Category Archives: Celebrity Auto News

Get Star-Struck With These Iconic Movie Cars

If there's one thing America loves more than cars, it's movies. Blockbuster films and sexy wheels seem like a match made in heaven, and many Hollywood directors have been sprucing up their flicks with cool cars for decades. In fact, some of the most well-known cars of today have been catapulted to icon status by their starring roles in our favorite movies. Here's a look at some of Hollywood's most motor-friendly movies, as well as the classic cars that stole the spotlight in them.

James Bond
Few things are more synonymous with cool cars than Mr. 007 himself, James Bond. The British spy has been leading the charge as a purveyor of the finest wheels for decades, and is almost as famous for his souped up cars as he is for his daring exploits. From the classic Aston Martin DB-5 in 1964's "Goldfinger" – complete with oil slicks and ejector seat – to the classy BMW 7 Series that could be driven with a cellphone in 1997's "Tomorrow Never Dies," filmgoers always know that they're always in for a wild time when they ride along with Bond.

'Back to the Future'
You'd be hard-pressed to find a better example of the relationship between film and cars than the 1985 series "Back to the Future." The famous film trilogy almost single-handedly elevated the DeLorean DMC-12 from little-known auto industry curiosity to monolithic pop culture icon. Though the quirky steel car's starring role in the time-traveling adventure may not have brought the huge boost in sales the Texas-based manufacturer may have been hoping, it did firmly cement the car into the American consciousness. Over the past several years, DeLorean fan clubs, swaps and meetups have sprung up, and DeLorean Motor Company has resurfaced, ready to showcase the car to future generations of auto enthusiasts.

'Jurassic Park'
With its electric engine and self-driving capabilities, the yellow and green Ford Explorer from 1993's "Jurassic Park" is cited by Edmunds as one of the 100 greatest movie cars of all time. Whether peacefully taking parkgoers on a tour of the prehistoric island's dinosaurs or simply helping them run away, the sport utility vehicle is beloved by many fans as a constant stalwart companion throughout the film. According to Business Insider, the intrepid Explorer is allegedly being replaced in the upcoming 2015 sequel by the Mercedes G63 AMG, stepping aside for a new generation of rugged cars to help tourists run away from T-Rex's. 

If you're looking for the perfect used car for you, head to NJ State Auto Auction. With hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot and an in-house finance department to help approve you for a loan, you may just drive away with a high-quality used car, truck or van.

Celebs Hit The Track For The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

One relationship that has been even steadier and more reliable than Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie is the relationship between celebrities and automobiles. Whether they're athletes, actors or musicians, our celebrities seem constantly fascinated by fancy or expensive cars – especially if they go fast. Many of our celebrities love collecting luxury cars, but once a year there's an event that gives a handful of them the chance to drive one.

As part of Toyota's 40th Annual Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend, 15 stars from sports, music and movies will have the chance to climb behind the wheel of custom race-outfitted Scion FR-S cars to compete in the 2014 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. Celebrities will be competing against professional drivers in a 1.97-mile street course through Long Beach, the official press release stated. Among the field of celebrity speedsters are actors Adrien Brody and Sam Witwer, radio host Lisa Stanley and Olympic gold medal sprinter Carmelita Jeter.

Celebs and pros alike are taking to the track to support the "Racing For Kids" program aimed at raising money for children's hospitals nationwide. The race has been run since 1991, and in that time over $2 million has been donated to children's hospitals around the U.S. on behalf of the generous racers.

If you're looking to rekindle your love for the automobile, head to NJ State Auto Auction. There are hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and the in-house finance department is available to help you afford the used car you love.

Collection of James Bond Vehicles Going Up For Sale

James Bond, the International Man of Mystery, is known around the world for his debonair attitude, world-saving heroics and sleek cars. In fact, the world's most famous spy regularly gets behind the wheel of expensive, lustrous vehicles, and when those automobiles make an appearance in one of the James Bond films, they get a fair amount of publicity. 

The hype surrounding the James Bond vehicles makes them a big draw for collectors, which is why one multimillionaire took the time to accrue a multitude of these cars. In 2011, American real estate investor Michael Dezer purchased dozens of these automobiles from the official Bond Museum in England, adding to his collection along the way to acquire nearly 60 cars, according to The London Express. 

Now, he is planning on selling the cars, and the sticker price is beginning at $33.25 million. That may seem like a hefty sum, but it's likely chump change for a used car collection that includes six Aston Martins, a Lotus Espirit from "The Spy Who Loved Me," the Land Rover Defender 110 from the opening scenes of the recent "Skyfall" and even a Renault 11 that was chopped in half for "A View To Kill." 

"It is the best private collection of Bond cars in the world, but it is probably in the wrong place being in Miami," Barbara Donovan, a sales representative for the current owner, told The London Express. "When we found the collection, we shipped it all out the U.S.A. Hopefully we'll be able to ship it back to a British buyer so the public can enjoy the collection." 

