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A Car John Bonham Probably Drove Into a Ditch Is Headed to Auction
A 1972 Jensen Interceptor once owned by Led Zeppelin's John Bonham will be offered for sale this Saturday through Iconic Auctioneers in the United Kingdom. The reef blue car with red interior is expected to fetch between £40,000 and £50,000, with documentation confirming Bonham's ownership, though auction details remain sparse regarding their specific relationship.
The vehicle's sale has sparked interest as it may be the same Jensen Bonham drove into a ditch in September 1977 whilst driving home from a Worcestershire pub. Multiple rock biographies mention the incident, describing Bonham as speeding and heavily intoxicated when the car left the road, resulting in two broken ribs but allowing him to walk home. The current owner acquired the car in neglected condition and completed a comprehensive restoration between 2020 and 2023, spending over £83,000 on the project. The auction house declined to confirm whether this is definitively the same crash vehicle.
In short
- Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham's 1972 Jensen Interceptor goes to auction Saturday; estimated value £40,000–£50,000 ($53,000–$66,000)
- The car may be the same vehicle Bonham crashed into a ditch in 1977 while driving intoxicated; he broke two ribs but walked away
- The current owner restored the vehicle between 2020–2023 at a cost over £83,000 after acquiring it in deteriorated condition
Explained simply
John Bonham was the drummer for Led Zeppelin, one of the most influential rock bands of the 1970s. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock drummers ever, though the band disbanded following his death in 1980 and the music world has continued to celebrate his legacy.
One of the most famous anecdotes from Bonham's life involves a car accident in Worcestershire in September 1977. He was driving a Jensen Interceptor, a British luxury sports car, when he drove into a ditch whilst returning from a pub. Rock biographies describe the episode, noting he had been drinking heavily and was driving at speed; he suffered broken ribs but was able to walk away.
A Jensen Interceptor from 1972 now entering the market may be the same car from that accident. The vehicle's possible connection to this well-documented moment in Bonham's life has generated interest from collectors and rock music fans.