The world of classic cars and pop culture collides once again as the iconic 1965 Chevrolet Corvette from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me prepares to take center stage at Carlisle Auctions. This isn’t just any Corvette; it’s a piece of cinematic history, adorned with an American flag paint scheme and bearing the license plate “CIA 1”.
Scheduled for October 1-2 at the Carlisle Expo Center in Pennsylvania, this auction promises to be a highlight for both car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike. The Corvette, driven by CIA agent Felicity Shagwell, played by Heather Graham, is a natural counterpart to the Union Jack-clad 1967 Jaguar E-Type “Shaguar” from the same film. Both cars are expected to draw significant attention, with the “Shaguar” having sold for a staggering $880,000 in January 2025.
The Corvette’s Cinematic Journey
Unlike many movie productions that use multiple identical cars for different shots and to mitigate risks, the 1965 Corvette appears to be the sole vehicle used in the filming of Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. This rarity adds to its allure, as it was also featured in the music video for Lenny Kravitz’s 1999 cover of “American Woman,” which was part of the movie’s soundtrack. Owning this Corvette would mean possessing a double dose of Millennial nostalgia.
The Corvette’s cinematic journey doesn’t end there. It was auctioned by New Line Cinema in 1999 for $121,000 and underwent a meticulous frame-off restoration between 2007 and 2008. Since then, it has been driven a mere 7,000 miles preserving its pristine condition. The car comes with comprehensive documentation, including the bill of sale from New Line Cinema to its first post-Hollywood owners.
A Closer Look at the Corvette
Beyond its pop culture significance, this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette is a remarkable piece of automotive history. It boasts a numbers-matching 327-cubic-inch (5.3-liter V8) engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The C2 generation, though the shortest-lived, is highly coveted among collectors, especially given its place at the peak of the muscle-car era.
The Corvette’s star-spangled appearance ensures it won’t go unnoticed on the road. Whether it garners more salutes or raised pinky fingers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it’s a head-turner. The potential ceiling for its hammer price is high, with the “Shaguar” E-Type setting a precedent at $880,000.
The Auction Event
The Carlisle Auctions event at the Carlisle Expo Center will feature several Corvettes, including multiple frame-off restored second-generation convertibles. However, none are likely to draw as much attention as the 1965 Chevrolet Corvette from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. This auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of both automotive and cinematic history.
As the auction date approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a record-breaking sale. The Corvette’s combination of historical significance, meticulous restoration, and pop culture fame makes it a standout lot. Whether you’re a die-hard Corvette fan or an Austin Powers enthusiast, this is one auction you won’t want to miss.
