Shaquille O’Neal’s 2004 Rolls‑Royce Phantom Pops Up on Bring a Trailer
A silver 2004 Phantom that Shaq bought in a three‑car impulse now lists for sale, complete with 45,000 miles and a story about a Lakers‑era showdown.
During his Lakers tenure, Shaquille O’Neal strutted into a Rolls‑Royce showroom in sweats, declaring, “I like to spend money, but I don’t like to waste money. I don’t want to spend $400,000 for a car.”
When a salesman finally asked, “You’re asking about all these cars—can you afford them?” Shaq’s answer was a three‑car purchase on the spot, a move that left the dealer with a triple‑Rolls commission.
One of those three vehicles has resurfaced on Bring a Trailer: a 2004 Rolls‑Royce Phantom VII in glossy silver, listed with 45,000 miles on the odometer.
The 2004 model year marked the debut of the Phantom VII, the first Rolls‑Royce produced under BMW’s ownership. At launch the sedan was longer than a Ford Excursion, a fact that contributed to its imposing curb presence.
Power comes from an enlarged version of the BMW 750’s V‑12, displacing 6.75 liters and delivering 453 horsepower and 531 lb‑ft of torque. Torque peaks at roughly 400 lb‑ft as low as 1,000 rpm, routed through a six‑speed automatic that makes the ride feel more like a Cunard cruise liner than a typical sedan.
Luxury touches include coach doors with integrated umbrellas, self‑righting Rolls‑Royce center‑caps on the wheels, and a retractable Spirit of Ecstasy on the massive hood. Inside, the cabin boasts walnut trim, buttery leather, deep‑pile lambswool carpets, rear picnic tables, and six‑zone climate control.
Shaq reportedly “barely drove” his trio of Rolls‑Royces, leaving this particular Phantom with relatively low mileage and “plenty of luxurious life ahead,” according to the seller’s description.
A former NBA titan, a triple‑Rolls purchase, and a silver phantom now up for auction—proof that even the biggest names can be out‑flexed by a car salesman.
