Steal of the Century: $13 Million 'Star of India' Rolls-Royce Sells for $850,000

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Dec 3rd 2010 at 7:02PM

Back in September 2009 we reported that the famed "Star of India", a one-off 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II 40/50 HP Continental "All-Weather Convertible" custom made for the Maharaja of Rajkot with coachwork by Thrupp and Maberley, had been listed for sale at $13 million, making it one of the world's most expensive automobiles. Now it has finally changed hands for a mere $850,000, making it the steal of the century. The buyer, Mandhatasinh Jadeja, is actually the grandson of the Maharaja who originally owned it. He told the Times of India he plans to return the car to its homeland and give it to his father as a 75th birthday present, after which it will be housed in a private museum. The incredible car is currently on display at Canada's Art Gallery of Ontario as part of the Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts exhibition.

Gallery: Star of India Rolls-Royce