When the question arises, which one Shah's car, most people imagine an extravagant limousine, sparkling with gold and encrusted with precious stones. However, in reality, the vehicle fleet of the rulers of Iran (Persia) included not only exclusive show cars, but also completely serial top-class models, adapted to the needs of the protocol. Historically, the preferences of Shaheenshahs changed along with the eras: from the first cars of the early 20th century to the powerful American and European limousines of the mid-century.
In the mass consciousness, the “shah’s machine” most often means the famous Rolls-Royce Phantom V 1967, which was presented to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. This car became a symbol of luxury and power, but it was far from the only one in the collection. The Shah owned dozens of cars, including rare examples Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac and even Soviet ZILreceived as diplomatic gifts. It is important to understand that Tehran's government garages housed hundreds of pieces of equipment, each of which required special care.
Today, interest in what kind of car the Shah had is dictated not only by historical curiosity, but also by the desire of collectors to estimate the value of such rarities. Some copies were sold at auction after the 1979 revolution, while others are still in museums or private collections. Analysis of the technical characteristics and history of these cars allows us to understand the level of engineering and artistic design available to the then elite.
The legendary Rolls-Royce Phantom V: a symbol of the era
Of course, the main answer to the question of which machine is associated with the Shah is Rolls-Royce Phantom V with studio work body Mulliner Park Ward. This car was manufactured in 1967 and originally had a standard silver paint job, but was completely redesigned at the personal direction of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The body was coated with a special gold paint, and the interior was trimmed with champagne-colored leather and hand-woven pure silk carpets.
Technically it was V-shaped 8-cylinder engine volume of 6.23 liters, which provided a smooth ride comparable to hovering. However, for the Shah, standard power and comfort were not enough. The car was equipped with an enhanced air conditioning system, capable of cooling the interior even in the heat of the Persian desert, and bulletproof glass. In the rear there was a folding table for signing documents, and communication with the driver was carried out via an intercom.
⚠️ Attention: The gold body coating required special care. Conventional washing could damage the gold leaf layer, so special chemical compounds that do not contain abrasives and aggressive solvents were used for maintenance.
The uniqueness of this Rolls-Royce It also consisted of two separate air conditioning systems: one worked on the front part of the cabin, the other on the back, where the ruler was located. This made it possible to create an individual microclimate. After the Islamic Revolution, the car was confiscated and sat idle for a long time until it was put up for auction in the 2010s, where there was huge interest from collectors from all over the world.
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman: the choice of German engineering
Along with British classics, there were also German analogues in the Shah's garage. Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (W100) became one of the most popular cars among heads of state in the 1960s and 70s, and Iran was no exception. This vehicle was valued for its reliability, power and ability to install armor. Several copies were made for the Shah in an elongated body, where the distance between the axles made it possible to place the seats facing each other.
Hidden under the hood hydraulic drive almost all systems: from windows and seats to pedals and trunk. This made driving such a heavy car surprisingly easy for the driver. The 6.3-liter V8 engine developed a power of 250 horsepower, which was an excellent figure for a limousine weighing more than 3 tons. Interior decoration often included a bar with crystal glasses and telephone service.
- 🚘 Reservations: some versions Mercedes 600 Shah had a protection class that could withstand hits from automatic weapons.
- 💺 Layout: the salon could be transformed from a four-seater to a double with folding tables.
- 🔧 Service: the complex hydraulic system required the qualifications of top-level mechanics.
Interestingly, after the revolution, part of the park Mercedes remained in Iran and is still used for protocol events, although in a significantly updated form. These cars witnessed historical events, and their technical condition today is a source of pride for Iranian restorers.
Mercedes 600 hydraulic technical details
The W100's hydraulic system was powered by a separate high-pressure pump. The pressure in the system reached 150 atmospheres. When the car was idle for a long time, the pump had to be started manually or automatically at certain intervals so that the seals did not dry out and the system did not become airy.
American limousines Cadillac and Lincoln
During the period of close cooperation between Iran and the United States, American giants also appeared in the Shah’s vehicle fleet. Cadillac Fleetwood 75 and Lincoln Continental occupied a special place in the motorcades. These cars were chosen for their size, smooth ride and ability to install massive safety equipment. The American style differed from European laconicism: more chrome, brighter light, larger shapes.
One of the features of operating such machines in Tehran was the need to adapt the cooling system. Engines High volume V8 (often more than 7 liters) are prone to overheating in the local climate and traffic jams. Therefore, additional radiators and more powerful fans were installed on the Shah's cars. The bodies were often elongated, which required strengthening the frame to prevent breaking when driving over uneven surfaces.
| Model | Year of issue | Engine | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Fleetwood 75 | 1965 | V8 7.0 l | Reinforced pendant, gold trim |
| Lincoln Continental | 1970 | V8 7.5 l | Swing doors, telephone connection |
| Chrysler Imperial | 1968 | V8 6.8 l | Gift copy, rare set |
Find the original today Cadillac from the Pahlavi garage is extremely difficult. Most of them were dismantled for parts to support other vehicles or sold abroad to private collectors in the 80s and 90s. Those that survive often have altered ownership histories, making pre-purchase inspection a difficult process.