While your budget may not allow you the freedom to purchase a Bond car, you can at least get a high-quality option at lots such as NJ State Auto. There, you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, searching for the automobile that is just the right fit. 

New Survey Identifies Most Iconic Cars

There are a few vehicles that have likely made such an imprint on your mind that they are impossible to forget. Whether it's the station wagon that you took family trips in when you were young or your very first car, these automobiles shaped many of your fondest memories.

Much like those cars are important to you, there are a wide variety of special models that have influenced American culture. To discover more about these vehicles, Cars.com created a list of the Top 10 Most Iconic Cars – but with a few limitations. 

"Aside from Hollywood, there's no industry that creates as many icons as the car business," said Patrick Olsen of Cars.com. "With so many to choose from, we decided to narrow our focus to cars from the past 25 years, and we looked at which cars truly made a statement." 

Topping the list was the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius. As one of the first major strides made in the green-car movement, the effects of the Prius can still be felt today, making this model a special one. It was followed by distinctive rides like the Mazda Miata, Volkswagen New Beetle, Ford Mustang and Dodge Viper. Not all of the entires on the list were sports cars, however. The Jeep Wrangler and Hummer H2 also earned slots thanks to their sporty styles and, in the case of the H2, the controversy that followed. 

Hunting down the most iconic cars of all time may be difficult, but that doesn't mean you can't start searching for a used car that will be at the center of many new memories. At NJ State Auto, you can browse through a wide selection of Carfax-certified vehicles that may be just the automobile you need to create a whole new set of memories. 

Simple Maintenance Tasks Can Improve Car Function

Barrett-Jackson Hosts Multimillion-Dollar Auto Auction

The Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction is one of the most famous annual car-related events, and the outstanding success the gathering had in 2014 should only continue to raise its profile for years to come. While the auction is a hot spot for many used cars, the vehicles featured at the 2014 sale were among some of the coolest classic cars, celebrity rides and custom concepts on the market. 

This year's auction featured nearly 1,400 cars sold, and in total, those vehicles brought in more than $113 million. Additionally, world-record prices were set for sales of rare Corvette and Thunderbird models. Between the records broken and the sheer amount of interest in the auction, organizers are confident that this was the most successful to date, and they hope to build on that for the future. 

"We sold some great cars for charity, attendance exceeded 300,000 and the celebrity turnout was great," said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "Scottsdale 2014 witnessed an increase in the value of American cars as well as the general strengthening of the value of the cars we sold." 

Without a doubt, the biggest draw was a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 2-Door Coupe, which sold for a whopping $3.85 million. That was the most expensive lot featured during the six-day event, soundly beating a 1969 Corvette that sold for $2.86 million. Also among the most popular models was a 2008 Bugatti Veyron once owned by music mogul Simon Cowell. 

Drivers who would rather stick within their budgets can check out the selection of vehicles at New Jersey State Auto Auction. There they can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which are available at reasonable prices and still offer high quality. 

Who Had The Year’s Best Auto Ads?

Car commercials have become a part of popular culture, with many of the ads sticking with audiences long after they have aired. The One Club recently decided to honor some of these recent commercials with the Automobile Advertising of the Year Awards, which were given out at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Honda emerged as the big winner, taking home the prize for the best broadcast television commercial and best online video ad. Hyundai and Fiat won for the top interactive and print ad, respectively, while Toyota and BMW tied for the No. 1 spot in the experiential advertising category.

“Automotive advertising has been elevated to a true art form,” said Bob Shuman, chairman of the North American International Auto Show 2014. “Content now includes story lines, character development and many qualities that are found in the production of fine films and TV programs. The delivery of this content is becoming increasingly progressive, embracing social media and other alternative forms of communication. We are very excited to be associated with this award and congratulate the winners.”

However, one commercial viewers may be disappointed to see fall short of the top spot comes from the Dodge Durango. The vehicle’s most recent ads feature comedian Will Ferrell in his role as the ’70s-era anchorman Ron Burgundy. While those ads may have elicited a lot of laughs, they did not strike a chord with the judges and were passed up for accolades.

Commercials only tell part of the story. Drivers who want to get a closed look at the ins and outs of used cars can check out the selection at NJ State Auto Auction. There, they can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans to find the option that will be right for them.

Auto Auction To Sell Celebrity Cars

Each year, car lovers flock to Scottsdale, Ariz., for the annual Barrett-Jackson Auction. In January 2014, the 43rd running of this event will take place, providing fans and collectors alike with an opportunity to check out some of the coolest new and used vehicles in the world. 

In addition to the classic automobiles that are featured as a part of this auction, there are a number of cars that have connections to famous faces. Celebrities and auto legends alike regularly participate in this event, providing entertainment and iconic rides to the festivities. However, the cars put up for sale are without a doubt the highlight. 

