In the Ashanti Kingdom of Ghana, there is a deep history adorned with symbolism.
Ghanaians would most recently recall that at the 25th anniversary of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the king graced the occasion with a triumphant entry, riding in his gleaming Rolls-Royce Phantom, previously used by an Asantehene as far back as 1949.
This Rolls-Royce collection links the past to the present, connecting three successive Asantehenes: Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, and the incumbent Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
To further embellish this history, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II unveiled a rare Mercedes 600 vintage classic car.
This car, from the Manhyia Palace vintage car collection, is said to have been used by the Asantehene Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.
During an appearance at the Akwasidae Festival held over the weekend on September 15, 2024 in Kumasi, the Mercedes 600 was sighted again, parked outside and awaiting the king at a function as part of the festivities.
The vintage car was heavily guarded by security personnel, reflecting its importance to the royal family and its patron.
This latest addition to the longstanding car collection of the Ashanti Kingdom adds to the prestige and historical significance of the palace's vintage car collection.
Sources believe that these vintage cars from the palace were either sold or gifted to persons whom the manufacturer held in high esteem and deemed worthy of honor, including the British monarchy and some heads of state.
See the videos below:
Among the Manhyia Palace Vintage cars, I thought they were all Rolls Royce, didn't know the Mercedes 600 is among the collections, old but gold. It was previously used by Asantehene Otumfuo Opoku Ware II. Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made a historic appearance today at… pic.twitter.com/NUAhzVuyGK
— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) September 15, 2024
MA/AE