When purchasing a rare limousine of that era, be sure to check the body number on hidden places (frame, engine compartment partition), since documents for such cars were often lost or falsified during the period of revolutionary upheavals.
Soviet ZIL and diplomatic gifts
Few people know, but the Shah also had Soviet cars in his collection. ZIL-114 and ZIL-117 came to Iran as diplomatic gifts at a time when relations between Tehran and Moscow were relatively warm. For the Shah, accustomed to Western luxury, these cars were exotic, but they were highly valued for their cross-country ability and reliability in the winter conditions of mountain passes.
Technically ZIL had a huge margin of safety. The 7.0-liter V8 engine was easy to maintain and the interior heating system worked flawlessly, which was critical for trips to mountain residences. The salon was decorated with natural wood and cloth, which created an atmosphere of strict officialdom, different from pomp Rolls-Royce.
The presence of Soviet cars in the Shah's garage demonstrates the multi-vector nature of Iran's foreign policy at that time. After 1979, these cars were integrated into the government garage of the Islamic Republic and were used for meetings of delegations from the CIS countries. Some examples can still be found on the streets of Tehran during public holidays.
⚠️ Attention: Spare parts for ZIL-114 and ZIL-117 It is almost impossible to find in Iran. To maintain them in working condition, local craftsmen are forced to turn parts by hand or adapt components from trucks, which reduces the historical value of the car.
Specialized transport and motorcade
The Shah's car is not only a personal car, but also an entire escort motorcade. It included armored SUVs, communications vehicles, medical modules, and even special trucks for transporting helicopters or spare parts. The logistics of moving the ruler required dozens of pieces of equipment ready to work in any conditions.
Particular attention was paid to communication machines. These were converted vans at the base Mercedes or MAN, equipped with powerful radio stations and satellite equipment. They provided constant communication with the palace, military bases and intelligence services. Inside there were control panels, maps and operator workstations.
- 🚑 Medical module: a special car with equipment for resuscitation and surgery, next in the tail of the motorcade.
- 📡 Repeater: a machine with a retractable mast to strengthen the signal in remote areas.
- 🛡️ Checkpoint: light security jeeps bringing up the rear of the column and blocking traffic.
Modern technologies allowed the Shah to feel safe even in the most remote province. All vehicles in the motorcade had the same coloring and markings, which confused potential attackers and made it difficult to identify the main target. The organization of the movement of such a motorcade was worked out down to the second.
☑️ Signs of a government motorcade
The fate of the collection after the 1979 revolution
After the fall of the monarchy in 1979, the fate of the Shah's car fleet developed differently. Some of the cars, especially those with obvious symbols of the monarchy (coats of arms, gold paint), were destroyed or repainted. However, the most technically valuable specimens were preserved by the new government as national treasures or sold at auction to replenish the treasury.
Famous golden Rolls-Royce was in the museum for a long time, and then was put up for sale. Its auction history is full of drama: the auction was disrupted several times, the price changed, and buyers disappeared. As a result, some unique limousines ended up in private collections in the Gulf countries, where the Pahlavi heritage is treated with great respect.
Unique fact: One of the Shah's personal cars, Mercedes-Benz 600 with a number belonging to the Shahina, was found in an abandoned hangar in the suburbs of Tehran in 2010 and restored by enthusiasts, becoming a museum exhibit.
⚠️ Attention: If you try to import a car that previously belonged to the Shah's court into the EU or US, legal difficulties may arise. Careful provenance is required to avoid charges of possession of stolen cultural property.
Most of the cars in the Shah's garage were either destroyed during the revolution or are in private collections, and their restoration requires unique knowledge and access to rare spare parts.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much did the Shah's golden Rolls-Royce cost at auction?
The exact amount of the gold sale Rolls-Royce Phantom V has not been officially disclosed, but expert estimates range from 3 to 7 million US dollars, given the historical significance and unique decoration.
Did the Shah use armored vehicles?
Yes, the vast majority of cars for official trips of the Shah had body and glass armor, as well as a reinforced chassis to withstand the weight of the protection.
Where are the cars from the Pahlavi garage now?
Some of the cars are in Iranian museums (for example, in the Saad Abad complex), some were sold to private collectors in the UAE, Europe and the USA, and some were dismantled for parts in the 80s.
Did the Shah have Soviet cars?
Yes, they were in the collection ZIL-114 and ZIL-117, received as diplomatic gifts from the leadership of the USSR.
Is it possible to buy a replica of the Shah's car?
There are no official replicas, but some tuning studios offer stylization in the “Shah style” using gold paint and leather, but this will only be an imitation that has no historical value.