Lot details
Registration No: SB 4200
Chassis No: 84MY.
Mot Expiry: Sep 2008

Last of the truly grand six-cylinder Rolls-Royces and indeed the final one to be overseen from start to finish by F. Henry Royce himself, the Phantom II was introduced at the October 1929 Olympia Motor Show. Something of a radical departure from its predecessor, it was built around a new ladder frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension (underslung at the rear), hydraulic shock absorbers and four-wheel gearbox-driven servo assisted drum brakes. Topped by a new aluminium alloy crossflow cylinder head, its pair-cast 7668cc six-cylinder OHV engine was bolted directly to both a four-speed manual gearbox and the chassis side rails. With its radiator mounted aft of a beam front axle that had been reworked to ensure stability under high-speed braking manoeuvres, the Phantom II was notably low-slung. An enticing platform for the coachbuilder's art, its elongated bonnet line and short overhangs proved conducive to elegant design. Reputedly capable of over 90mph, the model was in production for six years during which some 1,394 are thought to have been made.

According to the accompanying copy build sheet records, chassis '84MY' was supplied new via Jack Olding of Audley Street, London to Captain J. C. Blair of Dalchenna, Inverary (Argyllshire) on April 4th 1933. Fitted with elegant limousine coachwork by Hooper & Co, the Phantom II seems to have remained with its first keeper until October 1951 when it became the property of Jack Wood Esq. of Shaftesbury Avenue, Southall (Middlesex). Migrating to America sometime thereafter, the Rolls-Royce was repatriated by the present owner in 1992. Fundamentally sound, it was nevertheless treated to a bare metal respray, new stainless steel exhaust, replacement 'hot spot' exhaust, refurbished wiring, refinished woodwork, fresh tyres and thorough re-trim. Entrusted to a former Rolls-Royce interior troubleshooter (who was responsible for sorting the Camargue's headlining etc), the latter work was carried out to a notably high standard. Though, Coldwell Engineering were responsible for some minor fettling.

Kept garaged when not in use, '84MY' is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Finished in a fetching combination of cream over black with a red pinstripe, the exterior livery is offset by red painted wire wheels (a self-conscious nod to the car's American past). While, inside the pleated black leather found covering the driver's quarters contrasts nicely with the pleated / buttoned beige hide that adorns the rear passenger compartment. An effective barrier between the two, the sliding glass division sits atop a well for two fold-away occasional seats. Starting readily upon inspection and stated to have "no known faults", this well-travelled Rolls-Royce is offered for sale with copy build sheet records, old MOTs dating back to 1992 and sundry paperwork as well as a current MOT certificate and historic class (free) road tax both valid until September 2008.