Three Rolls-Royces once owned by late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld sold for €1.18 million at the Sotheby’s auction in Monaco, in December 2021. Following Mr Lagerfeld’s death in 2019 age 85, some of his most valuable possessions were sold via a series of auctions. The first auction included paintings, furniture, and many other items in addition to the luxury vehicles.
Lot 55
The 2017 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe was lot 55. It had silver paintwork, cream leather upholstery, and 10,649km on the clock. The Rolls-Royce monogram on the headrests added a further touch of class. As for the paperwork, Mr Lagerfeld’s name was on the logbook. The car’s auction estimate before its sale was €350,000 to €400,000. The estimate was right. It sold for €375,000.
Lot 56
The 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom was lot 56 and it was estimated at €300,000 to €350,000, before the sale. However, it exceeded exceptions so the hammer fell at €436,000. This saloon had lights integrated into its headlining to simulate a starry sky. They complemented the wooden picnic tables, piano black trim on the dashboard, and the dark leather seats. The exterior was black, too.
Lot 57
The 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan was lot 57. This sports-utility vehicle had all-wheel drive to maximise traction, lambswool floor mats, and a 6.75 litre V12 engine that produced 563bhp. It was finished with tungsten metallic paint. Prior to the auction, the vehicle’s estimated sale price was €300,000 to €350,000. This estimate was far exceeded too. The hammer finally fell at €369,450.
Why the cars exceeded their estimates
Sotheby’s Director of Public Relations, Peter Haynes, suggested why two of the three cars sold for more than expected. He confirmed that both had low mileage and high specifications. He then added that the used market is buoyant. This is partly because it is currently tricky for manufacturers to source the semiconductors required to build new cars. More people therefore buy used instead.
Mr Lagerfeld’s link to the vehicles likely increased the sale prices, too. ‘Karl Lagerfeld was a man with an international reputation built around his career at the pinnacle of the luxury goods, fashion, and design world,’ Mr Haynes stressed. ‘He was a unique character the likes of which we may not see again. Cars with which he has been associated are clearly very appealing’, he added.
Think you know the cars of 2021? Test your knowledge here.
