RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, will sell an important series of 26 Rolls-Royce motor cars from the renowned private collection of German entrepreneur Hans-Günther Zach.
The collection will feature at its Sporting Classics of Monaco sale, May 1, 2010.
The centre piece of the collection - and a feature attraction for RM's forthcoming Monaco sale - is a luxurious, one-off 1934 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom II Continental Cabriolet, chassis number 188PY, referred to as the 'Star of India'.
 The 1934 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom II Continental Cabriolet |
Regarded as one of the most striking and celebrated Rolls-Royce motor cars of all time, the eye-catching 'Star of India' was custom-built and delivered to the Maharaja of Rajkot in 1934 for use in state ceremonies.
Bodied by Thrupp and Maberley and finished in saffron ochre with polished aluminium wings, the car boasts a range of unique features including an extra set of headlights designed to follow the path of steering.
The car was shipped to England in the late 1960s, eventually finding its way into the Zach collection in 2000.
Over the years, it has been a welcome attraction at many events and shown on numerous occasions, including before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as part of a great Rolls-Royce parade celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 1977, and later, her Golden Jubilee in 2002.
"Given the cultural value of the Star of India and its magnificent provenance, we expect the car to attract significant interest when it crosses the block in Monaco," said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.
"Its offering truly represents a once-in-a-lifetime ownership opportunity for discerning Rolls-Royce collectors to acquire one of the marque's finest."
