A heavily customized 1973 Lincoln Continental Mk IV known as the “Bugazzi” is scheduled to cross the block at Mecum’s Glendale, Arizona auction on March 20, 2026. Built by Hollywood Coach Builders under the direction of George Barris, the car is one of an estimated 12 examples created in the 1970s, with reportedly only two remaining today. The Continental-based custom features dramatic exterior rework and an interior trimmed with real granite slabs, setting it apart even among high-end coachbuilt vehicles.
The Bugazzi name may sound fictional, but the car is very real. During the 1970s, Barris’ Hollywood Coach Builders took approximately a dozen then-new 1973 Lincoln coupes and stripped away most of their factory bodywork. In its place, the shop fabricated exaggerated sheet metal designed to transform the personal luxury coupe into something resembling a cartoonish European grand tourer. The result was a machine that blended American luxury proportions with theatrical styling cues meant to grab attention from every angle.
Up front, the standard Continental grille was reimagined into a sharply canted-forward centerpiece that dominates the nose. The oversized grille theme continues into extended front fenders, which house large round headlamps set deep into protruding pods. The front bumper was eliminated in favor of stylized chrome elements integrated into the bodywork, creating a more sculpted and ornamental appearance. The overall effect exaggerates the Lincoln’s already bold factory styling into something closer to rolling sculpture.
The rear received similar treatment. The traditional bumper was replaced by slim chrome strips tracing the trailing edges of the rear fenders, visually echoing the design approach used at the front. The rear window was completely reshaped and topped with padded vinyl trim, further separating the Bugazzi from its Lincoln origins. Custom teardrop-shaped taillights replaced the stock units, reinforcing the coachbuilt identity. The entire car is finished in Gold Pearl paint with Ice Pearl accents on select panels, adding another layer of 1970s-era drama to an already unconventional build.
While the exterior grabs immediate attention, the interior may be the car’s most unexpected feature. The cabin is trimmed in Peanut Butter leather upholstery paired with brocade-style inserts that reflect the period’s bold custom aesthetic. However, the most unusual detail lies in the use of real granite. Slabs of stone were installed atop the front and rear center consoles and integrated into the door armrests. The use of granite inside a passenger vehicle is highly uncommon and underscores the project’s emphasis on excess and spectacle.
Power comes from what appears to be the Lincoln’s original 460-cubic-inch V8 paired with an automatic transmission. According to the auction listing, the drivetrain has recently been gone through, though specific mechanical updates were not detailed. The 460 V8 was a staple of Lincoln’s full-size lineup in the early 1970s, known for delivering substantial torque to move large luxury coupes with authority. In this application, it remains the foundation beneath the extensive cosmetic transformation.
George Barris’ involvement adds another layer of historical relevance. Barris, widely recognized for his work on television and movie cars including the original Batmobile, built a reputation for turning production vehicles into pop culture icons. The Bugazzi project reflected that same show-business mindset. Rather than subtle refinement, the focus was visual impact and exclusivity. Each example required significant reworking, making the production run small and the survivors even rarer decades later.
The rarity is central to the upcoming sale. With an estimated 12 originally built and only two reportedly remaining, opportunities to purchase a Bugazzi are limited. Unlike mainstream collector models with established price histories, there are few comparable sales to establish a clear market value. Mecum has not published a pre-auction estimate, leaving bidders to determine what a surviving example of this unusual coachbuilt Lincoln is worth in today’s collector market.
Custom coachbuilt cars often occupy a distinct niche within the collector community. Some buyers prioritize originality and factory specifications, while others pursue one-off or low-production customs tied to notable builders. The Bugazzi falls squarely into the latter category. Its value proposition centers on scarcity, Barris’ legacy, and the sheer audacity of its design rather than factory performance metrics.
The car also represents a specific era in American automotive culture. The 1970s saw a wave of personal luxury coupes transformed into custom showpieces, often emphasizing bold materials, dramatic proportions, and unmistakable presence. The Bugazzi amplified that trend. From its forward-leaning grille to its granite-trimmed interior, every element was designed to ensure it would never be mistaken for a stock Continental.
As the March 20 auction date approaches, interest is likely to come from collectors seeking vehicles that stand apart from conventional European exotics or muscle car staples. While modern hypercars may dominate headlines, cars like the Bugazzi reflect a different kind of exclusivity. They are artifacts of a time when coachbuilders pushed boundaries without restraint and when visual drama carried as much weight as performance statistics.
The Lincoln-based Bugazzi will be offered during Mecum’s Glendale event, where bidders will have the opportunity to acquire one of the last known examples of this rare custom. With limited production numbers and documented ties to Hollywood Coach Builders, the car stands as a preserved piece of 1970s automotive extravagance. Final sale results will determine where this granite-trimmed Continental lands in today’s collector hierarchy once the hammer falls in Arizona.
About the Author
