The End of an Era: Museum Closure and Auction Plans
Rodz and Bodz, a cherished Englewood, Colorado institution blending movie car history and prop rentals, is set to close its doors—with a massive auction marking its transition. The decision stems from property owner Kimco Development’s plans to redevelop the site into hotels and apartments, forcing the museum’s departure.
Founded by Zack Loffert as a prop rental in 2017 and expanded into a museum in 2021, the venue has become a hub for cinematic enthusiasts. Loffert views the auction as a critical step toward securing a permanent home, aiming to create an immersive movie experience free from leasing uncertainties. Scheduled for August 22-23, the event will feature 463 items, spanning screen-used vehicles, vintage memorabilia, and replicas, offering fans a rare chance to own pieces of Hollywood history.
Fast & Furious and Beyond: Action Franchise Icons
Among the most coveted items are vehicles from blockbuster action series, with Dominic Toretto’s Dodge Charger leading the pack. This screen-used car, featured in Fast & Furious 4 and the opening of Fast & Furious 5, embodies the franchise’s core themes of speed, loyalty, and family. Its rugged design and on-screen legacy make it a trophy for collectors.
The collection also includes a 1974 Ford Gran Torino from the 2004 Starsky & Hutch remake, a vibrant nod to the original 1970s series. Explicitly listed as screen-used, this “Striped Tomato” 延续了 the duo’s crime-fighting legacy, bridging classic TV and modern cinema. These vehicles highlight how action franchises turn cars into cultural symbols.
Screen-Used Gems: From Dramas to Dark Comedies
Beyond high-octane action, the auction features screen-used vehicles from diverse genres. Johnny Depp’s car from Public Enemy, tied to his role as John Dillinger, captures the grit of 1930s gangster lore, reflecting the film’s historical detail.
Jim Carrey’s limousine from Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events adds a darkly whimsical touch. Memorable for its scene with the Baudelaire orphans on train tracks, it showcases how vehicles elevate narrative tension in family-friendly yet quirky tales. Each piece carries the weight of its on-screen moments, making them more than just cars—they are storytellers.
TV Favorites: Vehicles from Beloved Series
Television fans will find much to admire, including Chief Hopper’s police Chevy Blazer from Stranger Things. This screen-used vehicle, a staple of Hawkins’ investigations into the Upside Down, mirrors Hopper’s rugged resilience and the show’s 1980s aesthetic. It stands as a tangible link to the series’ blend of supernatural mystery and small-town heart.
A 1974 Ford Gran Torino from the 2004 Starsky & Hutch remake further honors TV history. Its red-and-white design, a nod to the original series’ “Striped Tomato,” resonates with both nostalgic viewers and new fans, proving the enduring power of small-screen automotive icons.
Whimsy and Fantasy: Vehicles from Lighthearted Classics
For lovers of playful cinema, the auction includes the Rubble Racer from the 1994 Flintstones movie. This foot-powered, stone-and-wood prop brings Bedrock’s prehistoric charm to life, showcasing the creativity needed to translate cartoons into live-action. Its whimsical design captures the film’s joyful spirit, appealing to all ages.
Herbie the Love Bug, the iconic Volkswagen Beetle with racing stripes, also takes center stage. As Loffert noted: “Herbie the Love Bug, you can go buy Herbie this month and drive it to work on Monday.” Herbie’s sentient personality and underdog tales have made it a timeless favorite, embodying the magic of cinematic storytelling.
Replicas: Honoring Pop Culture Legacies
Meticulously crafted replicas round out the collection, paying tribute to beloved franchises. A recreation of the “Mutt Cutts” van from Dumb & Dumber, with its shaggy exterior, revives the film’s absurd humor. A replica of KITT from Knight Rider—the black Pontiac Trans Am with a red scanning light—evokes 1980s nostalgia, celebrating the show’s fusion of technology and adventure.
A replica of The A-Team van, used to promote the 2010 film, honors the crew’s resourceful spirit, while a Jurassic Park Ford Explorer replica (though not screen-used) transports fans to Isla Nublar. These pieces prove that even tributes can become cherished links to pop culture history.
A New Chapter for Cinematic History
As Rodz and Bodz prepares for its auction, the event signals not an end, but a transition. Loffert’s vision of a permanent, immersive museum promises to keep the legacy of movie cars alive, even as these 463 items find new homes. For collectors and enthusiasts, the auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own pieces of Hollywood’s storytelling magic—ensuring that the vehicles, and the stories they carry, continue to inspire for years to come.
