The world's oldest surviving Rolls-Royce dates back to 1904, making it 103 years old, is going to be auctioned off by Bonhams. The car with serial number 20154 has had only three owners and was first shown at the Paris Salon in late 1904, before its UK debut at London's Olympia Show in early 1905. The car has been completely restored in the 1950's and has been a cherished possession by the current owner for the last 30 years.
Although Bonhams is an American institution, the car will be auctioned in its home country in December, but only after showing its bonnet at the Pebble Beach Car Week later next week (August 17th at the 10th annual Bonhams & Butterfields Auction of Important Collectors' Motorcars). Bids are expected to exceed the 2million US dollar mark.
Bonhams is pleased to announce the consignment of the oldest existing Rolls-Royce in the world, a 10-horsepower, two-seater built in 1904 the very year Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was founded.
Synonymous with luxury travel, Rolls-Royce is a brand name recognized the world over as the gold standard of automobiles. As the oldest surviving model of this fabled marque, this 103-year-old car serial number 20154 is, therefore, a true motoring icon and a priceless object of automotive history.
Number 20154 was first exhibited at the Paris Salon in late 1904 and then displayed at London's Olympia Show in early 1905. Having had just three owners in the last hundred years, the car was restored by the penultimate owner in the 1950s and has been carefully cherished by the present owner for the last thirty years. This is the first time this car has ever been offered on the open market in the last century and strong interest is anticipated from major collectors worldwide. Bids in excess of $2 million are expected.
Appropriately, the car will be offered for sale in its home country of England in December, but will be on display at Bonhams auction at Quail Lodge in Carmel this month.
The 10th annual Bonhams & Butterfields Auction of Important Collectors' Motorcars will take place at Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, California on Friday, August 17th during the world-renown Pebble Beach Car Week.
Buyers interested in previewing the Rolls-Royce and registering to bid for any of the historic cars being offered may call the Client Services Department at 415-861-7500. Illustrated catalogs may be viewed online and purchased at Bonhams, or by calling 800-223-2854.
