Rolls-Royce Phantom II I Coupe 1936
General description :
Filling the shoes of the outgoing Phantom II would be no easy task for Rolls-Royce. The PII had proven to be one of the marques more successful models, firmly establishing it as the leader in the world luxury motorcar market. But as Rolls-Royce was enjoying their status as the maker of the world’s finest automobiles, even they weren’t immune to pressure from the competition. With the introduction of the Phantom III in 1936, Rolls-Royce joined the multi-cylinder race that was spurred on by the likes of Cadillac, Pierce-Arrow, Hispano-Suiza and Packard. Replacing the venerable inline six that traced its roots to the Ghost was an all-new, clean-sheet design V12 engine constructed of aluminum alloy and displacing 7.32 liters, or 447 cubic inches. While the V12 layout was certainly a departure for the company in terms of road car power, it was not at all unfamiliar territory given their vast experience with aero engines of the same configuration, and many of the Phantom III engine’s features borrowed heavily from the firm’s aviation experience. The Phantom III was the final car to be designed under the auspices of Sir Henry Royce, though sadly he would die before the car would reach its final stages of design and production.
As typical, Rolls Royce supplied running chassis to clients and dealers, so cars were despatched to coachbuilders chosen by clients or dealers. Of the great traditional British coachbuilders, Barker was one of the oldest and most revered. Founded in 1710, the firm employed top craftsmen who produced the finest, most lavish carriages available, many of which featuring ground-breaking designs. The founder of Barkers, formerly an officer in Queen Anne’s Guard, utilized his contacts within the Royal Family to secure many high-profile contracts, producing numerous carriages for King George III and Queen Victoria. They made the natural transition to motor bodies at the turn of the 20th century, going on to produce distinctly elegant bodies for a number of cars, with a heavy emphasis on Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis.
This 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, chassis 3BU2 was the very first B-series Phantom III delivered and wears distinct and beautiful one-off coachwork by Barker. The Two-Seat Sports Coupe body is a rather unusual style for the Phantom III, as the flagship chassis was generally fitted with large multi-passenger bodies. A stunningly beautiful car, it is one of four fixed-head coupes supplied by Barker on the PIII chassis, and the only one to feature a Dickey seat and rear mounted spare wheel. This example was sold new in March of 1937 to a Mrs. Frances Bell, wife of Dr. Dennistoun Mildeberger Bell of Amangansett, New York. A photo of the car when new can be found in Lawrence Dalton’s book, Rolls Royce: The Derby Phantoms (p. 375). It is not known how long the car was in the possession of the somewhat eccentric Bell family, but it remained on the East Coast of the U.S. for much of its life. In more recent years, it received a cosmetic restoration in England, and then returned to the United States where it received a mechanical restoration by the highly regarded Phantom III experts at Dennison-Jayne Motors of West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Today, this remarkable Rolls-Royce Phantom III presents in handsome condition, its older restoration and paintwork having held up quite well, though showing a few minor flaws upon closer inspection. The two-tone paintwork suits the handsome Barker coachwork very well, with black wings and top surfaces accented with deep burgundy body sides and gold coach stripes to provide a visual break between the two. Paint quality and body fitment are very good. The coachwork is decidedly sporting, particularly for a PIII, with Lucas Tri-Bar headlamps, a single center-mounted spot lamp, kneeling Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, black-wall Michelin tires, and polished wheel discs. A single, rear-mounted spare wheel enclosed in a painted metal cover keeps the body-sides, adding a unique touch to the Barker design.
The lush and luxurious cabin is trimmed in burgundy leather and wool carpet, highlighted with gorgeous, restored burl wood. The leather is in very good condition, showing some age since the restoration but remaining handsome and quite presentable, particularly against the beautifully restored wooden dash and door caps. It is fitted with an original Clayton heater, as noted in the build sheet; a sensible upgrade given its original delivery to the North East of the USA. The cabin is comfortable and inviting, with a welcoming patina and fine detailing.
