We all know Rolls-Royces are supposed to be decadent. But deadly? That's exactly what this rare 1925 Phantom I is, what with its elephant rifle and hand-cranked machine gun in tow. Now that's stopping power.
The "Tiger Car" hitting the block Saturday at Barrett-Jackson's Las Vegas auction is based on a 1925 Rolls-Royce Torpedo Sports Tourer and was commissioned by India's Umed Singh II.
For maharajas in the late 19th and early 20th century, dropping serious coin on customized cars wasn't common, it was expected. Coachbuilt bodywork, plush interiors, and flashy colors were the norm. High-powered weaponry typically wasn't on the options list, however. But when Singh, the maharaja of Kotah from 1889 to 1940 and an avid game hunter, needed a new vehicle, he ordered his Rolls with taller tires, searchlights front and rear, and gun racks.
Then he really went wild. The car, powered by an 8.0-liter six-cylinder engine, tows a .45-caliber hand-cranked machine gun. A double barrel pistol hangs from the side, and there's an elephant gun mounted on the rear bumper. Just in case.
However, hunting in red Roller must've been difficult, which is why the car originally was painted grey. The color change is one reasons the maharaja's ride isn't expected to fetch more than $1 million. Despite the vintage arsenal, hardcore collectors want their toys all original.
