One of the predicaments car enthusiasts find themselves in occasionally is happening upon a seriously cool car you have no immediate need for. You think, “Surely, the universe is putting this vehicle in my sights for a good reason – I’l figure out its intended purpose later.” Or maybe that’s just me. Anyhow, this 1998 Rolls-Royce Park Ward limousine is an interesting find in the United States, as it was previously used by the Kuwaiti Government for the annual Gulf Cooperation Council. It has just 17,658 kilometers, or 10,972 miles, and is listed here on eBay for $87,500 or best offer.
The problem with a limo like this is that it’s not so large you can’t not justify it, but at the same time, what exactly do you do with it? For the price tag, this seems destined to be a museum car, but then again, I don’t travel in circles where it’s potentially realistic to use a limo every day. The fascinating thing about a build like this is there’s actually detailed information about how many Park Ward limos were produced by the factory, with a grand total of 50 produced for specific customers. 8 did indeed go to Kuwait for the GCC summit, and the rest were distributed across various European and Asian countries, with 7 sent to the U.S.
This is a standard Rolls-Royce Silver Spur with the wheelbase extended by 24 inches. Other modifications include a raised roof line, re-worked passenger doors, an “occasional” seat, a cocktail cabinet, rear HVAC and A/V equipment, and other features. This particular car also had numerous upgrades made to give it fully armoured protection. These enhancements include Kevlar armored body and doors, 2-inch thick bullet resistant laminated glass, independent interior oxygen system, two fire suppression systems, and reinforced floor pans/undercarriage.
According to the seller, this Rolls-Royce went into storage after being used by various heads of state at the summit. As such, it has seen minimal use, but there are still some flaws here and there. The carpets have some stains, and the driver’s seat has a fair amount of cushion wear and tear. The limo is powered by a 6.75L V8 that’s good for 300 horsepower and a top speed of 125 miles per hour. The armoured protection will certainly add some weight to the package, so I wouldn’t expect a particularly quick driving experience – but it will still be fast enough to get you to work on time, safely.
If there was ever a car that needed fake bullet hole stickers, this is it.
And a Shriner’s license plate on the front bumper.
I’d add a couple of small flags from whatever country I’d like on the front fenders.
Hey, it’s the price of a new Escalade but much classier, more exclusive and it’s not an SUV, If I
had 85 large and just needed to impress my neighbors, this would do it!
Actually, it’s the price of a new Suburban.
Escaldes are 30+ k more than this car
May be a good car to have if things keep going the way they have been in this country! Lol. Can you imagine living in an old armored Rolls?
Throw a futon mattress in the rear passenger area, pack up some digging tools and a cooler, and head out for BLM lands!
Rent it out for weddings! Or luxury Lyft!
Something something never buy a used premium luxury car… I digress, but as Rolls Royces go this is unique and I like it but the upkeep and parts costs are something to keep in mind.
I hope the AC works given the fixed armoured windows.
This would be the car that spawned the joke “HOW many gallons to the mile??”
Keep your friends close, keep your enemies bulletproofed.
Perhaps Amazon can use it for deliveries in the South side of Chicago.
Worst car I ever owned was a Roller……. ! You get a light show at night on the dash with Lucas wiring, on, off, on, off. Not to mention every time you drive it something else needs replaced or repaired at great expense. But the back seat was soooooo fun !
Needs Grey Poupon
Love the privacy window too. When I was a young lad the parents needed to replace our car and I campaigned for them to buy the used Cadillac limo on the dealer’s lot: the privacy window would suppress the noise when my brother and I were “active” in the back. It didn’t work, and my brother survived the next few years with fewer bruises.
having been in the industry (MB executive), this car, with it’s rarity, is an interesting vehicle. add to it the modifications for use with heads of state, and very low miles, it’s (in my opinion) a decent value. while I think the ‘state limousine’ is more important, this body configuration is nice and I think whoever buys it will get a decent car at a good price.
The original price must have been eye-watering, but maybe they got a discount for ordering eight. Mercedes-Benz made similar limousines and sedans under their Guard program, but few were sold in the U.S. DBAG even had a rifle range in the plant. Anyway, if you need such mobile protection, this could be a bargain.
DBAG, huh?
In the mid eighties, my then crazy boss , bought himself a dark blue cadillac limousine that he drove himself ! The guy was loaded but looked like he worked part time for a funeral home !
He is now rotting in hell for his actions , but certain things remind me of this seriously crazy man and this was another one !
YOLO
I am the owner/seller, and actually have exclusive access to purchase the other 7 cars of the fleet… I would call this car one of one, but clearly it is one of eight!
This one would be a great addition to our taxi fleet, our customers already feel like royalty when arriving in the Town Car Executive L, with the 6″ extended wheelbase. I bet it’d be difficult to get some of them to exit the car if I had this Rolls.
I have just imported a second one of the eight, and it is listed for sale on Hemmings.