The 1960s was the era of pop music. The music industry witnessed the rise of some popular music bands and The Monkees was one of them. What started off as "a TV show about an imaginary band that aspired to be like 'The Beatles' but were never successful" became the reason behind one of the most successful bands of all time, selling well over 75 million records worldwide.
While The Monkees are renowned as one of the biggest selling groups of all time, they were also renowned for some unique concepts for their TV show and concerts. One such popular concept was the Monkeemobile.
While the Batmobile is popular among superhero fans, the Monkeemobile is an iconic concept among rock and pop lovers. While plenty of musicians and bands are renowned for their car collection, the "Monkee car" is in a league of its own. Designed and built by legendary car designer and fabricator, Dean Jeffries, the Monkeemobile is a modified Pontiac GTO.
What is the Monkeemobile all about? What was the idea behind this iconic vehicle? And eventually, what happened to the Monkeemobile?
Here's where the Monkeemobile is today.
Origin and Design
The origin story of the MonkeeMobile is one that begs to have its own Netflix Original Series. It involves hearsay, outside-of-the-box thinking, and record-breaking success. It all started in the year 1966 when Dean Jeffries, a master craftsman of cars, was approached to create a unique car for an upcoming new TV show called "The Monkees". Back in the day, when TV Sitcoms were at the pinnacle of newfound public outreach, the offer was too good to be rejected. Jeffries was tempted but also contractually obligated to Model Products Corporation (MPC). George Toteff was the CEO of MPC at the time, and Jeffries approached him with the offer he had received. George Toteff was thrilled and decided to go all in on the project. He informed his friend Jim Wanger about the offer he had received. Wagner, at that time, happened to be working for Pontiac Promotion and advertising. What happened next was a masterpiece of business, friendship, and forging of a legacy to be remembered for a long, long time.
Wagner took the project up as a wonderful opportunity for promoting Pontiac. They made a deal that would oversee Wagner Supply two base-389 (1966) GTO convertibles, which would be converted to Monkeemobiles. MPC, on the other hand, was given exclusive rights for marketing a model kit of the Monkeemobile. The best of the Pontiacs at that time, these cars offered automatic transmission and came with a four-barrel engine. It was designed with a split two-piece windshield which gave it a spectacularly angled front. The Monkeemobile was built to be loved by audiences and the idea of adding a tour-car styled, convertible top made it a sight to behold.
The iconic car was more than just an attractive piece of marketing, however. It was a Pontiac after all! Jeffries designed it to the best of his abilities. The Monkeemobile was powered by a 6-71 supercharged engine, and equipped with a solid rear axle (without springs). It was also provided with extra rear-end weight so that the car could pop "wheelies". It was given modified rear-quarter panels and front fenders, adding to the swagger, while also enhancing the aerodynamics. The exaggerated tail lamps fitted into the car were the definition of "stylish" back in the ’60s. The car came with a set of 4 bucket seats, but a modification allowed an extra third row. If this was not enough to sweep you off your feet, the car had an installed, rear-mounted parachute. You read that right, a car with a parachute!
The GTO emblem on the front grille went on to complete the design of the car. The makers managed to build a dream car that went on to wow generations of viewers for decades, at the cost of a few modifications and a swap deal. The MPC benefited immensely too as the car proved to be a massive audience puller. Calling it a success would still be an understatement considering they eventually sold over 7 million copies of the Monkeemobile.
Tribute Car and Legacy
On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of The Monkees, a replica of the touring car was built to the exact specifications of the original TV show version. Dean Jeffries himself directed the refurbishment of this car, which was one of the last projects he took up in his life. The replica car was precisely refurbished to the finest intricacies of detail. The Pontiac 1967 GTO 4-speed "donor car" sported everything from the GM paint code "R" to the non-functional gold-plated supercharger and even the exact same Cragar wheels as the original. This car is placed on display in Venice, Florida.
While the first car was the history-maker for several decades, the second car made its own legacy too! Used in several auto-shows and promotional events for several decades, the car appeared in the popular TV series "I Dream of Jeannie" and the second season of "The Monkees" before it was eventually converted into a Monkeemobile itself. Both these cars sold millions of kits, inspired millions of music and automobile lovers around the world, and created an unparalleled legacy.
Where Is The Monkeemobile Today?
After the TV show ended, both the original "Monkee" cars were offered back to Dean Jeffries for $2,000 each. He had the right of first refusal. However, Jeffries found it fitting to pass the offer, as he believed he could build himself newer ones for far cheaper.
The TV Monkeemobile (first one) was taken to Australia on the Monkees Tour in 1968, where it was left behind. It wasn’t heard of for several years until it mysteriously made its way to Puerto Rico, where it was employed as a hotel courtesy car. In the year 1992, the hotel ran out of business and had to auction out the MonkeeMobile. It was picked up by the government, for a relatively cheap $5,000. The car received some restoration work in the later years before it was re-hired as an example for The Monkees' 97 TV reunion show “Hey Hey It's The Monkees”. It also found the limelight in 2001 at the “Cars & Guitars of Rock'n'Roll” display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The vintage pop-culture car now finds a haven in the hands of a private collector in Northern New Jersey.
The second Monkeemobile was purchased by a custom car designer, George Barris. He lent it for many promotional events over the years. Barris gave the car a major restoration in 2006, before putting it up for auction in 2008. With the help of Barret Jackson, he was able to sell this Monkeemobile for a mammoth price. The vintage car is now with a private collector in Southeast Michigan.
The Monkeemobile aced the television industry, inspired millions of sales, and trotted across the globe. Almost 54 years after they first arrived, both versions of the iconic car sit in hands of private collectors, waiting for their next adventure.