It’s back!
In a country like Canada, where plain white has topped the list of car colours since 2006, few sights are as striking as the iconic “psychedelic” paint job that coats John Lennon’s famed Rolls-Royce—now back on display at the Royal BC Museum.
Now on display in the museum’s main lobby until mid-January, the unmistakable 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine greets guests with its bold, kaleidoscopic paint job.
Visitors might recognize it as the car the Beatles famously rode in 1965 when they visited Buckingham Palace to receive medals from the Queen.
Back then, it was painted a sleek matte black.
That changed in 1967, when Lennon commissioned artist Steve Weaver to reimagine the car’s exterior. The result was a vibrant custom design, blending Romani-style motifs and psychedelic flourishes, just in time for the release of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
See also: John Lennon’s Rolls Royce will be undergoing maintenance at Camosun College this afternoon
The eye-catching paint was done using ordinary house latex paint, which, while perfect for the aesthetic of the era, has proved delicate over time. The Royal BC Museum has since undertaken careful conservation efforts to preserve it.
The vehicle’s legacy extends beyond the music world. It was donated to the museum by Canadian businessman Jim Pattison in 1987 following its appearance at Expo ‘86 in Vancouver.
Over the years, the Rolls has made appearances at special museum events and exhibits across North America, including the 2015 PNE in Vancouver and a show in Montreal.
Despite being more than half a century old and weighing a hefty 3,000 kilograms, the car remains in working condition.
Its return to the Royal BC Museum coincides with the lead-up to the museum’s new feature exhibition, Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change, opening May 30th.
The exhibit will explore music’s influence on social and political movements, featuring pieces from artists such as Neil Young, Elton John, Tegan & Sara, and Chuck D of Public Enemy.
Whether you’re a Beatles superfan, a car enthusiast, or just looking for a cool weekend outing, John Lennon’s legendary Rolls-Royce is once again waiting to wow visitors in downtown Victoria.
