Robert Redford’s iconic Great Gatsby Rolls-Royce resurfaced after nearly a century
Published on Sep 18, 2025 at 5:00 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Sep 17, 2025 at 7:57 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
The iconic Great Gatsby Rolls-Royce, driven by the late Robert Redford, resurfaced after nearly half a century, which was a big deal for American car enthusiasts.
Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89, and his role in The Great Gatsby is arguably one of his very best.
Retford starred in the 1974 adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald book, and the Rolls-Royce he drove in the film has become as iconic as he has.
Like many movie cars, the Rolls moved on after filming had finished, and this is what happened to that automotive icon.
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Where did the Great Gatsby Rolls-Royce go?
The car was a mellow yellow 1928 Rolls-Royce Ascot Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton.
Originally, it was finished in a gorgeous hunter green paint job and with a Town Brougham body.
It was retrofitted with a more accurate body and paint scheme for the film.
Records show that the car was first sold to M.L. Logan in January 1929, before being sold to George Hill in November that year.
It eventually reached Ted Leonard, a Rhode Island collector.
It was he who had the car repainted into the iconic colors it wore in the Great Gatsby film.
Leonard was also the owner of the car when the car starred in the film.
The iconic Rolls-Royce is still around in 2025
Following filming, Leonard owned the car for the rest of his life until he passed away.
Sold at auction in 2009, it passed onto Texas collector John O’Quinn, and he too looked after it until he passed away.
The car has since undergone a concours restoration, and it passed into the hands of a private individual after O’Quinn passed away.
Clearly, the restoration it received was extensive.
When the Rolls-Royce was sold again at the Auburn Auction in September 2022, the iconic film star sold for $967,500.
Redford and the film’s creators probably didn’t give the car much thought after they had finished with it.
The identity of the buyer remains anonymous.
However, it is good to know that the car is still around and likely receiving the love and care that it deserves.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
