Rolls Royce Star of India - World's most Expensive Car

Yes, you heard it right. This saffron-aluminium beauty is all set to be the world's most expensive car when its bidding closes on 15th September.

The masterpiece was originally commissioned by Thakorsaheb Dharmendrasinhji, the Maharaja of Rajkot. This 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II 40/50 HP Continental is now for sale for £8,000,000.00.

The current owner, Hans-Gunther Zach is selling his entire collection of Rolls’ and Bentleys but the Star of India is indeed the star in that collection.The Maharaja had it painted saffron to depict the spirit of Hindutva, and it sure is breath-taking watching the polished aluminium shine in coalescence with that saffron paint.

The Star featured revolutionary new technology like adaptive curve lights following the movements of the steering wheel and an “all weather” Torpedo Convertible made by Thrupp & Maberly. The engine is a more powerful Continental 7.7 litre pushrod V8 and the Maharaja originally had 14 headlamps put on the car to combat the dark Indian nights, or just scare the living daylights out of his donkey riding countrymen.

If the sale goes through for the stipulated amount, the Star of India will be the most expensive car in motoring history. There are rumours of a Japanese gentleman paying $15,000,000.00 for a Ferrari GTO before the Japanese asset price bubble burst in early 1990 but it has never been proven, so this sale would surpass that of the 1957 Ferrari Testarossa recently sold at an auction for £7,200,000.00!

If in any case you have that kinda money, visit JamesList for bidding details =)