A 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow convertible that once belonged to ‘the Greatest’ is up for grabs

by COLIN BERTAM

The worlds of luxury motoring and sporting legend combine with the news that a 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow convertible that once belonged to boxing legend Muhammad Ali will be auctioned by Bonhams.

Let’s forgo any puns on “float like a butterfly” — though it is a Rolls-Royce, and the word “float” is often used to describe the airy, smooth ride of the British marque — and instead look to its pedigree. The vintage automobile is estimated to fetch from US$47,000 to US$70,000 (RM287,000) (plus buyer’s premium) when it goes under the hammer, without reserve, on Oct 5 in Belgium.

The car is one of only 272 Silver Shadow lefthand-drive convertibles created by then in-house coach builder HJ Mulliner Park Ward in Willesden, London. At the time of its release, it was the company’s most expensive, top-of-the-range model, according to Bonhams.

Muhammad Ali purchased the Rolls-Royce new in New Jersey in December 1970 for around US$16,000 (about US$105,000 in today’s dollars), according to the auction house, the same year his boxing licence was reinstated after a three-year suspension due to draft refusal during the Vietnam War. The convertible was hand-built and features walnut veneers, Connelly leather, Wilton carpeting and other luxury appointments.

“This Silver Shadow was bought new by a sporting legend in the absolute top spec,” said Gregory Tuytens, motorcar specialist at Bonhams. “Several bespoke options ordered by Muhammad Ali are still fitted on the car today, such as the special headrests.”

It was Rolls-Royce’s greatest car for “the Greatest”, as Muhammad Ali referred to himself for his acumen in the ring. Born Cassius Clay, Ali took gold at the 1960 Olympics before becoming the heavyweight champion in 1964 when he defeated Sonny Liston. Following his suspension, Muhammad Ali would reclaim the heavyweight title two more times in the 1970s, first by defeating George Foreman and then Leon Spinks.

After compiling a career record of 56 wins, five losses and 37 knockouts, he retired in 1981 at age 39. He was named BBC Sportsman of the Century in 1999. In 1984, Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He died on June 3, 2016, at age 74.

A noted Rolls-Royce enthusiast who owned many in his lifetime, Muhammad Ali drove the convertible for six years. The vehicle has since travelled from the US to Europe, where the current owner, who resides in the Netherlands, has placed the car on the market once again. The owner has kept the car, which has never been completely restored, as original as possible. It features a 6.75-litre V8 automatic engine, weighs around 4,800lb and, at the time of its debut, was listed with a top speed of 118 mph (190 kph). The speedometer reading sits at 4,475 miles (7,201.8km), according to images supplied by Bonhams.

The buyer will receive accompanying documentation including copies of the car’s original specification sheet and warranty acknowledgement. Also included: A copy of Ali’s temporary driver’s licence under his birth name of Clay, plus a photograph of the boxer with his friend Diana Ross and the car outside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas before Ali’s 1973 fight with Joe Bugner.

Four-door versions of the Silver Shadow are currently available for US$10,000 to US$20,000, while the latest convertible from Rolls-Royce, the Dawn, will set you back about US$350,000 depending on finishes.

Muhammad Ali collectibles have been sought after both prior to and following his death. A pair of boxing gloves signed by Muhammad Ali and given to the late actor Robin Williams in 2006, when he was honoured with the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, will be auctioned on Oct 4 as part of the Sotheby’s sale from the comedian’s estate. The gloves are estimated to attract bids of US$1,000 to US$2,000. — Bloomberg