Mechanically, this twelve-cylinder Rolls-Royce benefits from $150,000 worth of extensive servicing by Dennison Motors. The mechanical restoration of the original engine (number V.98.F) included fitting of new pistons, rings, wrist pins, and cylinder liners. The camshaft was re-profiled and the valvetrain converted to more reliable roller-type cam followers, and the favored hydraulic tappets remain in place. All major ancillaries were rebuilt at the time, such as the water pump, oil pump, flywheel, distributor and carburetor. At the same time, the clutch was rebuilt and relined, all new mountings fitted and the body rewired. The Bijur lubrication system was also overhauled in conjunction with a front-end and brake system rebuild. In the time since this overhaul, it has been sparingly used and continues to be an excellent driving example.
Included in the sale are Rolls-Royce Owner's Club documents that help define the history of this lovely motorcar. A copy of the original build sheet as supplied by the Rolls-Royce Foundation is also included, verifying this as a numbers-matching and highly correct example. This handsome, beautifully presented one-off Phantom III is a rare and highly desirable sporting model, comprehensively serviced by marque experts in order to resolve typical PIII mechanical trouble areas, and it remains in fine order, ready for regular enjoyment on tours and driving events.
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/5990-1936-rolls-royce-phantom-iii-coupe/
1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom II I Coupe is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for $450000.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Rolls-Royce Model : Phantom II Model Version : I Coupe Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1936 Sub type : Coupé Location : Missouri
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About Rolls-Royce
Well, ladies and gentlemen, today we're diving into the illustrious history of a brand that has always embodied the very essence of British luxury and craftsmanship - Rolls-Royce.Our story begins at the turn of the 20th century when two visionaries, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, decided to join forces. In 1904, the very first Rolls-Royce was born, the Rolls-Royce 10 hp. It was a modest start for a company that would go on to redefine automotive excellence.
But it wasn't until 1907 that Rolls-Royce truly made its mark with the introduction of the Silver Ghost. It was hailed as the "Best Car in the World" and set the gold standard for luxury motoring. With its whisper-quiet engine and exquisite craftsmanship, it was a statement of opulence and refinement.
The 1920s brought us the Rolls-Royce Phantom I, an icon of its time. It was the first Rolls-Royce to feature a 6-cylinder engine and set the stage for the legendary Phantom line. This was the era when the Maharajas of India commissioned custom-bodied Rolls-Royces that were nothing short of automotive palaces.
Fast forward to the post-war years, and we have the Silver Cloud, a symbol of post-war British optimism. The Silver Cloud was elegance personified, with its flowing lines and handcrafted interiors. It was the choice of royalty, celebrities, and captains of industry.
But if we're talking about the epitome of Rolls-Royce luxury, it's the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, which graced us with its presence from 1968 to 1991. This was a car that made the statement that "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it." Customization was the name of the game, and the Phantom VI was a canvas for the world's wealthiest to express their unique tastes.
Now, it's impossible to discuss Rolls-Royce without mentioning the Rolls-Royce Corniche. Produced from 1971 to 1995, it was a convertible and coupe version of the Silver Shadow. The Corniche was the quintessential grand tourer, a car for those who wished to traverse continents in absolute luxury.
But, alas, even the mightiest must face their decline, and Rolls-Royce was no exception. The company went through financial turmoil in the 1970s and 80s, leading to the takeover by Vickers plc. Then came the controversial BMW and Volkswagen ownership period, which divided enthusiasts.
Rolls-Royce regained its footing under BMW ownership, and the new millennium brought us the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, a return to the company's roots of uncompromising luxury. The Phantom VII was a testament to British engineering and craftsmanship.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, brings us to today. Rolls-Royce continues to produce some of the most opulent, bespoke vehicles on the planet, a symbol of British imperiousness that has not waned with time. The spirit of Sir Henry Royce and Charles Rolls lives on in every car that bears the Spirit of Ecstasy, a testament to the enduring legacy of British automotive excellence.