A Celebrity Packard and a Transparent Pontiac Star at Michigan Collector Car Auction

BLENHEIM, Ontario, June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A celebrity Packard,  purchased new by famed American entertainer Al Jolson, and a eye-catching Pontiac Plexiglas "Ghost Car", America's first full-size transparent car, are among star attractions set for the auction block in Plymouth, Michigan next month.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110629/NY28219)

Headlining a magnificent roster of 70 collector cars for RM Auctions' St. John's sale, the July 30 auction - held in conjunction with the Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's – will provide a wonderful celebration of America's rich automotive history.

"RM Auctions is delighted to partner with the Concours d'Elegance of America to present an exciting vintage car weekend for motoring enthusiasts," says Gerry Hockin, Chief Operating Officer. "Featuring a magnificent array of American classics, the sale presents a fantastic opportunity to peruse and bid on some of the world's finest automobiles, as well as Michigan's own unique automotive legacy."

The 'Al Jolson' Packard

Virtually unseen for nearly half a century, the rare 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan by Dietrich was delivered new to famed American entertainer, Al Jolson, for the princely sum of $6,600. Born in Russia in the late 1880s, Jolson immigrated to America at the age of ten. With starring roles in 'Mammy' and 'Swanee', Jolson's outstanding singing, dancing and acting skills earned him the nickname 'The World's Greatest Entertainer', leading him to become one of the wealthiest men in Hollywood and affording him the opportunity to indulge his passion for fine automobiles. Beautifully-presented and very well-equipped, this stunning automobile presents a special ownership opportunity for discerning collectors (Est. $950,000 - $1,150,000).

America's First Transparent Car

A highlight of the 1939-40 New York World's Fair, the extraordinary 1939 Pontiac Plexiglas Deluxe Six "Ghost Car" is also expected to garner strong interest from collectors. Holding a special place in the history books as the first full-sized transparent car to be built in America (at a reported cost of $25,000), it was a pioneering Plexiglas collaboration between GM and Rohm & Haas and features a Plexiglas body exposing the vehicle's innards. Following the New York World's Fair, the "Ghost Car" went on a nationwide tour, later spending several years on display at the Smithsonian Institution before passing through a succession of Pennsylvania Pontiac dealers. Today remarkably preserved, and the only known surviving "Ghost Car" of two built, it is offered for the first time since the early 1980's (Est.  $275,000 - $475,000).

RM Auctions' St. John's sale will be held July 30 at the Inn of St. John's in Plymouth, Michigan. For full details and to view the digital catalog, visit www.rmauctions.com.

SOURCE RM Auctions