Classic Cars: 26 Rolls-Royce motor cars from the world-famous collection of Hans-Günther Zach, including the incredible “Star of India”, will be sold during RM Auctions’ Sporting Classics of Monaco sale on May 1. Expected to fetch several million dollars, the Star of India is a 1934 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom II Continental “All-Weather Convertible” custom built for the the Maharaja of Rajkot for use in state ceremonies. Bodied by Thrupp and Maberley and finished in saffron ochre with polished aluminum wings, the car boasts a range of unique features including an extra set of headlights designed to follow the path of steering.

The Star of India is the showpiece in Zach’s private museum in Germany dedicated to the famed Biritsh marque, which he has decided to liquidate. Also on offer is a 1926 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom I Open Tourer, built for the Maharaja of Nanpara and known as the “Aluminum Sculpture” because of its highly polished, natural aluminum body and chassis; a Phantom II Cabriolet “Hunting Car” built for the the Maharajah of Rewa specially made for tiger hunting with a built-in gun rack; and a 1920 40/50 Silver Ghost Coupé de Ville made for cognac king Jean Hennessy and later owned by winemaker and noted car collector Baron de Rothschild.