Babe Ruth's 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible to Be Offered At Auction

30 October 2000

    YPISLANTI, Mich., Oct. 27 RM Auctions, Inc. confirmed
today it consigned the 1940 Lincoln Continental Convertible previously owned
and driven by legendary baseball player Babe Ruth, for its upcoming auction at
the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, January 19, 2001.  The Continental was
presented to Ruth by Yankees club president Joe McCarthy in 1940 and a small
plaque was affixed to the dashboard of the Lincoln, on which was inscribed:
"Presented to George Herman Ruth 'Babe Ruth' Home Run King, New York Yankees,
April 29, 1940."
    "This is one of those important moments when the history of two very
different fields cross," said Dan Warrener, a partner with RM Auctions.  "A
nicely restored Lincoln Continental might normally fetch between $45,000 and
$60,000 but because of the historical significance of this being Babe Ruth's
car, we expect it may sell for well over $100,000."  Ruth helped popularize
baseball with his personality and skill on the field, and he quickly became
one of baseball's biggest attractions.
    "Whether you're a Yankees fan or not, Babe Ruth was, and still is, a
household name," Warrener said.  "He's an American icon and RM is pleased to
offer it on the auction block."  When the car was purchased at an auction in
1990 by its current owner, baseball great Reggie Jackson was the under bidder.
    Born in 1895, Ruth started his baseball career in Boston in 1914 with the
Red Socks.  After several years of successful pitching with the Sox, Ruth was
traded to New York in 1920.  He remained with the club until 1934, all of the
time pleasing fans and setting records.