Rolls-Royce ordered by late Zimbabwean billionaire arrives weeks after his death
A custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantom ordered by late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has arrived in Harare, nearly four weeks after he and his wife died in a helicopter crash.
Chivayo and his wife died on September 30 when their helicopter crashed near Marondera, east of Harare. The couple were buried on October 8.
Zimbabwean publication Humanitarian Post reported that the luxury car arrived on Friday after completing international transit and final customs clearance.
The vehicle was reportedly built to Chivayo’s exact specifications, featuring customised interior finishes and bespoke bodywork. Comparable Rolls-Royce Phantom models are estimated to cost between $550,000 and more than $800,000, according to Business Insider Africa.
Chivayo, popularly known as Sir Wicknell, was renowned for his collection of luxury vehicles, lavish gifts and links with influential political figures in Zimbabwe.
His reported collection included Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Ghost models, a Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus sport utility vehicles, a Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 and a Range Rover Autobiography. He also frequently gifted cars and cash to musicians, religious leaders and politicians.
His death has drawn attention to reported outstanding payments linked to vehicle purchases. ZimLive reported on October 20 that three Harare luxury-car dealerships were owed a combined $5.1 million for vehicles supplied to him before his death.
According to the report, Faramatsi Motors was owed $2.4 million, Exquisite Cars $1.4 million and Enterprise Car Sales $1.3 million. However, Exquisite Cars owner Victor Vikela disputed the figure attributed to his company, saying outstanding balances had been written off.
