The Rolls-Royce From ‘Blow-Up’ Could Fetch Up to $310,000 at Auction
A Rolls-Royce that starred in one of the most memorable films of the Swinging Sixties could soon be yours.
A 1965 Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupe that was featured in Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1966 cult classic Blow-Up will go under the hammer at H&H in the U.K. this September.
“It’s a real thrill to offer this Rolls-Royce for auction, having such a central role in a cinematic masterpiece,” Angus Fender, junior motorcar specialist at H&H Classics, said in a statement.
Blow-Up received widespread critical acclaim upon release, earning two Oscar nominations and winning the coveted Palme d’Or at the 1967 Cannes Film Festival. The arty flick remains a time capsule of swinging London, when the Rolls-Royce cemented itself as a symbol of success. David Hemmings, who played successful London photographer Thomas, famously drove the open-top Rolls through the streets of the British capital in the era-defining film. With his white jeans, blue gingham shirt, fitted blazer, and Chelsea boots, he epitomized ‘60s mod style.
Hemmings getting out of the Rolls in Blow-Up.
Getty
The Rolls was also previously owned by one of the film’s co-producers, Pierre Rouve, adding to its already impressive pedigree. Cinematic ties aside, the four-wheeler is a rare find. Mulliner Park Ward built just 101 of the two-door drophead coupes for wealthy clients. Of that, only 49 right-hand-drive examples were bodied to Design No. 2045. Chassis SHS349C is one such beauty.
Disgraced DJ Jimmy Savile originally ordered the convertible, but it is unclear if he ever drove it. H&H says Rouve is thought to be the first “true custodian,” offering it up to Blow-Up production so that it could appear on the silver screen. Hemmings reputedly loved it so much that he slept in it to protect it—understandable.
The Spirit of Ecstasy shines bright at the front of the 1965 ride.
H&H
The two-door was restored by marque specialist P&A Wood before the current owner snapped it up in 2007. It has since been invited to the 2018 Goodwood Revival and 2024 Salon Prive Concours d’Elegance. That is not exactly surprising given the classic ride is in excellent condition, with navy-blue paint over teal leather and a V-8 engine under the hood.
“I’m sure it will attract a lot of interest from movie aficionados and classic car enthusiasts alike, all wanting to own a stylish Rolls-Royce that demands attention wherever it goes,” adds Fender.
The drop-top is expected to sell for between £190,000 and £230,000 ($256,200 and $310,000) at H&H’s upcoming Kelham Hall sale. The auction will take place on September 10 at Kelham Hall in Newark, Nottinghamshire. For more information, visit the H&H website.
Click here to see more photos of the Rolls-Royce.
H&H
