Freddie Mercury’s 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow to be auctioned off for Ukraine charity fundraiser

The 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was owned by Freddie Mercury until his death. Credit: RM Sotheby's

A 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow once owned by Queen frontman Freddie Mercury will be heading under the hammer at a charity auction next month.

The car was acquired by Mercury’s company, Goose Productions, in 1979.

The Silver Shadow – finished in Silver Chalice with a blue interior – was used by the singer as his private chauffeur-driven transport for much of Queen’s heyday.

The car comes complete with a history file that includes Mercury’s name on many workshop invoices.

Much of the paperwork, however, is recorded with the name of Mary Austin, Mercury’s former partner and later close friend, who helped keep the Rolls-Royce in perfect running order.

A letter on file from Queen’s long-term manager Jim Beach verifies that Mercury was the owner of the Rolls-Royce.

Nick Wiles, car specialist at RM Sotheby’s, says: “This car is simply fantastic. It’s hard to find any music fan who doesn’t love Freddie Mercury, and he remains as big a name today as he ever was.

“This car represents a serious piece of history and the fact that the proceeds of the sale will benefit the amazing Superhumans of Ukraine charity, is wonderful. We are delighted that the owner of the car has entrusted it to us to deliver the best possible outcome for the charity.”

1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow once owned by Freddie Mercury. Credit: RM Sotheby's

RM Sotheby’s states that the car has been kept in storage for ‘an extended period of time’ and would benefit from ‘mechanical inspection’ before use. It’s powered by a 6,750cc V8 engine, while its paint and interior remain just as they did when the Rolls-Royce left the factory.

Set to go under the hammer on November 5 as part of RM Sotheby’s London auction, all proceeds from the Silver Shadow’s sale will go to the Superhumans Centre, a charity created to help supply aid to Ukraine.


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