Burning Man rocket car on Sotheby’s charity auction docket

A 1973 Cadillac Sedan DeVille transformed into the Rocket Car is among the objects up for bidding in Sotheby’s online “Boundless Space: The Possibilities of Burning Man,” a charitable auction that closes October 8.

According to Sotheby’s, the auction features “the remarkable expressions of creativity that emerge from the annual Burning Man event and global culture.

“Dive into an eclectic collection of sculptures, paintings, collectibles, mutant vehicles, NFTs, and one-of-a-kind experiences,” the auction company suggests. “Produced in collaboration with Burning Man Project, funds raised by Boundless Space will support participating artists, help ensure the nonprofit’s long-term survival, and fund their Arts and Civic Engagement programs.”

The pre-auction estimated value of the Rocket Car is $30,000 to $50,000. 

Sotheby’s notes that cars allowed on Nevada’s Black Rock Desert during its annual gathering must be driven onto the playa. The Rocket Car was done in 2003 by David Best, called by Sotheby’s an “art car master” from Petaluma, California. The vehicle is 40 feet in length and has been photographed carrying as many as 16 passengers. 

Also on the docket, and with a pre-sale estimate of $2.2 million to $2.5 million, is a “Metal Mutant Masterpiece,” a custom vehicle built by Henry Chang.

Chang is known for his amazing and large automotive creations. Chang has designed his next project, which the winning bidder will fund and own for display at Burning Man 2023.   

Yet another “vehicle” in the auction is “89,” an 11-foot, 881-pound “contemporary tribute to ancient Mayan culture” by Alex Gray. Pre-sale estimated value is $50,000 to $70,000.