Queen Elizabeth II’s bullet-riddled Rolls-Royce Phantom, which was damaged during Sudan’s civil war, is now the focus of an international effort to restore this priceless piece of history. The monarch used the open-top Rolls-Royce Phantom during her state visit to Sudan in 1965, marking a significant diplomatic moment between the two nations.
The vehicle was originally preserved at Khartoum’s Republican Palace, part of a historic presidential car collection. However, during the civil war in 2023, the compound where the Rolls-Royce was housed became a battleground, resulting in the car being damaged by gunfire. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament was either shot off or stolen for scrap metal.
Sudan’s Minister for Information, Khalid Ali Aleisir, has issued a public appeal to British car enthusiasts, inviting them to come and help repair this important piece of Sudanese history. The Phantom was part of a collection that included limousines used by Sudanese leaders, adding to its historical significance.
After loyalist forces regained control of Khartoum in January 2025, efforts to rebuild the city have begun. The restoration of the Rolls-Royce is seen as a symbolic gesture, representing Sudan’s connection to the wider world. Officials are hopeful that the UK’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, through the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, may provide assistance for the restoration project.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant damage to cultural landmarks, including the National Museum and Ethnographic Museum, with thousands of artifacts reportedly looted and sold on the black market. The restoration of the Queen’s Phantom serves as a reminder of the war that scarred both the capital city and a piece of royal history.
Sudanese officials are seeking support from British collectors and engineers to help revive the Queen’s Phantom, as they lack access to specialist parts or restoration expertise locally. The project not only aims to restore the car but also to preserve the memory and dignity associated with this unique piece of history.
