Lot details
Registration No: ALD 389
Chassis No: 79MW
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Featured in 'Rolls-Royce - The Derby Phantoms' by L. Dalton

- History file contains many invoices including parts for the recent engine overhaul

- Known history from new and period photographs included in the sale

Further Info:

This stunning-looking Rolls-Royce was crafted by Windovers, apparently to the order of an Indian prince, who sadly died before assuming ownership - such history suggests the unusual wrap-around rear windows may well have been installed with tiger shooting in mind. The Phantom then briefly served as Windovers' demonstrator, during which time directors W.C. Windover and Lord Portarlington not only entered it in the prestigious Cannes Concours d'Elegance, but won the event too.

The factory record cards show the first private owner as a Mrs Davies. The lady in question was Amy Davies (née Catterall), the niece and ward of Sir Henry Tate the sugar magnate and widow of John Henry Davies, a famous brewer and Chairman of Manchester United FC from 1902-1927. Amy purchased the car for their daughter, Elsie, to raise her spirits following her divorce from Thomas Partington. Elsie was based in Cheshire and the distinctive Phantom became well-known in the area - it is said policemen on point duty in Manchester's Oxford Street regularly stopped the other traffic and saluted as they waved the Rolls through.

Elsie Partington was involved in over 40 charities and many celebrities are understood to have passengered in her Rolls-Royce, including: Gracie Fields, Evelyn Laye, Ivor Novello, Noel Coward and Douglas Fairbanks Junior; not to mention various Prime Ministers. When Elsie died in 1976, the Phantom was acquired by her goddaughter. The vendor subsequently purchased it from her estate, since when it has been treated to a sympathetic degree of restoration that's included: an engine overhaul during which the block, pistons, exhaust valves and cam followers were renewed; an interior retrim in Cream leather; and a full repaint of the coachwork in Blue and Cream. Referred to in Dalton's book `Rolls-Royce: The Derby Phantoms', `ALD 389' comes complete with period photos and recent invoices.

PLEASE NOTE: The paperwork which accompanies this lot includes several mentions of it being commissioned by an Indian prince who sadly died before he could delivery. However, there is nothing on file to confirm the identity of the Indian prince in question. Although, Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhi - Maharaja Jam Sahib died in 1933 there is no record of him having ordered or owned this car.