Meet Mel and Michael: Inside the collection
This garage full of classic Hollywood vehicles has a Batmobile, Monkeemobile, Munster Koach and much more!
Aug. 2, 2020
Michael Knight and Mel Gutherie's stunning collection of classic Hollywood cars and memorabilia is so unique that it has been featured at various Comic-Cons throughout the country. Featured items in their garage of original and replica Hollywood cars range from the 1966 Batmobile to Scooby-Doo's Mystery Machine.
All told, Michael has built replicas of more than 130 classic Hollywood vehicles. Mel owns one of the two original screen-used Monkeemobiles from The Monkees TV show.
We brought along John Jendza, a car collector and auto historian who appraised Michael and Mel's collection.
1. Original Monkeemobile
Only two Monkeemobiles used in the filming of The Monkees exist. This is one of them.
2. Monkeemobile Interior
Mel had all four Monkees autograph this beautiful car.
3. Monkeemobile Engine
Mel paid about $360,000 to own this Monkeemobile. It's worth about half a million now.
4. Knight Rider KITT Replica
There's a good reason Michael is known as "Michael Knight" — he has his very own KITT!
5. KITT Hood
Yes, this KITT has that iconic red "eye." While this is a replica, there are some original pieces in the build, including a hood panel and door handled used in one of the original Knight Rider vehicles. There are only six screen-used KITTs in the world, according to our appraiser.
6. KITT Interior
Michael had the cast of the original NBC series autograph the dashboard in silver ink — including the other "Michael Knight," David Hasselhoff.
7. KITT Steering Wheel
Wouldn't you like to sit in the driver's seat? This car is worth about $15,000.
8. Batmobile
Mel's Batmobile is a replica, but worth about $150,000 nevertheless.
9. Batmobile Interior
The 1966 Batmobile from the Adam West series was based on a Lincoln concept car of the 1950s dubbed the Futura.
10. Batmobile Rear
Just taking this baby to get gas turns heads and leads to inevitable photo requests.
11. Munster Koach
Mel commissioned this gorgeous custom reproduction of the Munsters' family ride from the 1960s sitcom.
12. Munster Koach Headlights
Note the "candle" headlights. Mel paid about $70,00 for this custom job, which features a paint job by the legendary customizer Gene Winfield. It's worth about $100,000.
13. Munster Koach Door Lock
We love the little details, like this skull lock.
14. Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine
Jinkies! This replica of the cartoon gang's Mystery Machine is worth about $20,000.
15. Mystery Machine Interior
In true Seventies style, Shaggy's ride has shag carpeting inside.
16. Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Replica
The Ecto-1 seen in Ghostbusters was a customized 1959 Cadillac hearse. Michael's replica is built from a 1965 Caddy. It's worth about $20,000.
17. Ghostbusters Signatures
Michael had Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson autograph the dash. Now, if only he can get Bill Murray…
18. Blues Brothers Police Car
Speaking of Dan Aykroyd, the actor also signed this replica of Jack and Elwood's ride in the 1980 comedy The Blues Brothers. It is a 1974 Dodge Monaco — and that's a real working siren strapped to the roof!
19. Speed Racer Mach Five
Go, Speed Racer, go!
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