The latest charity auction from Auction Cause starting today is for the original “Screen-Used ’67 Pontiac Firebird from The Matrix Reloaded“. Proceeds from this auction will benefit DonorsChoose.org.
The prop car is listed on eBay Motors as a 10-day auction, ending June 21, 2009. The starting bid is $5,000. The real, working car includes a Letter of Authenticity from director Andy Wachowski, who donated the car for this cause.
The auction can be found below:
The car is described in the auction as follows:
1967 PONTIAC FIREBIRD USED IN FILMING THE MATRIX RELOADED
Bid for a chance to own this 1967 Pontiac Firebird seen in the 2003 blockbuster The Matrix Reloaded! The car was integral to one of the film’s epic fighting scenes. Niobe’s ride (Niobe is played by actress Jada Pinkett Smith) features a midnight black finish, monster sound from its Edelbrock high performance engine, and premium Cragar SS rims. This car was repainted from its original gold color with a few minor imperfections, but the overall condition is excellent! Elements of the car may be original and other parts may have been replaced, we as the seller do not have information as to what was replaced, though it appears that most elements are original. The winning bidder will receive the signed letter (seen in the photo and transcribed below) from director Andy Wachowski verifying the vehicle’s authenticity. One can also see the vehicle in the famous freeway chase scene as well as on disk 2 on the DVD.
The Matrix Reloaded is the second part of the exciting futuristic trilogy where Neo (Keanu Reeves), “the chosen one,” has been leading the efforts in the war against man and machine.
100% of the auction proceeds will go to DonorsChoose.org. DonorsChoose.org is a nonprofit website where public school teachers describe specific educational projects for their students, and donors can choose the projects they want to support. After completing a project, the donor hears back from the classroom they supported in the form of photographs and student thank-you letters.
Note: The vehicle can be picked up free of charge in Los Angeles, or it can be shipped at the winning bidder’s expense.
Letter of Authenticity reads:To all of the interested parties and fans,
I, Andrew Wachowski, one half part of directing duo, the Wachowski Brothers (actually it’s closer to .527 on account of the unborn twin in my neck I call, Mr. Howdy. He whispers to me at night sometimes and can also sing like an angel.) hereby certify that this ’67 firebird was featured in the film The Matrix Reloaded. Niobe’s muscle car was cast to contrast Morpheus, boxy “suicide door” Lincoln and its principle scenes took place in our ode to My Dinner with Andre, or as it was known to production, the “f***ing car chase.” It was filmed in Alameda California on an old naval base runway where a mile and a half long highway set-piece with overpass was constructed. Originally there were three stunt double cars along with several “shells” that were used in the filming of Reloaded, two of which were totaled.
At the end of every film shoot, the production usually has a sale or auction for the members of the crew of all the general props and merchandise that was purchased for use in the film. This was explained to me when our first film, Bound wrapped, by Joey Pantoliano who also advised me to always cast actors in your size “so’s you can keep all deir clothes from da movie.”
A wise man. Or guy.
After the completion of the Trilogy, I inquired about the Firebird and was told one remained, or as Hugh Bateup our Art Director put it, “this is the one that still runs.” It has been in temperature controlled storage facility in Los Angeles for the past few years, and has been kept in great condition. And my hope is someone will appreciate it for its cinematic history, not to mention its muscley, bad-ass-endess like I did.
(Signed Andrew P Wachowski)
Additional Vehicle Specifications:* Automatic Transmission
* BF Goodrich Precept Tires Front Tires P19570 R14 90S M+S
* BF Goodrich Radial T/A Rear Tires P25560 R15 102S M+S
* All Seats in Mint Condition
* Sony RM-X6S Dyna HI-FI Sound System
* Trunk-mounted Sony 6 CD X-T67 Rear CD Changer
* Sony 2-way XPLOD rear speakers
* Manual Doors & Windows
* Super Sleek, Easy Maneuver Steering Wheel
* Submerged Speedometer & Gas Gauge
* Turn Dial Automatic Windshield Wipers
* Rear view mirror exhibits minor cloudiness
* Comes with Original Owner’s Manual
* Comes with Fitted Car Cover & Lock KitThe Firebird was inspected and serviced by Olive Auto Center in Burbank, CA. For more information on getting your vehicle serviced by a dealer alternative who is ASE Certified, please call (818) 566-4204 or visit online at Oliveautocenter dot com.
About DonorsChoose.org (DonorsChoose.org):
DonorsChoose.org is a simple way to provide students in need with resources that our public schools often lack. At this not-for-profit web site, teachers submit project proposals for materials or experiences their students need to learn. These ideas become classroom reality when concerned individuals, whom we call Citizen Philanthropists, choose projects to fund.
Proposals range from “Magical Math Centers” ($200) to “Big Book Bonanza” ($320), to “Cooking Across the Curriculum” ($1,100). Any individual can search such proposals by areas of interest, learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the project(s) they find most compelling. In completing a project, donors receive student thank-you notes, classroom photos, and a teacher Impact Letter.
About Auction Cause (AuctionCause.com):
Auction Cause is the leader in cause marketing campaigns, branding, and fundraising on eBay. We’ve generated more than 1 billion media impressions and counting. By integrating our clients’ campaigns with social media outreach using Twitter, Facebook, blogs, viral videos and more, Auction Cause is able to tap an even wider audience. The results are brand loyalty, nonprofit enthusiasm, and celebrity buzz – all while raising serious money for great causes.
Auction Cause has a number of current and future auction events listed on their website, AuctionCause.com.
Jason DeBord