Reports of Sean's Buggy Buy Bogus, Says Owner
Graham Rye takes the Moon Buggy out for a spin
Stories that have appeared in various online news outlets reporting that Sir Sean Connery has “secretly” purchased the Diamonds Are Forever Moon Buggy for $54,000 (£30,000) are 100% false, says owner Graham Rye, editor of ‘OO7’ Magazine and one of the foremost experts on the James Bond phenomenon.
“No one was more surprised than me to read the recent report on various news sites that Sir Sean Connery had purchased the Diamonds Are Forever Moon Buggy,” says Rye. “It is of course complete and utter rubbish. Besides, I would certainly have expected a larger offer — even from a Scotsman!”
Rye adds, “Sir Sean has no interest whatsoever in James Bond these days. He moved on
rather successfully from 007 years ago.”
The Moon Buggy will be auctioned off as a part of Christie’s ‘Film and Entertainment’ sale on December 14th 2004.
This last of the available James Bond vehicles was conceptualized by Oscar-winning Production Designer Ken Adam, and engineered and built by famed movie custom-car designer Dean Jeffries in his California workshop. Unlike any other famous Bond vehicle the Moon Buggy is truly unique — there was only ever one built. In addition to its appearance in the 1971 film, it was used as the centerpiece of the worldwide advertising campaign for Diamonds Are Forever. Afterwards, the Moon Buggy was discarded and allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. The vehicle was eventually located by Rye, who organized the restoration to its original condition. The Moon Buggy was displayed as the impressive centerpiece in Planet Hollywood’s restaurant at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas from 1993 to 2003.
The Diamonds Are Forever Moon Buggy
“It was a great challenge organizing its renovation in the Nineties,” says Rye, “I’m pleased it’s been saved for posterity. It’s an important piece of cinema history from one of Sean Connery’s most popular James Bond films. I hope it will find its way into a public display where Bond fans can view it for years to come.”
The Christie’s Bond Moon Buggy is estimated at £25,000 – 35,000. For further details please contact: Sarah Hodgson (Entertainment Specialist) on +44 (0)20 7752 3281.
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