The NEC Classic Motor Show Auction Offers a Chance to Own a Piece of History: Frank Sinatra’s Iconic Rolls-Royce.
Sinatra’s Rolls-Royce Corniche: A Gift from Legends. Given to him by none other than Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin, this iconic car boasts stunning red leather finishing and even includes custom ‘cocktail utensils’ at the door. The story of the Corniche begins with The Rat Pack, as they gifted it to Sinatra on his 70th birthday party at the White House, thrown by then-President Ronald Reagan. This magnificent car is a testament to the enduring friendship and larger-than-life personalities of these legends of entertainment.
Ride in Style: Frank Sinatra’s 1984 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible is Up for Grabs. This magnificent car, finished in black with a stunning red leather interior, comes equipped with a rear picnic table and custom ‘cocktail drinks’ for both doors – a true symbol of luxury. Notably, Sinatra was gifted two Corniche convertibles for his 70th birthday, and it’s not entirely clear whether Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr specially ordered this model or stumbled upon it at the dealership. Regardless, the car made its way to the US in November 1984, just in time for Sinatra’s milestone celebration in Palm Springs a few weeks later. This is your chance to own a piece of history and drive like a legend
Sinatra’s Rolls-Royce Corniche: An Iconic Gift That Stood the Test of Time. It’s fortunate that Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr didn’t notice that Sinatra’s record company had also gifted him a Corniche, as their gift was truly one of a kind. This magnificent car, treasured by the Chairman himself, was used by Sinatra for a remarkable five years until he gifted it to Ingemar Fredriksson in 1990. While the second Corniche was put to use by Sinatra’s wife, Barbara, it’s clear that the one given by Martin and Davis Jr was a gift fit for a king. This is a true testament to the deep bond and lasting friendship that these legends shared, and a reminder of Sinatra’s enduring legacy in the world of entertainment
The Bond That Lasted a Lifetime: Ingemar Fredriksson and Frank Sinatra. These two legends first met in the ’60s at a boxing match in Sweden, but it wasn’t until they reunited in New York that their friendship truly blossomed. Fredriksson even moved into an apartment owned by the Chairman himself and accompanied Sinatra to a memorable evening at the White House. From 1980 onwards, Fredriksson served as Sinatra’s trusted assistant in Palm Springs, and after a decade of loyal service, Sinatra gifted him with the iconic Rolls-Royce Corniche as a token of appreciation. It’s safe to say that this was no ordinary boss-employee relationship, but a deep bond forged through mutual admiration and respect. Fredriksson cherished the Corniche and drove it daily, even taking it with him when he retired to Spain in 2001. This car is not just a symbol of Sinatra’s success, but a testament to the lasting impact he had on those around him, especially his dear friend Ingemar Fredriksson.
Years later, the Corniche was accepted as partial payment by its current owners and carefully stored for about 15 years before being commissioned by branding experts in the UK.
Extensive work was carried out between 2015 and 2017, as seen through a series of invoices, to keep the car in impeccable condition while maintaining its historical integrity – from completely refinishing the wooden door covers to repainting (without completely respraying).
Numerous mechanical works were also done to ensure that the Rolls remains in perfect condition fit for the King of Swoon himself – and with a final bill of £47,000, one can expect nothing less.
Now, the Corniche is being offered for sale at a public auction by Silverstone Auctions for the first time, going to only its fourth owner – some 33 years after it was originally awarded to Sinatra.
