Drag star Verka Serduchka buys Freddie Mercury’s Rolls-Royce
Andrey Danilko, known as Verka Serduchka, paid £74,600 for Mercury’s Silver Shadow at auction and plans to donate it to a Queen museum.
Freddie Mercury’s 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow has been bought at auction by Ukrainian entertainer Andrey Danilko, better known for his drag persona Verka Serduchka. The sale took place at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham in January 2013, where the car attracted a winning bid of £74,600, far exceeding the auctioneer’s guide price.
Wealthy Drag Queen Buys Freddie Mercury’s Rolls-Royce
Auction Details and Background
Danilko, who performed as Verka Serduchka and finished second for Ukraine at the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest, outbid other collectors to secure the Rolls. The purchase price, equivalent to around $118,000 at the time, was six times the original estimate, reflecting the car’s association with the late Queen frontman rather than its intrinsic value as a Silver Shadow.
Mercury’s Silver Shadow is a late-model example, finished in silver with a blue interior. Although Mercury never held a driving licence, he was regularly chauffeured in the car from 1979 until his death in 1991. The Rolls-Royce remained with the Mercury estate and became a sought-after piece of memorabilia, in part because of its documented use during the singer’s career.
Memorabilia Included in the Sale
The car was offered at the Autosport International Show, one of the UK’s largest motorsport and collector car events. Alongside the Silver Shadow, two personal items belonging to Mercury were included in the lot: a box of Kleenex Mansize tissues and a bottle of perfume. Danilko reportedly plans to keep these items, while the car itself will be donated to a Queen museum expected to open later in 2013.
- 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, previously owned by Freddie Mercury
- Box of Kleenex Mansize tissues (personal item)
- Bottle of perfume (personal item)
Freddie Mercury never drove the Silver Shadow himself, as he did not hold a driving licence. He was chauffeured in the car for over a decade, making it a familiar sight among Queen fans and collectors. The vehicle’s provenance and its connection to Mercury have made it a significant collector’s item.
Queen Museum Plans and Danilko’s Intentions
Danilko said he bought the car not for personal use but to preserve it for Queen fans. The intention is to display the Rolls-Royce at a new Queen museum, which at the time was planned to open later in 2013. The exact location and further details of the museum had not been made public at the time of the sale. Danilko’s gesture highlights the enduring appeal of Queen memorabilia and the international fanbase that continues to celebrate Mercury’s legacy.
Verka Serduchka, Danilko’s drag persona, rose to international fame after placing second in the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Dancing Lasha Tumbai.” Danilko’s career as a performer and public figure in Ukraine and across Europe has provided him with the means to participate in high-profile auctions such as this one. His decision to purchase and donate the car reflects both his personal admiration for Mercury and his understanding of the cultural significance attached to the singer’s possessions.
Celebrity-Owned Rolls-Royces and Collector Interest
The Silver Shadow joins a small group of celebrity-owned Rolls-Royces that have drawn collectors’ interest in recent years. Vehicles linked to prominent musicians and entertainers often command significant premiums at auction, especially when accompanied by personal effects or a well-documented history. Mercury’s car is notable not only for its ownership but also for its role in his public and private life, serving as his main mode of transport for more than a decade.
For more on Rolls-Royce news and collector models, see coverage of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Elegance debut at Geneva and the planned replacement for the Phantom flagship in 2016. The sale of Mercury’s Rolls-Royce demonstrates the strong demand for vehicles with unique stories and connections to cultural icons.
Summary
Andrey Danilko’s acquisition of Freddie Mercury’s Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow stands out as a notable event in both the automotive and music memorabilia worlds. The significant sum paid at auction reflects the value placed on items associated with legendary figures like Mercury. Danilko’s plan to donate the car to a Queen museum ensures that fans will be able to appreciate a tangible piece of music history for years to come.
