The Golden Sahara II custom sells for a cool $385,000

Coming to light after decades in hiding, the Golden Sahara II has a new home after bidding at Mecum’s Indianapolis auctions closed at $385,000 (including premium).

The 1950s custom, which we highlighted back in March, had been squirreled away in creator Jim Street’s garage since the late ‘60s, save for a few night cruises in the ‘80s. Following Street’s passing in December 2017, the custom sensation that once captured the hearts of American car enthusiasts in the late 1950s finally resurfaced.

Since the car had no reserve price, there was great interest in just how active the bidding might be. In the end, the winning bid was lower than what Mecum wanted—a lot lower in fact. The auctioneer opened bidding at $750,000 before quickly dropping to $500,000 and finally $100,000, where bidding began.

For context, the car cost $75,000 to overhaul from the original Golden Sahara to the Golden Sahara II in 1956. In today’s dollars, that’s nearly $690,000.

Following the Mecum sale, the Chicago-based Klairmont Kollection announced via Facebook that it had won the auction and that the radical custom would be added to its museum. The new owners noted that there will be a dedicated display in place by the end of June. The Klairmont Kollection is currently discussing whether to preserve the car as-is or dive into a restoration.

At least the Golden Sahara will no longer be tucked away. In its new home, it will hopefully draw crowds just as it did when it first toured under its Cinderfella celebrity status. Even in its current condition, it is a fascinating time capsule that reminds us of just how wild custom cars can be.