John Lennon’s famous “psychedelic” Rolls-Royce is back greeting guests at the Royal BC Museum and visitors have nearly a year to catch it in person.
The iconic, colourful car is part of the lead-up to the Royal BC Museum’s coming exhibition, Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change, opening May 30.
Part of the provincial museum's collection, the Phantom V touring limo is on display until mid-January 2026. The 1965 touring limousine was used by the Beatles in 1965 when they drove to Buckingham Palace to receive medals from the Queen. Originally painted Valentine Black, Lennon had the car repainted in 1967 by artist Steve Weaver, who incorporated elements of the psychedelic era and Romany designs. This customization was completed just before the release of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
Weaver used latex house paint for the design, which has proven vulnerable over time. The Royal BC Museum monitors the paint condition, taking conservation efforts to preserve it.
Jim Pattison donated the vehicle to the museum after its display at Expo '86 in Vancouver. The Rolls-Royce has remained in operational condition for more than 50 years, with its powerful engine supporting the brakes – a necessary feature given its substantial weight of 3,000 kilograms.
Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change features artifacts that highlight music’s role in social and political change, including items from Neil Young, Elton John, Tegan & Sara, and Chuck D of Public Enemy.
