1966 Rolls-Royce Phantom V State Landaulet
A 1966 Rolls-Royce Phantom V State Landaulet, one of only five bodied in this configuration, originally ordered by Romanian communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu at a cost approaching £20,000 — the highest price paid for a Phantom V at the time. Returned to Rolls-Royce after barely a year following Politburo objections, it became the sole example of this body style delivered to a private owner. Accumulated over 161,000 miles across nearly three decades of active use, including conveying Queen Elizabeth II during official visits to Bermuda and Grand Cayman, and Princess Grace of Monaco in Pittsburgh.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$445,000
- 1966 → 1967Factory deliveryNicolae Ceaușescu (Romanian state)partial documentation
Ordered by the Romanian Communist leader as a state vehicle; reportedly criticized by Soviet leadership for excessive luxury, leading to its return to England after roughly one year without use.
- 1968 → 1992Private saleDr. Erle M. Heath and Bonnie Heathfull documentation
Pittsburgh couple who purchased the car from Rolls-Royce while visiting London; accumulated approximately 117,000 miles over nearly three decades of active use. A comprehensive ownership and maintenance file survives, along with home-movie footage from several state engagements.
- 1992 →Private saleTom and Catherine Driscollpartial documentation
Illinois couple who acquired the car from the Heath estate via an intermediary following Dr. Heath's death.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCalumet Collectionpartial documentation
Described as the fourth private ownership; continued occasional parade and ceremonial use during their stewardship, and entered the car in notable concours events.
Competition
- 20142014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Car was shown as an exhibit at the prestigious California concours.
- 20152015 La Jolla Concours d'ElegancePost-war Best of Show; HVA Preservation Award
Vehicle received two distinct honors at this California event.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Bodywork
Minor paint and cosmetic bodywork carried out to address minor contact damage sustained in Pittsburgh traffic. No structural or mechanical restoration was undertaken.
Described as the only remedial work performed; the car is otherwise considered unrestored and retains its original patina.
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