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We all know Rolls-Royces are supposed to be decadent. But deadly? That’s exactly what this rare 1925 Phantom I is, what with its elephant rifle and hand-cranked machine gun in tow. Now that’s stopping power.
The “Tiger Car” hitting the block Saturday at Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas auction is based on a 1925 Rolls-Royce Torpedo Sports Tourer and was commissioned by India’s Umed Singh II.
For maharajas in the late 19th and early 20th century, dropping serious coin on customized cars wasn’t common, it was expected. Coachbuilt bodywork, plush interiors, and flashy colors were the norm. High-powered weaponry typically wasn’t on the options list, however. But when Singh, the maharaja of Kotah from 1889 to 1940 and an avid game hunter, needed a new vehicle, he ordered his Rolls with taller tires, searchlights front and rear, and gun racks.
Then he really went wild. The car, powered by an 8.0-liter six-cylinder engine, tows a .45-caliber hand-cranked machine gun. A double barrel pistol hangs from the side, and there’s an elephant gun mounted on the rear bumper. Just in case.
However, hunting in red Roller must’ve been difficult, which is why the car originally was painted grey. The color change is one reasons the maharaja’s ride isn’t expected to fetch more than $1 million. Despite the vintage arsenal, hardcore collectors want their toys all original.
The “Tiger Car” hitting the block Saturday at Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas auction is based on a 1925 Rolls-Royce Torpedo Sports Tourer and was commissioned by India’s Umed Singh II.
For maharajas in the late 19th and early 20th century, dropping serious coin on customized cars wasn’t common, it was expected. Coachbuilt bodywork, plush interiors, and flashy colors were the norm. High-powered weaponry typically wasn’t on the options list, however. But when Singh, the maharaja of Kotah from 1889 to 1940 and an avid game hunter, needed a new vehicle, he ordered his Rolls with taller tires, searchlights front and rear, and gun racks.
Then he really went wild. The car, powered by an 8.0-liter six-cylinder engine, tows a .45-caliber hand-cranked machine gun. A double barrel pistol hangs from the side, and there’s an elephant gun mounted on the rear bumper. Just in case.
However, hunting in red Roller must’ve been difficult, which is why the car originally was painted grey. The color change is one reasons the maharaja’s ride isn’t expected to fetch more than $1 million. Despite the vintage arsenal, hardcore collectors want their toys all original.
Lot Number: 740
Auction:
LAS VEGAS 2013
Status: RESERVE NOT MET
Sale Type: RESERVE
Price: $450,000.00
Year: 1925
Make: ROLLS-ROYCE
Model: PHANTOM I
Style: MAHARAJA CAR
VIN: 23RC
Exterior Color: RED
Interior Color: BLACK
Cylinders: 6
Engine Size: 8 LITER
Transmission: 4-SPEED MANUAL
Description
Ex-Maharaja of Kotah "Tiger Car." Chassis No. 23 RC - Engine No. CT 15. Equipped for hunting Bengal tigers and other wild game, this especially opulent and intriguing 1925 Rolls-Royce Torpedo Sports Tourer was originally commissioned by India's Umed Singh II. Also known as Sahib Bahadur, Umed Singh II was the Maharaja of Kotah from 1889 until his death in 1940.
An avid big game hunter, the Maharaja enjoyed ample opportunity to engage his passion on the extensive grounds of his family's private estate. Monarchs, world leaders and titans of international industry frequently hunted alongside him as his guests. In early 1925, the Maharaja contacted Barker and Co., Ltd. of London, at the time, the preferred coachbuilder for Rolls-Royce chassis, to specifically outfit a Rolls-Royce New Phantom (aka Phantom I) for service as his estate's main hunting car.
The New Phantom chassis upon which the Maharaja's tiger hunting car was built, was delivered to Barker for completion on August 8, 1925. Includes copies of Rolls-Royce Build Sheets, full ownership history from new and all the factory tools. This Phantom I has won many awards at major concours and shows.
Auction:
LAS VEGAS 2013
Status: RESERVE NOT MET
Sale Type: RESERVE
Price: $450,000.00
Year: 1925
Make: ROLLS-ROYCE
Model: PHANTOM I
Style: MAHARAJA CAR
VIN: 23RC
Exterior Color: RED
Interior Color: BLACK
Cylinders: 6
Engine Size: 8 LITER
Transmission: 4-SPEED MANUAL
Description
Ex-Maharaja of Kotah "Tiger Car." Chassis No. 23 RC - Engine No. CT 15. Equipped for hunting Bengal tigers and other wild game, this especially opulent and intriguing 1925 Rolls-Royce Torpedo Sports Tourer was originally commissioned by India's Umed Singh II. Also known as Sahib Bahadur, Umed Singh II was the Maharaja of Kotah from 1889 until his death in 1940.
An avid big game hunter, the Maharaja enjoyed ample opportunity to engage his passion on the extensive grounds of his family's private estate. Monarchs, world leaders and titans of international industry frequently hunted alongside him as his guests. In early 1925, the Maharaja contacted Barker and Co., Ltd. of London, at the time, the preferred coachbuilder for Rolls-Royce chassis, to specifically outfit a Rolls-Royce New Phantom (aka Phantom I) for service as his estate's main hunting car.
The New Phantom chassis upon which the Maharaja's tiger hunting car was built, was delivered to Barker for completion on August 8, 1925. Includes copies of Rolls-Royce Build Sheets, full ownership history from new and all the factory tools. This Phantom I has won many awards at major concours and shows.
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