In a bid to revive the roaring legacy of the Maharajas, the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I, famously known as the “Tiger Car” of the ex-Maharaja of Kotah, strutted its opulent exterior at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas back in 2013. However, despite its majestic presence and a lineage dripping with regal tales, this magnificent beast of a car remained unsold, perhaps waiting for the right monarch to pounce.
Sporting a fiery red exterior and a sleek black interior fit for the most discerning of royal tushes, this vintage gem boasts a powerful 8-liter, 6-cylinder engine and a 4-speed manual transmission that would make any modern sports car blush.
Commissioned by the adventurous Umed Singh II, the Maharaja of Kotah, also known as Sahib Bahadur, Shri Maharaja Mahim Mahendra Maharao Raja Sir Umaid Singh II, this Rolls-Royce Torpedo Sports Tourer was no ordinary ride. Built for the noble purpose of hunting Bengal tigers and other wild game, it’s no wonder it earned the moniker “Tiger Car.”
With a penchant for big game hunting, the Maharaja spared no expense in outfitting his noble steed. He approached Barker and Co., Ltd. of London, Rolls-Royce’s preferred coachbuilder at the time, to craft this luxurious hunting machine. And craft they did, delivering the New Phantom chassis to Barker for completion on August 8, 1925.
This majestic relic of automotive history comes complete with Rolls-Royce Build Sheets, a full ownership history from its noble birth, and even the factory tools fit for a Maharaja’s garage. Not to mention, it’s racked up quite the collection of awards at major concours and shows, proving its pedigree even in the world of automotive aristocracy.
Despite never holding an official position within the imperial British Raj, Sir Umaid Singh II’s influence stretched far and wide. As an advisor to government officials and a provider of stately wisdom, his legacy transcended mere borders. His state troops even marched into battle during both the First and Second World Wars, proving that even in the realm of kings and queens, duty called.
So as this royal relic continues to grace the auction floors, one can’t help but wonder who will be the lucky soul to claim the throne of the “Tiger Car” and carry on the regal tradition of the Maharajas.
