Latest news with #Historics
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Top WWII general's Rolls Royce that was modified so Churchill could smoke cigars sells for eye-watering price
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GENERAL Montgomery's wartime staff car that was modified at Winston Churchill's request so he could smoke his cigars has sold for more than £100,000. The 1936 Rolls Royce Phantom III Touring Limousine was requisitioned at the start of the war and assigned to Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Winston Churchill owned one of the very few Rolls-Royce Phantoms in existence Credit: Historics Auctioneers 5 Churchill had the car fitted with unique features Credit: Historics Auctioneers 5 The car is in an incredible British Racing green Credit: Historics Auctioneers As well as Churchill, it also transported King George VI and US General Dwight D Eisenhower in the lead up to D-Day as planning for Operation Overlord intensified. The wartime British prime minister insisted that a custom electric cigar lighter was fitted in the rear compartment for his personal use, which is still there today. The VIPs were driven in it to Southwick House near Portsmouth where the planning for D-Day took place. British Army supremo Monty's chauffeur-driven vehicle became known as the 'Green Car' due to its British Racing Green and black livery. Read More on UK News SHINDIG FOR VICTORY! Brits party like it's 1945 as UK marks VE Day 80 with proper knees-up After the war ended, it was reassigned to the Chief of Staff of the US Army Air Force, General Carl Spaatz. In the 1950s, during the Suez Crisis, the car was purchased by a rubber-planter in Malaya and shipped to Penang. The last owner bought the car, which is the only pre-war Rolls Royce powered by a V12 engine, at auction eight years ago. And has now sold it with auctioneers Historics, of Iver, Bucks, who described it as an 'extraordinary piece of history'. The car sold to a UK buyer for over £100,000. A Historics spokesperson said: "It is an extraordinary piece of history, with direct connections to some of the most iconic figures of the Second World War, including Field Marshal Montgomery and Winston Churchill. "Montgomery used the Phantom III extensively, travelling between his homes in Virginia Water, Surrey, and London, as well as during his time at Southwick House near Portsmouth in the crucial months leading up to the D-Day invasion of Europe. "This car was part of the tight security and secrecy surrounding those meetings. "A particularly fascinating detail is the custom electric cigar lighter fitted in the rear compartment for Churchill's personal use, still in place today." Mathew Priddy, Historics' Head of Auctions, said: "We were thrilled to bring this hugely historical motorcar to auction and delighted that it has found a new home here in the UK. "It's exceptional to offer for sale a car which has such unparalleled provenance connected with British royalty and military leaders, particularly at the time of the 80th anniversary of VE Day." A total of 710 Phantom IIIs were built before production ceased due to the war, with fewer than 300 examples thought to exist today. 5 The motor has been described as needing to be shown to the 'world' Credit: Historics Auctioneers
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Top WWII general's Rolls Royce that was modified so Churchill could smoke cigars sells for eye-watering price
GENERAL Montgomery's wartime staff car that was modified at Winston Churchill's request so he could smoke his cigars has sold for more than £100,000. The 1936 Rolls Royce Phantom III Touring Limousine was requisitioned at the start of the war and Advertisement 5 Winston Churchill owned one of the very few Rolls-Royce Phantoms in existence Credit: Historics Auctioneers 5 Churchill had the car fitted with unique features Credit: Historics Auctioneers 5 The car is in an incredible British Racing green Credit: Historics Auctioneers As well as The wartime British prime minister insisted that a custom electric cigar lighter was fitted in the rear compartment for his personal use, which is still there today. The VIPs were driven in it to Southwick House near Portsmouth where the British Army supremo Monty's chauffeur-driven vehicle became known as the 'Green Car' due to its British Racing Green and black livery. Advertisement Read More on UK News After In the 1950s, during the Suez Crisis, the car was purchased by a rubber-planter in Malaya and shipped to Penang. The last owner bought the car, which is the only pre-war Rolls Royce powered by a V12 engine, at auction eight years ago. And has now sold it with auctioneers Historics, of Iver, Bucks, who described it as an 'extraordinary piece of history'. Advertisement Most read in Motors Latest The car sold to a UK buyer for over £100,000. A Historics spokesperson said: "It is an extraordinary piece of history, with direct connections to some of the most iconic figures of the Second World War, including Field Marshal Montgomery and Winston Churchill. "Montgomery used the Phantom III extensively, travelling between his homes in Virginia Water, Surrey, and London, as well as during his time at Southwick House near Portsmouth in the crucial months leading up to the "This car was part of the tight security and secrecy surrounding those meetings. Advertisement "A particularly fascinating detail is the custom electric cigar lighter fitted in the rear compartment for Churchill's personal use, still in place today." Mathew Priddy, Historics' Head of Auctions, said: "We were thrilled to bring this hugely historical motorcar to auction and delighted that it has found a new home here in the UK. "It's exceptional to offer for sale a car which has such unparalleled provenance connected with British royalty and military leaders, particularly at the time of the A total of 710 Phantom IIIs were built before production ceased due to the war, with fewer than 300 examples thought to exist today. Advertisement 5 The motor has been described as needing to be shown to the 'world' Credit: Historics Auctioneers 5 The car includes a vintage drinking tray Credit: Historics Auctioneers
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
James Bond-Inspired Land Rover Defender Heads to Auction
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A Land Rover Defender 110 V8 Bond Edition, inspired by the high-octane action of No Time to Die, is set to cross the auction block. The special-edition SUV, one of just 10 sold in the U.K., will be available at Historics, offering collectors a chance to own a unique piece of automotive and cinematic history. Built to honor Land Rover's long-standing connection with the James Bond franchise, the Defender 110 V8 Bond Edition is equipped with a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 producing 518 horsepower. It rockets from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 149 mph, making it the most powerful Defender ever produced. While the Defender's rugged off-road prowess was showcased in No Time to Die, this model wasn't used on-screen but serves as a tribute to the film's intense chase sequences featuring airborne Defenders in pursuit of 007. The Bond Edition stands out with subtle yet stylish nods to the spy franchise. Inside, it features 'Defender 007' treadplates, an all-black interior, and a custom infotainment start-up screen honoring Land Rover's Bond legacy. Exterior details include exclusive 007 graphic puddle lights, adding an extra touch of intrigue. With only 384 miles on the odometer, this ultra-low-mileage Defender is expected to fetch up to £155,000 (approximately $196,000) at auction—significantly more than its original starting price of $114,600. Its rarity, combined with the allure of its James Bond connection, makes it a highly sought-after collector's item. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this Defender offers a rare opportunity to own a vehicle fit for both off-road adventures and the world of international espionage. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
