Bob Barker, Still Right for 'Price'

A fan site mentions an incident that happened years ago with a car getting damaged in "Lucky $even" . . .

On "Lucky $even," they push the car on, and the model comes on the air smiling, and she looked at the camera smiling and ran the car right into the wall. . . . We didn't stop tape; I simply asked, "What do you bid on the car with the rumpled fender over there?"

So did the contestant win the car?

If they won, they got a car with a proper fender.

What's the strangest item you can remember having gone up for bids?

Well, I once said, "Why do we give away so many jukeboxes? How many people want a jukebox?" I was the only one in the room that didn't want to have one; the contestants love them. . . . We give away gazebos. I have a nice big lawn, but I don't particularly want a gazebo.

Suppose someone has a ticket to be in the studio audience. Any insider tips on how to make it onto Contestant's Row?

We have our contestant coordinator go out and interview everyone in the line. He isn't looking for any list of qualifications; he's looking primarily for someone with whom he thinks I can have fun. Beyond that, he wants someone who acts as if he or she would be able to play the game well.

Anyone who's watched the show knows about "Barker's Beauties." But has there ever been any thought to using guys as models? "Barker's Beaus," perhaps?

People in the audience will sometimes ask me that, and I tell them, "Are you out of your mind? Do you think I'm stupid enough to have some good-looking guy in a Speedo back here behind me when I want people looking at me?"

What's the secret to your longevity?

For any of us, staying alive begins with your genes . . . and if you're blessed with the right genes, you have a pretty good chance. As you get older, there's no substitute for exercise and nutrition. If you eat the right things and exercise, you keep your mind and body functioning.