Ruby dragster to be auctioned

This is no ordinary scale model dragster, though. The unique vehicle has been carved and formed from solid gold and precious gems.

Created by designer Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio, the 60 centimetre-long model features panels carved from solid ruby, with detailing including Obsidian tyres, a gold vermeil engine and a polished rock crystal wind screen. It's estimated the one-off dragster will bring US$150,000-200,000 at auction.

The significance of the Greer-Black-Prudhomme dragster as the choice for the tribute lies in the fact that it's pivotal in launching the career on Don Prudhomme. Better known as "The Snake," Prudhomme and his fellow racer, Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen, are better known for their Hot Wheels-sponsored funny cars, but both had careers in quarter mile competition before their more famous association and rivalry.

The original full-scale Greer-Black-Prudhomme machine was first raced in June 1962 at the Pomona Drag Strip in Southern California. Prudhomme won more than 90 percent of the races that he entered between 1962 and 1964, making him one of the most successful drivers in the history of quarter-mile drag racing. While not all were achieved in the front-engined dragster the gemstone tribute is modelled on, this car played a key role in that success - it led drag racing during a time when consistent quarter mile times topped out at less than 8 seconds, and at more than 190 miles per hour.

According to Claudia Florian, Co-Consulting Director of Natural History,
"This is one of the most comprehensive offerings of fine gemstone carvings to come to market in recent years and Bonhams is the market leader in this field. We look forward to presenting the Greer-Black-Prudhomme Dragster alongside lapidary works of art in all genres and collecting areas."

The Greer-Black-Prudhomme Dragster model joins many other lapidary highlights in the Bonhams Gems, Minerals & Lapidary Works of Art sale on May 21, although this is the only car-themed lot to be consigned for auction at this stage.

The Gems, Minerals & Lapidary Works of Art sale will take place in Los Angeles on May 21 - 22.

Image: courtesy of Bonhams, USA