The Ugliest Rolls-Royce Ever?
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I was strolling across the Peter Hay Golf Course just above the Lodge at Pebble Beach, when suddenly the vision of this incredibly malformed automobile filled my view. It probably should be curtained off with warning signs so as not to startle people into sudden cardiac arrest or other life-threatening maladies. I was ever so relieved to learn that it was a one-of-a-kind bespoke creation, and it's likely to remain parked on the golf course for the remainder of the weekend, so no more unanticipated encounters are likely.
The Blackhawk auction brochure says this 1954 Silver Wraith Vignale was built on a long-wheelbase chassis custom-ordered by Joseph Maschuch of New York. It's unclear how many of the various styling cliches that were trowelled onto this monstrosity he personally ordered, but he reportedly insisted that the engine block, head, generator, starter, air cleaner, carburetor, and intake manifold be painted green and the rocker cover and underhood pipes be highly polished or chromed.
Could he possibly have wanted the rear axle tucked right up directly under the back seat? Well, maybe. Beneath the right rear seat is a toilet that dumps onto the ground. I didn't stick my head under there, but perhaps the right rear halfshaft includes some sort of impellors to chop up whatever's being flushed. (Note, there are no curtains installed now, so this convenience was probably only employed at speed.) Curiously, the brochure indicates the toilet was used mainly to keep champagne chilled. Mr. Maschuch was clearly an exceedingly eccentric customer. Other interesting features: electric front seats, a full bar, and a television. The expected price? $550,000! That'd buy at least 10 or 15 Camargues, which altogether wouldn't be as homely. Oh, well, somebody will love it...
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