To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$275,000 - $350,000
- Offered from the Calumet Collection
- "The Chariot of Dreams," a one-of-a-kind coachbuilt creation by
Hooper
- Documented with extensive build information and period press
articles
- Bespoke interior with fine barware and original Toshiba
electronics
- Accompanied by a report from Rolls-Royce historian Diane
Brandon
- Featured in a comprehensive article by Don Stott in The Flying
Lady, May/June 2018
- Among the final coachbuilt modern Rolls-Royces; a spectacular
machine
Hooper & Company, the revered British coachbuilders once favored by
the Royal Family, was revived by a team led by Canadian businessman
John Dick in the 1980s to build highly unique, one-off creations,
based upon modern Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, for a wealthy
clientele worldwide. Their most amazing creation was this car, the
Emperor State Landaulet, commissioned by the Silver Lady Trust, an
Australian charitable organization backed by 21 investors and led
by Stephen Berry.
Based upon a Silver Spirit, the Masons Black and Royal Claret car
had its chassis extended by nearly three feet, with new,
custom-crafted rear doors and window glass accommodating a raised
roofline with a removable center panel and folding landaulet top,
in the style of parade vehicles of old. For promotional purposes,
the doors could be locked in the open position, with polished "By
Appointment" tread plates. The fully custom velour interior,
accented by rich cedar-dyed burled walnut, provides seating for
four passengers in a "conversation pit," with entertainment and
communications equipment that were, for 1989, state of the art.
These included a Philips LCD color television in the armrest, a
Philips 984 radio and compact disc player, and a Toshiba computer
and printer, as well as sets of crystal flutes and tumblers; a
refrigerator was tucked into the trunk.
The Emperor was finally completed in 1991, and widely exhibited
throughout Europe before moving to Australia in late 1992, where it
appeared at the Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth motor shows in 1993.
Apparently, it was planned that "The Chariot of Dreams," as it was
dubbed, would be used to promote charities, with an accompanying
book, written by Berry, and a full European tour in the car for a
lucky contest winner. Plans for the event never panned out and the
car was subsequently acquired by Hooper in 1994, and was maintained
in their corporate collection until 2010. Following ownership in
Switzerland, it was bought by its third owners, the Calumet
Collection.
Still in excellent, largely original condition, with only 12,859
miles recorded and its original accessories and accoutrements
intact, this truly is the Chariot of Dreams - one of the most
fabulous modern Rolls-Royces ever produced.To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
