A historic 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, which served as Queen Elizabeth II’s royal limousine during her tours of New Zealand, is set to be auctioned. This regal vehicle, brought from England specifically for the Queen’s tours in 1963 and 1970, is expected to fetch between $175,000 and $200,000, according to Caolán McAleer, Head of Collectors’ Cars and Marketing at Webb’s.
The Phantom V is more than just a luxury car; it is a piece of royal history. Known for its spacious interior and powerful V8 engine, it was selected to accommodate the tight schedules and long journeys of the Queen’s tours. The car’s unique features, such as a lowered carriage to suit the height of the Duke of Edinburgh and wool seats to meet the Queen’s preference, make it particularly special.
“The Queen always used British vehicles for her tours, favoring Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Land Rover, and Jaguar,” McAleer explained. This particular Phantom V was specially customized for the Queen, featuring places for flags, untinted windows for visibility, and three layers of carpet for sound absorption and comfort. It even includes a fold-down drinks cabinet with goblets and decanters, epitomizing luxury.
Throughout its service, the car was meticulously maintained by Wally Prasad on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs. For 40 years, it was owned by the current vendor’s family and used as a wedding car in the 80s and 90s, allowing couples to feel like royalty on their special day. After being stored for 30 years, the car was made roadworthy again in 2021.
McAleer speculates that a New Zealand-based collector will likely purchase the vehicle, but notes that “all bets are off until someone raises a paddle.” The car’s royal connection is expected to drive its value higher than other Phantom V models of the same era, which typically sell for around $100,000.
The auction will take place on August 11, 2024, as part of a collectors’ cars, motorcycles, and automobilia event. This sale offers a rare opportunity to own a vehicle that not only transported the Queen but also embodies a significant piece of New Zealand’s royal tour history.
Elizabeth Puckett
[…] Rolls-Royce is set to debut the Spectre Semaphore, a one-of-a-kind bespoke commission, at The Quail, a motorsports gathering during Monterey Car Week. This unique edition of the all-electric Spectre highlights the innovative luxury trends being embraced by the marque’s clientele. […]