Eight Rolls-Royce vehicles with connections to British royalty have been added to the docket for Bonhams auction scheduled for September 8 at the Goodwood Revival, the auction house has announced. The Heritage Fleet collection includes vehicles used by the Queen and by Diana, Princess of Wales.
“The Heritage Fleet is a significant collection of coach-built motor cars that was manufactured at Crewe and includes some of the most significant motor cars produced by the factory, including last-of-the-line examples and bespoke landmark editions,” Bonhams said in its news release.
‘This is a remarkable collection of cars, and one that beautifully illustrates the history of one of the most celebrated and prestigious companies in the world,” added Malcolm Barber, Bonhams co-chairman.
“Rolls-Royce motor cars have been present at countless historic events in recent British history, and the Heritage Fleet encapsulates the most significant models produced by the marque.”
Topping the ticket is a 1950 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV State Landaulette with coachwork by Hooper & Co. One of only 18 built, it was provided to the Queen in celebration of Rolls-Royce’s Golden Jubilee and reportedly was used by the royal household for 40 years. Bonhams has set a pre-auction estimated value on the car of £1 million to £2 million ($1.3 million to $2.6 million).
A 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V “high roof” state limousine with body by Park Ward was used by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for state occasions and currently is on view on the Royal Yacht Britannia. It also carries a pre-sale estimate of more than $1 million.
Also on the docket are a 1985 Rolls-Royce “Centenary” Silver Spur, the 100,000th Rolls-Royce produced and used by Diana, Prince of Wales; the last 2002 Corniche convertible produced; a 2002 Silver Seraph “Park Ward;” the last 2002 Seraph sedan produced, and with only 128 miles on its odometer; a 1995 Corniche convertible IV by Mulliner Park Ward; a 1979 Phantom VI limousine.
The collection includes the RR1 and RRM1 license plates.
Your photo at the top shows the 1960 Rolls and mis-identifies it as the 1950 Rolls.
Fix the caption – and please show us the 1950 edition !