What is it about cars that have appeared in movies that seems to pique our interest? These cars are often a bigger cause of excitement than the humans that headline the movie. For the fourth installment of the new Transformers movie franchise, Age of Extinction, director Michael Bay made some big changes to both the human and vehicular actor lineup. This included a major makeover for the Autobot known as Bumblebee, who received a particularly attractive wardrobe change, and became a 1967 Camaro SS restomod.
Commissioned by Paramount Studios and Michael Bay himself, this unique movie car is heading to Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction next month, where it will be up for grabs with no reserve.
More than just a pretty face, this fully-functional star car has been fitted with a Corvette-sourced LS3 V8 (including the fuel injection system) along with a six-speed manual transmission, custom suspension, and mini-tubs to fit the wider rear tires. A 9-inch rearend and Wilwood brakes join modern touches, which also include a touchscreen navigation/stereo system, three-piece racing wheels, and custom Halo LED headlights. A RideTech TigerCage rollcage, custom carbon fiber fender flares, flush-mount door handles, and late-model Camaro seats round out a long list of features that make this Camaro a real eye catcher, even without its film credits.
Not only did Michael Bay commission this custom Camaro for Transformers 4, he also bought it once production came to an end, adding it to his grandiose car collection. Apparently his love for Bumblebee waned quickly though, as Bay is ready to part with the movie piece at a no-reserve auction. He signed the car in the hopes of adding more value, but Barrett-Jackson doesn’t have a price estimate for this unique lot. The car itself is surely worth at least $50,000, and maybe even closer to $75,000 given all the work that’s gone into it. But Transformers 4 is no Casablanca, and Michael Bay isn’t exactly Steven Spielberg.
The only guarantee is that Bumblebee will sell when it crosses the auction block in Scottsdale, Arizona, later this month.
What is your take on this car? Are the modifications too over the top for you to accept? Maybe you think it’s the coolest Camaro ever built. Tell us what you think, and if you happen to buy the new-and-improved Bumblebee, maybe we can talk you into letting us take it for a drive.