LAS VEGAS (August 2018) – On Wednesday, Aug.8, Cannabition, Las Vegas’ first and only immersive cannabis museum and the world’s only cannabis-themed experience of its kind, took delivery of its most historic and iconic artifact — the “Red Shark” — Gonzo Journalist Hunter S. Thompson’s beloved 1973 Chevrolet Caprice convertible. This marks the first time Thompson’s car will be on public display, courtesy of Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson. Keneh Ventures, Cannabition’s investment partners in New York and Aspen, Colorado, facilitated the deal to exhibit the Red Shark and provided the introduction to Anita Thompson at Owl Farm.
The Red Shark was memorialized in Thompson’s seminal book, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” In 1991, dear friends of Thompson presented him with the red 1973 Chevrolet Caprice—intended to be his own personal version of the Red Shark he referenced in the book. It was Thompson’s personal car that appeared in not only the 1998 film adaptation of the book, but also on the covers of two subsequent Thompson books, “Better Than Sex: Confessions of a Political Junkie” (1994) and “Hey Rube: Blood Sport, the Bush Doctrine.” When the car arrives in Las Vegas, it will be the first time it will have traveled from the Aspen Valley since Johnny Depp returned it following the film’s completion. Adventures in this car have been chronicled by Thompson in his memoir, “Kingdom of Fear,” and various ESPN articles and letters. Depp, Ralph Steadman, Walter Isaacson, Bill Murray and other good friends have also chronicled adventures in the Red Shark.
Anita Thompson says she chose to make “Hunter’s big and beautiful” car part of Cannabition, where it will be on public view, to coincide with the growing prevalence of legalized recreational cannabis.
“Now is the time to celebrate the decriminalization of cannabis and remember those who are still in jail. We are all on this journey together. Over the years, I have had many offers [for the car]. I know Cannabition is the right place for my husband’s car and this is the right time for his fans to see it,” says Thompson. “For me, the Red Shark has so many great memories—it was where Hunter proposed to me! He absolutely loved his car and I know it will be great in hands.”
When Cannabition opens later this month, the Red Shark will be on display and surrounded by never-before-seen photos and home videos of Thompson with his car.
ABOUT HUNTER S. THOMPSON
Born in 1937 in Louisville, Kentucky, and known as one of the most important writers of the 20th century, Hunter S. Thompson was a journalist, author and the founder of gonzo journalism, a type of writing free of objectivity in which the journalist becomes part of the story. His famed literary works include “Hell’s Angels” (1967) and “The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved” (1970). He is best known for “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1972). The latter was eventually adapted into two films. Thompson died at Owl Farm in Aspen, Colorado, in 2005.
ABOUT THE RED SHARK
In 1991, dear friends of Thompson presented him with the gift of a red 1973 Chevrolet Caprice—an homage to “The Red Shark” referenced in his most famous book. (The car referenced in the book was a rental car, not owned by Thompson.) This spectacular classic car, also dubbed “The Red Shark,” appeared not only in the film adaptation of the book, but also on the covers of two subsequent Thompson books, “Better Than Sex: Confessions of a Political Junkie” (1994) and “Hey Rube: Blood Sport, the Bush Doctrine.” When Thompson’s car arrives in Las Vegas next month, it will be the first time it will have left Owl Farm since 1999.
ABOUT KENEH VENTURES
Keneh Ventures is a private equity firm which has originated a series of funds to invest in a collection of strategic portfolio assets. Growth, Wealth, Vision. Cultivating our cannabusiness family and turning dreams into reality. Visit www.kenehventures.com or connect on Instagram or Facebook @kenehventures for more information.
ABOUT CANNABITION
Cannabition is Las Vegas’ first and only immersive cannabis museum and the world’s only cannabis-themed experience of its kind to date. Opening in late August, Cannabition will feature elaborate cannabis-inspired installations created by leading experiential exhibit and event designers. Visitors will interact with unique monumental art pieces, including a slide that empties into a pool of handmade foam “nugs,” enormous 7-foot buds and, at 24 feet tall, the world’s largest bong affectionately known as “Bongzilla.” Each of Cannabition’s entertaining, educational and photogenic exhibits will offer unprecedented opportunities to explore the historic, botanical, wellness and lifestyle aspects of cannabis.
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