Beyond a singularly unique legacy of musical excellence that continues to touch fans to this day, Freddie Mercury left behind quite the classic car collection. The Queen frontman had a known penchant for the bizarre and wonderful: ranging from Lincoln town cars to the archetypally stately 420 SEL.
Still, even by those standards, the news that Mercury’s personal Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow will be auctioned on November 5 is mighty stuff indeed – primarily because of the car’s precise provenance, and what its sale is in aid of.
According to Sotheby’s, this 1974 Silver Shadow was purchased by Mercury in 1979 and remained his “personal chauffeur-driven transport” until his untimely passing in 1991. In subsequent years, Mercury’s sister Kashmira Cooke frequently drove the luxury car – formally acquiring it from the Freddie Mercury Estate in 2003.
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Remaining in Cooke’s possession until 2013 (when it was first offered at auction), this classical iteration of the Rolls-Royce four-door will once again be offered in public this November, albeit this time around in service of philanthropy. All profits from the sale will be donated to the Superhumans Centre: a charity that provides rehabilitation to those affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Nick Wiles, a specialist at RM Sotheby’s, says that the sale “represents a serious piece of history.” “The fact that the proceeds of the sale will benefit the amazing Superhumans of Ukraine charity is wonderful,” he continues.
This Silver Shadow is presented in its factory-correct “Silver Chalice” over blue specification and is powered by Rolls-Royce’s “thundering” 6,750cc V8 engine. For added collectability, the vehicle’s original cabin refinements all remain intact: including a period-accurate cassette player and car phone.
Initially estimated to hammer for anywhere between £20,000 – £30,000 (AU$35,517 – AU$53,273), this lot is offered as part of Sotheby’s non-thematic London sale – full details of which you can find here.
