Here's a belated gift idea for the rash of RO'ers who recently had birthdays...


March 28, 2012, 11:15 AM.

How Much is Keith Richards’ Pontiac Worth?




The Auction House Bonham’s said it plans to sell a 1950 Pontiac Chieftain Silver Streak convertible that was once owned by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. The sale is scheduled for April 30  at the RAF Museum in Hendon, England. The estimated high bid ranges from $28,650 to $35,000.

So, at that price range would the car be steep, or a steal? Collectors’ price guides set its value at about $25,000 for a run-of-the-mill example to $75,000 for the best ones. Still, the 1950 Pontiac, and many American cars from the first 10 years or so after World War II have a limited following today. Their looks are clunky and uninspired and they weren’t known for innovation or advanced technology.

But of course, this car’s real value depends on how you feel about the Rolling Stones.

Did you see them at Altamonte or Madison Square Garden in ’69, or are you more a part of the “Some Girls,” “Tattoo You” or “Voodoo Lounge” eras? While some fans will never stop loving the Stones others may feel the band is a textbook case in favor of mandatory retirement for old rockers.

Any of this baggage could affect bidding. As the story goes, Richards owned the Pontiac while he and his band mates were based on the Cote d’Azure recording ”Exile on Main Street,” what many consider a seminal album. One could imagine the Stones cruising around and getting into all sorts of misadventure in the vintage convertible, which comes with a number of period photographs of the band.

Still, there appears to be no strong connection between the band and the car, like its inclusion on an album cover or in a movie or music video. Indeed, ZZ Top’s old Eliminator hotrod or the custom car from the Monkees TV show might strike more resonant chords with collectors.

Altamonte - what a great gig. Nice job of proofing the article!