The Golden Sahara II, A Legendary Custom Car With Glowing Tires, Is Heading to Auction

• More than a simple vehicle, the Golden Sahara II is a time capsule of 1950s futuristic fantasy. This legendary custom car, a wild reinvention of a wrecked 1953 Lincoln Capri, pushed the boundaries of automotive design and technology. From its transparent roof and gleaming gold trim to its most famous feature—the glowing tires—this car captured the imagination of a generation. After spending nearly 50 years hidden away, its dramatic rediscovery and restoration have brought this visionary custom car back into the spotlight.

  The masterminds behind the masterpiece: Barris and Street

  The story of the Golden Sahara II begins with two visionaries: acclaimed custom car builder George Barris and his client, Jim “Street” Skonzakes. After Barris’s personal 1953 Lincoln was damaged, Street commissioned an ambitious new project, sparing no expense to create a truly outrageous show car. Starting with the original Golden Sahara, the vehicle was later dramatically re-engineered into the even more radical Golden Sahara II in the early 1960s.

  A car of tomorrow: The Golden Sahara II’s groundbreaking features

  The Golden Sahara II was a showcase of technology decades ahead of its time. For 1958, its list of features was nothing short of science fiction:
  
  Illuminated Tires: The most iconic feature was a set of custom-made Neothane synthetic rubber tires by Goodyear. Lit from within by internal bulbs, these translucent tires glowed, a dazzling spectacle that cemented the car’s legend.
  
  Remote Control: The car could be driven remotely using a television-style remote control. This allowed Street to perform tricks for crowds, giving the impression that the car was driving itself.
  
  Aircraft-Style Controls: Inside, the conventional steering wheel was replaced with an aircraft-inspired yoke, and a central lever controlled acceleration and braking.
  
  Early Obstacle Sensors: Short antennas on the front bumper were integrated with an early concept of an automatic braking system, designed to stop the car if it detected an obstacle.
  
  Luxury and Entertainment: The cabin was pure opulence, featuring gold and white upholstery, mink carpeting, a reel-to-reel tape recorder, and a dash-mounted television.