The National Motor Museum tells us…
Hong Kong and National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, 9 July 2026 – The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH), in partnership with Cathay Cargo and the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, marked the delivery and handover of a 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII to its new home at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, UK.
Donated by HSH and formerly part of The Peninsula Hotels’ fleet, the vehicle was transported from Hong Kong to London with the support of Cathay Cargo, reflecting a unique cross-continental collaboration in heritage preservation, aviation logistics and automotive excellence. The initiative coincides with the 160th anniversary of HSH and the 80th anniversary of Cathay, underscoring their shared legacy and commitment to excellence, and is documented in the short film “Moving a Legacy across Time,” which captures the journey from Hong Kong to Beaulieu and will be released at a later date.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is now on public display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience a piece of The Peninsula’s storied automotive legacy. It is part of a new gallery titled “Driven: Britain’s Motoring History,” which opened in June 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of HSH, said: “The Peninsula’s partnership with Rolls-Royce goes back over half a century to 1970, beginning with our historic first order of seven Silver Shadows. As we celebrate 160 years of HSH and 80 years of Cathay, and the new historic gallery at the National Motor Museum, we are reminded of the importance of craftsmanship and heritage. This was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Cathay Cargo. It brings me great joy to know this Rolls-Royce has found its perfect home here at Beaulieu, where its story can be shared for generations to come.”
Brian Tsoi, Regional General Manager, Europe, Cathay, who attended the handover ceremony on behalf of Cathay Cargo, added: “At Cathay Cargo, we have decades of experience handling high-value, sensitive shipments, and that expertise is essential in situations like this. It’s not simply about moving cargo from A to B, but about protecting something that represents craftsmanship, heritage, and history. This requires meticulous planning and specialised handling at every stage, from operation to loading to landing. What makes this even more meaningful is the shared effort between The Peninsula, Cathay Cargo, and the National Motor Museum, each playing a role in preserving this legacy. This is more than a shipment; it’s part of an ongoing story.”
Dr Jon Murden, Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sir Michael Kadoorie to Beaulieu and the National Motor Museum for the unveiling of the impressive Rolls-Royce Phantom, which his hotel group The Peninsula has donated to the Museum. The car will be placed on display in our new gallery, Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story, and reflects the most recent of Britain’s motoring heritage and prestige car manufacturing.”
The car’s arrival at Beaulieu also carries a further historical resonance through the Rolls-Royce mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy. The mascot was created by sculptor Charles Sykes, a friend of John, 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, and was modelled on Eleanor Velasco Thornton, Lord Montagu’s secretary and companion. The current Lord Montagu of Beaulieu was also in attendance at the ceremony, underscoring the enduring connection between Beaulieu, the Rolls-Royce marque and British motoring heritage.
The vehicle is a bespoke 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Extended Wheelbase, one of 14 Rolls-Royce motor cars purchased by The Peninsula Hong Kong in 2006. Finished in the brand’s distinctive Peninsula Green with a single coachline and the HSH crest on the front doors, it was specially configured for the hotel’s renowned airport transfer service, with an enlarged boot area and luggage protector, customised illuminated tread plates, repositioned air-conditioning controls, a cool box, a hand towel cooling compartment and a used towel bin in the rear door, as well as a hill hold function. The car served VIP guests over an 18-year period from 2006 to 2024, continuing The Peninsula’s long-standing association with Rolls-Royce, a connection made world-famous by the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun.