Lot details
Registration No: 729 FXO
Chassis No: 5VA77
Mot Expiry: None

The fifth of Rolls-Royce's stately Phantom models replaced its predecessor in 1959, and was based on the company's Silver Cloud II model. It was therefore powered by the same well-proven, all-alloy 6230cc V8 engine and drove through General Motors' super-smooth four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. The front suspension was independent courtesy of wishbones and coil springs, while semi-elliptic leaf springs were employed at the rear. The steering was power-assisted, as were the very sizeable drum brakes. The notably stiff chassis and generously proportioned wheelbase of 3683mm were perfectly suited to the coachbuilder's art and a total of 516 Phantom Vs were clothed by the combination of H J Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young before the model was superseded in 1968. Examples built from 1963 onwards benefited from the Cloud III's engine, which is said to have produced seven percent more power; they also incorporated that model's revised frontage, with its quad headlamp arrangement and squatter radiator grille.

Notable Phantom V owners have included the late Queen Mother and the Queen herself, who had a pair for official state duty, complete with flag staff and illuminated heraldic shield. Though retired from active service in 2002, they have been retained for public display - one now resides in the royal motor museum at Sandringham, while the second lives aboard HMY Britannia. Other famous keepers have included the Governor of Hong Kong, the Shah of Iran, King Olav V of Norway and president Tito of Yugoslavia. An example that famously attracted the displeasure of its maker, started life as a blameless White Limousine but was then treated to a unique and extremely colourful psychedelic repaint by the late Beatle John Lennon.

This right-hand drive Phantom V is a 1963 model with coachwork by James Young to design PV15. The vendor informs us that it was supplied new to an address in London's Park Lane, was exported to the USA during the 1970s and has remained in the care of the same keeper since 1979. Following a period of storage, the Phantom has been reallocated its original registration number '729 FXO' and, while it will require a degree of recommissioning, is currently regarded by the vendor as having "very good" bodywork and interior trim and "excellent" paintwork.

Resplendent in Black over Burgundy and trimmed in Beige leather, this most imposing of Rolls-Royces is currently displaying an unwarranted 23,786 miles, and represents a rare opportunity for somebody in the market for the stately opulence of a bygone era that only a Rolls-Royce such as this can deliver.