"The trust that is given to Barrett-Jackson by our consignors is always humbling," said Steve Davis, president of the auction. "Our company has a long-standing tradition of working closely with our consignors. We cherish the relationships we have built with all of our consignors at the pinnacle of their careers and look forward to celebrating with them at this year's Scottsdale auction." 

Some of the biggest draws at this year's auction include a 2001 Mitsubishi Evo, which was used in the film "2 Fast 2 Furious," starring the late Paul Walker. Moviegoers who saw the award-winning film "Driving Miss Daisy" may also recognize the 1949 Hudson Commodore 8, which is going up for auction as well. Other vehicles to keep an eye on include a 2008 Bugatti Veyron owned by famed music producer Simon Cowell and a 1986 Ferrari driven by cultural icon Michael Jackson. 

The Barrett-Jackson Auction may be a bit outside of your price range, but you can find more affordable vehicles at NJ State Auto. This lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans. It also has its own financing department, which provides buyers with the information and resources they need to decide on auto loans and other financial options. 

‘Fast & Furious’ Vehicle Goes Up For Auction

Drivers who have deep pockets and an affinity for the "Fast & Furious" franchise may have their eyes set on one current sale. A German owner is selling a Nissan Skyline GT-R used in the series' fourth installment, made famous thanks to the driving of the film's stars – including Paul Walker. 

While this vehicle would have commanded a big price tag anyway, its value skyrocketed following Walker's untimely death. As one of the stars of the "Fast & Furious" franchise, Walker was a mainstay in the films and even drove this Skyline GT-R in the film. In the wake of his death, the asking price for the vehicle tripled to $1.4 million. Its previous price tag was about $413,000, according to Yahoo Autos. 

The Nissan Skyline GT-R took quite an unusual route to its current home. It was manufactured in Japan, and unlike other Nissan models, it was supposed to stay in its home country due to U.S. regulations on imports. Filmmakers managed to get this GT-R, along with seven other models, to the country because of a loophole in the law that allowed them to finish the manufacturing process on American soil. 

Although the other seven vehicles were destroyed in the filming of the movie, this Nissan vehicle remained. It was impounded in 2009 in response to the import laws, but it eventually found its way to the German owner currently selling it. 

Although celebrity cars may be a bit out of your price range, other suitable vehicles are available for purchase at spots like NJ Auto Auction. With hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, all in a variety of styles and equipped with a range of features, the lot is the perfect place to go when you're searching for a used car. 

NFL Running Back Sticks To His Used Car

It's common for people to upgrade their vehicles when they strike it rich, but one NFL player is committed to sticking with his reliable used car. Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris had been driving a 1991 Mazda 626 since his college days, and instead of purchasing a new ride when he signed his first professional contract, he decided to reaffirm his dedication to his beloved car. 

Nicknamed "Bentley," the Mazda 626 is being completely refurbished by a Washington, D.C.-area dealership. The overhaul has been ongoing since July 22, and the final product will be unveiled Oct. 15, but the vehicle is only receiving enough updates to make it road-ready once again. 

"I just had a crack on my dash, so fixing things like that," Morris told The Washington Post. "They'll make sure the engine is in tip-top condition, maybe if the transmission is not so good, rebuilding the transmission – just making sure that it can run 20 more years so I don't have to worry about it, like, 'Oh, I don't know if I want to put it on the road. It might break down, and I'll be stranded.' Just to get that worry out of the way." 

Mazda loaned Morris another automobile to use in the meantime, but the second-year pro has said that he can't wait to get his "baby back on the road," the news source reported. 

If you have a used car that needs to be fixed up, consider taking it to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. In the case your vehicle is beyond repair, you can search through the hundreds of CARFAX-certified options on the lot and potentially find your next ride. 

‘Breaking Bad’ Vehicles Head To Auction

The critically acclaimed television show "Breaking Bad" may have come to an end Sept. 29, but fans can still take home a piece of it. Several of the used cars from the series are up for sale, including a few models that played a role in some of the show's most memorable scenes. 

"For the last several years, 'Breaking Bad' has grabbed viewers' attention every Sunday, and now as it comes to a close, many fans will want to get their hands on a piece of the show's history," said Dayna Bateman, a director at Experian Automotive. 

In total, there are 10 cars going up on the auction block, with options ranging from poor to good quality. A 2003 Pontiac Aztek, which was driven by the main character, Walter White, for the first four seasons of the show, should draw a lot of attention. However, the vehicle was crashed on set and is not in driving condition, meaning that any buyer would have to do some extensive repairs, which explains its $1,000 starting bid. 

Other vehicles are in slightly better shape. A wood-sided Jeep Wagoneer driven by Skyler White as well as a 1977 Cadillac used by Walter White during the final season should each command a pretty penny at the auction, despite their age and mediocre condition. 

Bids for the vehicles will be accepted until 12 p.m. Oct. 7. 

You may not be able to purchased one of the used cars from "Breaking Bad," but you can certainly look for your next investment at places like NJ State Auto Auction. This auction lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, giving you plenty of options for selecting your next ride.