Rolls-Royce Phantom news - 1930s Rolls to fetch £8.5m? - 2009

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If you've ever wondered what East Coast rappers drove in the 1930s, here's your answer.

This is the custom-built 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II 40/50 HP Continental, better known as the ‘Star of India', and it might shortly become the most expensive car in the world.

Originally created for the Maharaja of Rajkot, the Star of India has lived at the Hans-Günther Zach's Mulheim/Main Rolls-Royce museum for the past few decades, but now it's going up sale. For 10 million euro. That's about £8.5 million. Yowch.

It's a bling bit of kit, that's for sure. Check out the orange shagpile carpet, walnut dash, Lambo-orange paintwork and - count ’em - 14 headlights. Drop a set of 24-inch spinners on there and the effect is complete.

Such aftermarket modifications might not do much for the Star of India's likely selling price, however. If it reaches its expected 10 million euro tag (yes, we know we've written '10 million euro' a few times already, but hell, it's quite a number), it'll set a new world record as the priciest car in history.

Oh, and if anyone speaks German, here's a lengthy video detailing the history of the Star of India. At least, we think it's detailing the history of the Star of India. It might be an advert for washing powder. Our German is nicht sehr gut.