These cars will power Universal’s new ‘Fast and Furious’ ride
The Fast and Furious vehicles will make up Universal Studios’ first-ever outdoor high-speed roller coaster, which opens this summer.
Fox – LA
- Hunter S. Thompson’s iconic 1973 Chevrolet Caprice convertible, known as the “Red Shark,” is up for auction.
- This car appeared in the 1998 film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, starring Johnny Depp.
- It is part of the Jim Irsay Collection being auctioned at Christie’s in New York.
Have you ever wanted to recreate the wild road trip to Las Vegas for yourself, like in the 1998 movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas?
Now might be your chance.
Hunter S. Thompson’s iconic red Chevrolet Caprice convertible, known as the “Red Shark,” is currently up for auction at Christie’s in New York as part of the Jim Irsay Collection. Irsay is the former owner of the Indianapolis Colts who passed away in May 2025. His collection includes more than 100 highly unusual pieces of American history and pop culture.
Here’s what you need to know about the Hunter S. Thompson convertible going up for auction.
What is the “Red Shark”? Why is this car famous?
“Red Shark” is the affectionate nickname given to journalist and author Thompson’s 1973 Chevrolet Caprice convertible. Thompson is the author of numerous books and articles, including “The Rum Diary,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” and “The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved.”
Boasting a red and white leather interior and a white soft top, the convertible was owned by Thompson from 1990 until his death in 2005. The car was nicknamed the “Red Shark” by Thompson while writing “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” for a 1971 issue of Rolling Stone.
In the 1998 film Fear and Loathing, the car was used throughout the film by Johnny Depp, who played Raul Duke, and Benicio del Toro, who played Dr. Gonzo.
The car was on display at the Cannabis Museum in Las Vegas from 2018 to 2019.
What is a Chevrolet Caprice?
The Chevrolet Caprice was produced from 1965 to 1996. The 1973 convertible model owned by Thompson and currently up for auction was the first model of the car to have a convertible option. This particular model also received a number of new details, including a facelift with a new bumper, grille and taillights, as well as engine and exhaust changes due to changes in emission standards.
The 1973 Chevrolet Caprice was primarily produced in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Who is Hunter S. Thompson?
Thompson, who died in 2005, was a journalist and author from Louisville, Kentucky.
His 1970 Scanlan’s Magazine article, “The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved,” would give birth to a new form of journalism known as gonzo journalism, a first-person reporting style in which the writer was the main character.
Prior to his involvement in Gonzo journalism, Thompson occasionally freelanced for his hometown newspaper, The Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, and also wrote for publications in the Caribbean and South America.
Why is Hunter S. Thompson’s car being auctioned?
Thompson’s car is part of the Jim Irsay Collection at Christie’s in New York.
Other iconic memorabilia up for auction include Muhammad Ali’s red boxing gloves and weigh-in robe, the saddle worn by the Triple Crown champion Secretariat, a copy of Jack Kerouac’s “Dharma Bums” annotated by Thompson, and the Louisville Slugger bat used by Jackie Robinson, the Courier-Journal previously reported.
Much of the proceeds from the auction will go to charities focused on mental health awareness.
How do I bid on an auction?
Online access to the Christie’s auction of the Jim Irsay collection is currently underway and ends on March 17th.
In addition, three separate live, in-person auctions will be held in New York City, with select categories of Isley collections being sold daily. The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame Auction will be held on March 12th, followed by Irsay’s pop culture icons being sold at auction on March 13th, and finally items in the Music Icons category will be sold on March 14th.
Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@usatodayco.com or X at @oliviamevans_. Contact lifestyle and entertainment reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.. Reporter Josh Wood contributed to this report.
