The car that was famously crashed by Jimmy Stewart in the Christmas classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is to feature in a New Year’s Day parade.
The black 1919 Dodge Brothers Touring Car will be driven 5.5 miles through the streets of Pasadena in California during the Rose Parade on January 1.
It’s owner, Keith Smith, of Johnstown, Colorado, who helped restore the car more than 20 years ago before buying the vehicle in 2010, will be at the wheel.
The black 1919 Dodge Brothers Touring Car will be driven 5.5 miles through the streets of Pasadena in California during the Rose Parade on January 1
Mr Smith’s wife Marilyn will also be a passenger.
‘The reason we bought that car is that we all have had a wonderful life because of what our veterans and their families have gone through,’ Mr Smith told the Reporter Herald.
‘Every dime raised by that car (through photo shoots and fundraisers) has gone to veterans who are struggling because of the things they did for us as a nation.’
He added: ‘We’re quite honored to have been invited – more like the car has been invited. The Rose Bowl parade, as far as we’re concerned, is a high, high honor.’
A Christmas favourite, It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most loved films in American cinema. Pictured: James Stewart and Donna Reed in It’s a Wonderful Life
This week, Rudy Castro, a representative for the parade, flew to Colorado to check the condition of the car which will be one of five at the parade.
The car will be collected by the Rose Parade next week and the Smiths will be flown to California on December 26.
The car was famously run into a tree by Jimmy Stewart’s character George Bailey in the 1946 film.
A Christmas favourite, It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most loved films in American cinema.
Nominated for five Academy Awards, Frank Capra’s film was ranked No.11 in the American Film Institute’s list of of the 100 best American films and named the most inspirational American film of all time.
Nominated for five Academy Awards, Frank Capra’s film was ranked No.11 in the American Film Institute’s list of of the 100 best American films and named the most inspirational American film of all time. Pictured: Donna Reed and James Stewart