1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Three Position Drophead Coupe
No Reserve

Registration No: DFP 403
Chassis No: 200GN
MOT: Exempt

• Rebodied by E.J. Newns under their 'Eagle' sub-brand during the 1930s
• Current family ownership since 1986 and now in need of restoration
• Matching chassis and engine numbers
• Among the most stylish Phantom IIs we have encountered

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 Silver Ghost and New Phantom predecessors, the newcomer was built around a discernibly more modern ladder frame chassis featuring all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension (underslung at the rear), hydraulic shock absorbers and servo-assisted (via a gearbox take-off) four-wheel drum brakes. Topped by a new aluminium alloy crossflow cylinder head, its pair-cast 7668cc six-cylinder overhead valve engine was not only mounted in unit with a four-speed manual gearbox but also bolted directly to the chassis side rails. With its radiator positioned aft of a specially reworked beam front axle (so as 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.

Supplied new to Mrs Arthur Hornby Lewis of Danesfield House in Medmenham, near Marlow, chassis 200GN was issued with the Buckinghamshire registration number ‘KX 5272’ on 29th May 1930. Unfortunately, Mrs Lewis died that same year. Sold off by her trustees, the Rolls-Royce underwent a dramatic transformation thereafter. Initially bodied as an Enclosed Limousine by Windovers, it was entrusted to the Thames Ditton-based coachbuilder Eagle during the mid-1930s. Founded by E.J. Newns and initially trading under his name, the company had clothed various British Salmson, Vale Special and Lagonda Rapier chassis amongst others. The Three Position Drophead Coupe coachwork that they created for this Phantom II certainly shows their experience with sportscars. The raked windscreen, full flowing wings and swooping belt line that kisses the rear wings give no clue that chassis 200GN was ever a limousine. Panelled in aluminium over ash, the body tub is well made but comparatively lightweight. The interior door cards come with the car, but their plywood backing has warped. The only Eagle-bodied Rolls-Royce known, the four-seater spent time overseas before being re-registered in the UK as ‘DFP 403’ on 7th March 1980. Previously the property of renowned eye surgeon and car collector John Scott, the Phantom II has been in the current family ownership since May 1986. Finished in Shell Grey upon acquisition, it has since been repainted in Brewster Green over Black. Dormant for the last few years, ‘DFP 403’ was previously enjoyed for numerous tours around the UK and Europe as well as for friends’ weddings etc. Pleasingly retaining its original engine – number SQ65 - and among the most stylish Phantom IIs we have encountered, this believed unique Eagle Drophead Coupe has the makings of a very worthwhile project. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, copy chassis build records (incomplete), 1986 bill of sale, correspondence regarding E.J. Newns and sundry paperwork.