, and a cigar in its mouth, mounted on a matte black car surface.Kraft Auctions
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Gray Van Dyke headshot

By Gray Van Dyke

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From Steve McQueen’s Ford Mustang GT in Bullitt to Shia LaBeouf’s Chevrolet Camaro (Bumblebee) in Transformers, American muscle is hardly lacking for representation in the world of movie cars.

Still, even considering such blockbusters, few films are as impactful in their automotive presence as Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 Death Proof. With its matte black paint and infamous reputation, the starring Nova was more than a means to move the plot — it was a central character.

Front view of a matte black classic Chevrolet car with a skull and lightning bolt graphic on the hood, chrome grille and bumper, Texas license plate JJZ 109, and a hood ornament shaped like a clenched fist. The car is indoors with a red curtain in the background.
Between the graphics and hood ornament, there’s no mistaking this Chevrolet Nova.
Kraft Auctions

As it turns out, a Chevrolet purporting to have a connection to the film has recently surfaced for sale. And here’s the thing: it’s one among many legendary movie vehicles being sold off as part of a larger auction.

A Nova with notable connections

That’s because a car museum in Englewood, Colorado — Rodz and Bodz — has recently been forced to close its doors on account of a real estate development deal.

Since its founding as a prop house in 2017, the location has served as the home of countless iconic movie vehicles, and one of the stars of the collection is the 1970 Chevrolet Nova you see before you.

Rusty metal tractor-style seat mounted on the floor of a vehicle with a black interior and a metal roll cage bar running diagonally across the image. The seat has multiple cut-out holes and is reflected in a glass or clear plastic panel behind it.
Good luck to the passenger who tries to tempt fate in this repurposed tractor seat.
Kraft Auctions

Though the sale doesn’t include a certificate of authenticity confirming the car’s provenance, it’s nevertheless a very accurate vehicle. From the duck hood ornament and skull graphic to the repurposed tractor passenger seat, it’s the spitting image of the Death Proof car.

Moreover, the sale includes several signed memorabilia items from the film, the most notable of which is the Icy Hot jacket that Kurt Russell allegedly wore during production.

Car engine bay featuring a V8 engine with a large round chrome air filter cover on top, chrome valve covers, and visible black hoses. The engine block is painted orange, and there is a red battery located on the left side. The surrounding area is mostly black with some wiring and components visible.
The Nova includes an engine dress-up kit with accurate Moroso valve covers.
Kraft Auctions

Movie buffs won’t be disappointed

If you’re not a Death Proof fan, don’t sweat it — other movie cars from the auction are likely to strike a chord.

Be it the Mirthmobile from Wayne’s World, the Gran Torino from the Starsky and Hutch remake, the Charger from Fast & Furious or even the Ecto-1 from the 2016 Ghostbusters, the Rodz and Bodz collection features no shortage of high-profile, screen-used stars.

A vintage U.S. Army car painted in olive drab with a white star on the door and the text "U.S. ARMY 1B7731 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY" on the front fender. The car has a rounded body style typical of mid-20th century vehicles, with a flat tire on the front left wheel. A brown hat is placed on the roof, and there is a cloth with an object on the hood. The background features vintage signs, including a large "SINCLAIR" gasoline sign and other retro advertisements.
This 1950 Ford Deluxe sedan appeared in the opening sequence of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Kraft Auctions

What’s more, the auction is slated to include some impressive recreations. In addition to the Mutt Cutts van from Dumb and Dumber, there are also several Stranger Things pieces, as well as an obligatory K.I.T.T. replica, of course.

As if those items weren’t enough, the auction will also feature vintage signs, authentic props and other unique memorabilia items.

A beige Volkswagen van with red and blue lettering advertising "Surfer Boy Pizza." The van has a large red and white oval sign on its roof that reads "Surfer Boy Pizza." The side of the van displays the phone number "805-74-PIZZA" and the phrases "Surfer Boy" and "DELIVERED HOT TO YOUR DOOR." The front of the van also has "Surfer Boy PIZZA" written in red above the grille. The van is parked indoors on a tiled floor with vintage signs visible in the background.
If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, this converted Volkswagen camper will make you a hit around town in time for the next season.
Kraft Auctions

Auction imminent

If you’re interested in getting in on the action, you can find the listings for the Rodz and Bodz museum collection on Kraft Auctions.

It’s worth noting that bidding is already open, and the lots are slated to close in two waves — first on Friday, August 22nd, and subsequently on Saturday, August 23rd.

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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