Ex-Kenny Baker Rolls-Royce heads to auction

A Rolls-Royce formerly owned by the late actor Kenny Baker is heading to auction. The car, which was once owned by the man perhaps best known for his role as R2-D2 in Star Wars, will go under the hammer at the Classic Car Auctions sale on Saturday, 24 September, at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.

Baker bought his 1982 Rolls-Royce Corniche FHC on 6 June, 2002, and used it as his daily driver for four years. At 3ft 8in tall, Baker was one of the smallest actors in showbiz – and the irony that he drove such a massive car was not lost on him.

When asked how he drove it, he would point to a huge pile of cushions and two foot-long blocks of wood fixed to the pedals.

The Corniche, one of the most expensive Rolls-Royces available at the time, featured a V8 engine, blue leather interior, walnut and chrome detailing, wooden steering wheel and lambswool over rugs.

Guy Lees-Milne, auction manager at CCA, said that Kenny wanted the best car in the world, which just happened to be one of the biggest. ‘Today the only indication of the “special adaptations” are some small holes drilled in the pedals - evidence of the car’s special story and unique provenance, which is sure to attract the interest of Rolls-Royce and Star Wars fans alike on auction day,’ said Lees-Milne.

Offered at auction with a sale estimate of £32,000 to £36,000, the car has had four previous owners, including Baker, and has covered 76,500 miles. Presented in good condition, although in need of a little bit of love, the Rolls comes with a comprehensive history file, original handbook, the V5 clearing showing Kenny Baker as a previous owner, and every tax disc since new.

To find out more about the Rolls-Royce for sale and the CCA September sale at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, please visit classiccarauctions.co.uk.