Mysore kings Rolls-Royce up for auction in UK

Two Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts,one of which was once owned by the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore,will be up for auction at the Bonhams next month.

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Two Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts,one of which was once owned by the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore,will be up for auction at the Bonhams here next month and is estimated to fetch 300,000-400,000 pounds.

The vehicle belongs to Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV,the 20th century ruler of Mysore,was one of the worlds wealthiest men,who died with a personal fortune estimated at USD 400 million.

The Silver Ghost,once used by Wadiyar as ceremonial car from 1911 will be auctioned at the Bonhams here on September 16 and is estimated to fetch 300,000-400,000 pounds.

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Of all the buyers of the model,the Indian princes were among the most numerous in their acquisitions of Silver Ghosts. They prized the quality of the Rolls-Royce and its ability to withstand the difficult road conditions in India.

This example was ordered for the Delhi Durbar celebration of the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in December 1911 at the event that included spectacular displays of Indian pageantry,and many cars were purchased to provide transport for the honoured guests and the rulers themselves.

This Silver Ghost was emblazoned with the coat of arms of the Maharaja of Mysore,to whom it passed after the Delhi Durbar.

The second Silver Ghost offered for auction by Bonhams has been attributed as a 1908 example,which makes it one of only a four surviving examples from that years production.

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This car was restored in the 1990s by an Irish enthusiast and wears magnificent open touring coachwork with three rows of seats,built by noted French coach builder Labourdette. It was used by the Works at Brooklands as a test vehicle in advance of the International Touring Car Trial and has a pre-sale estimate of 325,000-425,000 pounds.