Historics at Brooklands / Brooklands Museum 19th July 2011 Car - 19/07/2011 / 1966 Pontiac GTO 'The 2011 Monkees Tour Car' / Lot 253

The Monkees are an Anglo-American pop rock group assembled in Los Angeles in 1966 by Robert ""Bob"" Rafelson and Bert Schneider for the American television series . It aired from 1966 to 1968, the musical acting quartet was composed of Americans Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork, and Englishman Davy Jones. The band's music was initially supervised by producer Don Kirshner. At the time of the group's formation, its producers saw The Monkees as a Beatles-like band. At the start, the band members provided vocals, and were given some performing and production opportunities, but they eventually fought for and earned the right to collectively supervise all musical output under the band's name. The group undertook several concert tours, allowing an opportunity to perform as a live band as well as on the TV series. Although the show was canceled in 1968, the band continued releasing records until 1970. The group reached the height of fame from 1966 to 1968, and influenced many future artists. In 1986, their twentieth year, the television show and music experienced a revival, which led to a series of reunion tours and new records featuring various incarnations of the band's lineup. The group went on to sell 50 million records worldwide. More so however were the immortal tunes that came from that youthful band. Classics like 'I'm a Believer', 'Last Train to Clarksville' and 'Daydream Believer' to name but a few. Its easy to look in an old photograph of yourself and think, 'God, was I ever that young' but check out the Monkees website on and you will see a bunch of teenagers belting out some of the greatest songs in history. This Monkee mobile was created in New York from a 1966 Pontiac GTO by James Benken, a specialist East Coast film car custom shop. It was then shipped earlier this year to the UK just in time for the Monkees 2011, 45 anniversary tour beginning in Liverpool. So welcome was the car by the band, that Peter Tork, bass guitarist and banjo, couldn't believe what he was seeing and that he hadn't seen it since they were filming the tv series back in the 1970's. The band (minus Mike Nesmith) have all signed and driven the car and have taken part in many tv and press appearances with it whilst promoting the tour. The car has also made numerous other appearances at exhibitions and shows and is now a well known and iconic representative of this golden period of the 1970's. Currently forming part of a private collection, this striking example has never before been offered for sale, a rare opportunity to acquire a Monkee car especially when you consider that the last one offered for sale went for $360,000. Presented in good condition and with a UK V5 registration document, one year's MoT and road tax.