A private collection of 26 Rolls-Royce motor cars from German entrepreneur Hans-Günther Zach has been consigned to the RM Auction Sporting Classics of Monaco sale, 1st May, 2010.
A passionate, lifelong motoring enthusiast, Zach’s ardor for the Rolls-Royce marque dates back to a childhood dream of one day owning a car by the famed English automobile manufacturer. A successful career as a machinery technician and in industrial real estate enabled him to realize his vision, and today, he is a well-known collector of vintage automobiles and furniture on display at his own museum in Mühlheim, Germany. Zach’s Rolls-Royce collection, the result of 16 years of judicious collecting, is widely considered as one of the world’s finest, featuring a number of truly historic examples.
“We are honoured to have been entrusted by Mr. Zach with the task of selling his renowned private collection at auction,” says Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. “Magnificently maintained and regularly exercised, each example is presented in excellent condition and represents the epitome of motoring luxury and engineering for its time. The Zach Collection is certainly an exciting addition to our inaugural Monaco sale.”
Mr. Zach adds, “RM was highly recommended to me as the specialists when it comes to selling private collections and achieving strong results at auction. I am delighted to partner with RM as they assist with the sale of my collection and look forward to sharing the joy my cars have brought me over the years with other enthusiasts.”
The centerpiece of the collection and a feature attraction for the forthcoming Monaco sale is a luxurious, one-off 1934 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom II Continental Cabriolet, chassis number 188PY, referred to as the ‘Star of India’. Regarded as one of the most striking and celebrated Rolls-Royce motor cars of all time, the eye-catching ‘Star of India’ was custom built and delivered to the Maharaja of Rajkot in 1934 for use in state ceremonies. Bodied by Thrupp and Maberley and finished in saffron ochre with polished aluminium wings, the car boasts a range of unique features including an extra set of headlights designed to follow the path of steering. The car was shipped to England in the late 1960s, eventually finding its way into the Zach collection in 2000. Over the years, it has been a welcome attraction at many events and shown on numerous occasions, including before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as part of a great Rolls-Royce parade celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 1977, and later, her Golden Jubilee in 2002.
“Given the cultural value of the Star of India and its magnificent provenance, we expect the car to attract significant interest when it crosses the block in Monaco,” continues Girardo. “Its offering truly represents a once-in-a-lifetime ownership opportunity for discerning Rolls-Royce collectors to acquire one of the marque’s finest.”
Other highlights from the private Zach Collection set for RM’s Monaco sale include: a stunning 1926 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom I Open Tourer, chassis number 6YC, first owned by the Maharaja of Nanpara and dubbed ‘The Aluminium Sculpture’ in reference to its highly polished, natural aluminium body and chassis, and the one-of-a-kind 1920 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Coupé de Ville, chassis number 24AE, clothed by French coachbuilder Mulbacher for its first owner Jean Hennessy, founder of the Cognac empire. Also on offer, a 1929 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom II Cabriolet, chassis number 86XJ, a specially equipped hunting car built for India’s Maharajah of Rewa and featuring a specially designed gun rack built into the chassis.
RM’s inaugural Sporting Classics of Monaco event will be held at the Grimaldi Forum, 1st May 2010, the same weekend as the 7th Grand Prix Historique de Monaco. The single-day event is set to present 80 motor cars to an assemblage of automotive enthusiasts and collectors from around the world.
For more information or to discuss consignment opportunities, contact RM’s London office on +44 20 7851 7070 or visit www.rmauctions.com.
[Source: RM Auctions]
