A unique 1973 Lincoln Continental Mk IV-based custom vehicle known as the Bugazzi, built by George Barris, is scheduled for auction at Mecum's Glendale, Arizona event. Believed to be one of only two remaining from an estimated 12 produced, the car features extravagant modifications including real granite trim. The auction is set for March 20, 2026.
In the 1970s, Hollywood Coach Builders, operated by renowned custom car designer George Barris—famous for creating the original Batmobile—transformed approximately a dozen 1973 Lincoln Continental Mk IV coupes into the distinctive Bugazzi models. These vehicles involved stripping most of the original bodywork and replacing it with custom sheet metal, resulting in an outrageous design that evokes a Hot Wheels aesthetic.
The exterior showcases a canted-forward grille that exaggerates the stock Continental's front end, paired with protruding fender extensions housing large round headlamps. At the rear, chrome slivers along the fender trailing edges mirror the front styling, while the rear window is reshaped and covered in padded vinyl, complemented by teardrop-shaped custom taillights. The body is finished in Gold Pearl paint, with Ice Pearl accents on select panels.
Inside, the cabin features Peanut Butter leather upholstery with brocade-style inserts, but the standout elements are the real slabs of granite incorporated into the tops of the front and rear consoles as well as the door armrests. The powertrain retains the original Lincoln 460 V8 engine and automatic transmission, which has recently undergone servicing.
This particular Bugazzi, one of the two known survivors from the original production run, will cross the auction block at Mecum Auctions in Glendale, Arizona, on March 20, 2026. No pre-auction estimate has been provided, reflecting the rarity of these customs. The vehicle's history ties into Barris's legacy in automotive entertainment, though details on its post-build ownership remain limited in available reports.
