Classic Cars
8 min read

As Ovechkin Breaks Gretzky’s Record, the Rolls-Royce Gifted to ‘The Great One’ Hits the Market

Published on
April 8, 2025
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BLENHEIM, Ontario, April 8, 2025 — In an extraordinary moment of timing, RM Sotheby’s announces the upcoming sale of Wayne Gretzky’s1994 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV—gifted to The Great One after his historic 802nd career NHL goal—just days after Alex Ovechkin officially broke the long-standing goal-scoring record. The prized car will be offered through RM Sotheby’s Sealed platform, with bidding open now and closing on April 17.

On March 23, 1994, Gretzky scored his 802nd goal in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, surpassing the great Gordie Howe to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. A week later, the Los Angeles Kings honored Gretzky in a pregame ceremony by presenting him with a black 1994 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV bearing the license plate “GOAL 802.” A symbol of elegance and achievement, the Corniche was a fitting tribute to hockey’s greatest player.

Now, 31 years later, the record has finally fallen. Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal on Sunday against the New York Islanders, officially surpassing Gretzky’s mark—an event Gretzky himself witnessed and celebrated from the stands. “The timing is remarkable,” says Shelby Myers, Head of Private Sales at RM Sotheby’s . “Gretzky’s Corniche isn’t just a beautiful car—it’s a moment frozen in time, tied to one of the most iconic records in professional sports.

The future value and collectibility of any great car is inextricably linked to its provenance, and this one will forever be associated with two of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. We believe it will stand as one of the most famous and culturally significant cars of its era.” Coinciding with this monumental shift in NHL history, Gretzky’s Corniche IV is now being offered for sale by RM Sotheby’s.

It marks not only a unique opportunity to acquire a celebrity-owned Rolls-Royce but also a tangible piece of hockey history, emerging just as the sports world reflects on the passing of the torch. Originally delivered by Rolls-Royce of Beverly Hills and documented by its original registration card signed by the LA Kings’ then-CFO, this Corniche IV is chassis number X50019—one of the first examples from the updated 50000-series, and one of just 219 Corniche IVs built.

Finished in dual black with vermillion pinstripes and trimmed in black leather with walnut veneers, it has covered just over 9,100 miles since new and was recently serviced and cosmetically refreshed. As speculation swirls about whether Ovechkin will receive a similar honor—perhaps even a car of his own—this Corniche stands as a reminder of the legacy Gretzky built, and the benchmark he set for greatness.

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