The auto was listed by premier collector car auction company Kruse International on behalf of the seller, who wishes to remain anonymous.
The listing was very popular and showed high bidding activity, finally receiving 67 bids over the course of the 10-day sale. The buyer is an amateur car collector who lives in the Midwest.
He purchased the car as a surprise gift for his wife, who has long been an avid fan of the former first lady’s grace, style and accomplishments. They plan to keep the BMW in their private collection, sharing its history with family and friends.
The buyer has also purchased two other autos on eBay Motors, a 1912 Ford Model T and a 1937 Cord Beverly sedan.
A Piece of history
“Mrs. Onassis was one of those very special people whose wisdom and beauty changed history and the lives of so many,” said the buyer. “Owning something that was a direct part of such a famous personality brings us much closer to the reality that was Jackie.”
Along with the purchase of the car, the buyer received six photos of Onassis and the car, including one photograph of her receiving a parking ticket while in the BMW, as well as the original title, which is dated and signed by Onassis.
The BMW was purchased new in 1974 by the former first lady when she was married to Aristotle Onassis. A green sedan with tan leather interior and an odometer reading of 65,000 miles, it is purported to be Jackie Onassis’ favorite car.
She used it exclusively to commute between her Manhattan apartment and her country estate in New Jersey until she sold it to her neighbor in New Jersey.