Clearly, John Cleese has a particular fondness for his vintage Bentley Eight…and he’s going to great lengths to find it a new owner.
Lunch with the purchaser is promised, along with a handwritten account of the car’s most notable passengers, such as Kevin Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis, his co-stars from the movie A Fish Called Wanda.
A signed photo of the classic moment when he ‘thrashes’ the red Austin 1300 in Fawlty Towers is also part of the offer.
Currently in storage, Cleese, 73, is auctioning his 1987 Bentley on the Original Memorabilia Company’s website, starting at approximately $4000.
In the auction description, he mentions, ‘After twenty-five years, it’s somewhat faded and requires some TLC to restore its natural charm, including addressing the battle scars from a clash with a gate post the last time I drove it, yet it remains a delightful car to drive and is the most stunning vehicle I’ve ever owned.’
This money will be beneficial for the comedian, who has been married four times.
His contentious 2009 divorce from his third wife, Alyce Faye Eichelberger, resulted in him being ordered to pay $18 million in finances and assets, along with $800,000 yearly until 2016.
This situation led him to initiate his ‘Alimony Tour’ to cover the expenses.
The divorce from his second wife, Barbara Trentham, cost him $4 million in 1988.
Details regarding his divorce from his first wife, Connie Booth, who co-starred and co-wrote Fawlty Towers with him, have never been disclosed publicly.
Earlier this year, he tied the knot for the fourth time with Jennifer Wade.
According to his online listing, Cleese states that the car has just over 73,500 miles and is in ‘excellent mechanical condition,’ having ‘just passed its MOT’.
The limited edition prints have Cleese’s signature on them.
by Lorelle Heath
