Willie Nelson's 1986 model tour bus leads Labor Day auction list

(July 27, 2012) AUBURN, Ind. — "Honeysuckle Rose", the famed tour bus of American country music icon Willie Nelson, is on the road again, this time crossing the auction block at Auctions America by RM's third annual Auburn Fall sale, Thursday, Aug. 30, to Sunday, Sept. 2, in Auburn.

A 12-year-member of Willie's entourage, the 1986 Eagle I Motor Coach leads an exciting roster of celebrity wheels slated for Auction America's Labor Day Weekend sale at the historic Auburn Auction Park.

"The self-titled highwayman, Willie Nelson used this bus as his home on the road while performing across the United States and Canada. It's a priceless piece of Americana and country music history," said Auctions America by RM's President Donnie Gould.

Purchased new and converted into an Entertainer Sleeper Model, Nelson used "Honeysuckle Rose" for his tours throughout North America during the famous Highwayman years until 1999. Measuring 40-feet-long and 8-feet-wide, it features a beautifully-painted mural by Florida Coach Inc.'s in-house artist "Rainmaker" and is equipped with sleeping bunks for six, twin lounge areas accommodating seating for 12, a modern bathroom with standup shower, and separate audio visual systems for each passenger.

Powered by a Detroit Diesel 6V-92TA turbo-charged engine and automatic transmission, the carefully restored tour bus can easily carry 330 cubic feet of luggage along with 130 gallons of fuel.

"We're thrilled to celebrate two of America's most celebrated pastimes during our Labor Day weekend festivities, great country music and collector cars," Gould adds.

"Honeysuckle Rose" will be joined at the Labor Day sale by a series of other vehicles with exciting celebrity provenance, including:

    • a 1981 Daimler DS 420 from the blockbuster 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale;
    • a regal 1960 Armstrong Siddeley , formerly part of the British Royal Family parade fleet;
    • a  black 1987 Dodge Van made famous by the 2003 hit film School of Rock starring Jack Black;
    • a wild 2007 Custom "Believe / Mindfreak" Chopper , personally designed by world-renowned magician Criss Angel and shot for an illusion on his popular MINDFREAK series; and,
    • a 1950 Ford Two Door Coupe , previously owned by famed drag racer Don Garlits.

One of the collector car hobby's longest running automotive traditions, Auctions America by RM's Auburn Fall sale will lift the gavel on more than 1,200 classics, hot rods, exotics, muscle cars. For full event details, visit www.auctionsamerica.com or call toll free 877-906-2437.