Art News

Rolls-Royce made for Indian celebrations of King George V’s coronation to sell at Bonhams

LONDON.- Bonhams will offer two finely restored Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts, both formerly in the famed collection of Richard Solove of Ohio, at their annual Collectors Motor Cars and Automobilia auction at the Goodwood Revival Meeting on 16th September 2011. The first is a magnificent Maharajah’s Ceremonial Car from 1911 and is estimated to fetch £300,000-400,000. 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 their country. This example was ordered for the Delhi Durbar celebration of the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in December 1911. The event 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