A former NBA champion’s spontaneous Rolls‑Royce splurge is now up for bids.
Key points
- Shaquille O’Neal impulsively purchased three Rolls‑Royce vehicles after a salesman challenged his ability to afford them.
- The 2004 Rolls‑Royce Phantom VII, the first BMW‑era model, boasts a 6.75‑liter V‑12, 453 hp, 531 lb‑ft of torque, and an array of ultra‑luxurious features.
- The specific Phantom listed on Bring a Trailer has 45,000 miles and is slated to auction until November 3.
According to Car and Driver, a 2004 Rolls‑Royce Phantom sedan that belonged to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is now listed on the Bring a Trailer auction platform.
The story behind the car, as recounted by O’Neal, began when he walked into a Rolls‑Royce showroom in casual sweats during his Lakers tenure and told a salesman, “I like to spend money, but I don’t like to waste money. I don’t want to spend $400,000 for a car.” After the salesman asked whether he could afford the models, O’Neal reportedly bought three Rolls‑Royces on the spot.
The Impulse Purchase
The vehicle up for sale is a 2004 Phantom VII, the first model year produced under BMW ownership. It measures longer than a Ford Excursion, is powered by a 6.75‑liter V‑12 derived from the BMW 750, delivering 453 hp and 531 lb‑ft of torque, with a six‑speed automatic transmission. Luxury appointments include coach doors with built‑in umbrellas, self‑righting center‑caps, a retractable Spirit of Ecstasy, walnut interior trim, buttery leather, lambswool carpeting, rear picnic tables and six‑zone climate control.
The car has logged 45,000 miles on its odometer, and O’Neal has said he barely drove any of his three Rolls‑Royces. The listing notes that the vehicle still has “plenty of luxurious life ahead” and will remain on the market until the auction closes on November 3.
What Makes the Phantom VII Unique
Bring a Trailer, a subsidiary of Hearst Autos, is handling the sale, and Car and Driver is directing readers to the auction page for further details.
Reader questions
How many Rolls‑Royce cars did Shaquille O’Neal buy in that incident?
According to the source, he bought three Rolls‑Royce vehicles on the spot.
What are the key specifications of the 2004 Rolls‑Royce Phantom?
The Phantom VII is powered by a 6.75‑liter V‑12 delivering 453 hp and 531 lb‑ft of torque, paired with a six‑speed automatic, and features coach doors, integrated umbrellas, and a host of luxury interior appointments.
When does the auction for Shaq’s Phantom end?
The Bring a Trailer auction is scheduled to close on November 3.
Source: caranddriver.com
