Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental (1931)

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Matching chassis, engine and body numbers attest to a very original car, beautifully presented and ready for its next proud owner's enjoyment.  

Coachwork by Mulliner

United KingdomLocation: United Kingdom
Odometer:
Unavailable
Transmission:
Manual
Drive Side:
RHD

The Phantom II was introduced in 1929 as a successor to the New Phantom (retrospectively Phantom I) with deliveries commencing in September of that year. Unlike its predecessor, which inherited its underpinnings from the preceding 40/50hp model, the Silver Ghost, the Phantom II employed an entirely new chassis. This new low-slung frame, with its radiator set well back, enabled coachbuilders to body the car in the modern idiom, creating sleeker designs than the upright ones of the past.

The 7,668cc engine too had come in for extensive revision with the introduction of cross-flow type head crucially featuring inlet and exhaust manifolds on opposite sides. The result of these engine changes was greatly enhanced performance, particularly of the Continental model, and the ability to accommodate weightier coachwork. Designed around the short (144") Phantom II chassis and introduced in 1930, the Continental was conceived as 'an enthusiastic owner driver's car' and featured revised rear suspension, higher axle ratio and lowered steering column. By the end of production the magnificent Phantom II Continental was good for 95mph. 'Powerful, docile, delightfully easy to control and a thoroughbred, it behaves in a manner which is difficult to convey without seeming to over-praise,' The Motor, March 1934.

Produced in very limited numbers, with only 281 examples ever completed, the Phantom II Continental's wealthy owners included such famous names as the racing drivers Sir Malcolm Campbell and Woolf Barnato, Prince Ali Khan, Princess Alexis Midvani, the Prince of Nepal, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Roseberry, Lord Doverdale, the Maharajah of Jodhpur and Noel Coward.

Favored by all the fashionable coachbuilders of the era, the Phantom II chassis provided the platform for some of the truly outstanding designs none more so than the work of famed coachbuilders H.J. Mulliner and Co. A striking design, notable features include uniquely flared wings, dual rear mounted spare tyres, blind quarters, painted disc wheel covers and side hood louvers extending to the cowl.

This exceptional example was sold new via CH Martin Ltd. of Cliff Bridge, Lewes, delivered in early June 1931 to its commissioning owner, Mr. H Asa Thomas, Esq. Mr. Thomas was the long-time friend and attorney of wealthy American philanthropist and millionaire art collector Edward Perry Warren. Upon Warren's death in late 1928 Thomas inherited his entire estate, prompting Mr. Thomas to purchase a number of fine things with his new-found wealth, including the most elegant motorcar he could find.

Mr. Thomas' ownership extended for nearly three decades, the first change of ownership occurring in November 1958 to a Mr. Bernard Geoffrey Collings of Okehampton. The chassis cards list various subsequent owners before the car was exported to the United States in January 1977 where it would remain with one owner for 35 years until his death in 2011.

Astonishingly the car has covered only 50,175 miles to date, documented by various service invoices, sales agreements, registration listings and a hand written mileage and maintenance journal that are all on file. A sympathetic restoration has recently been completed with the aim to preserve the original structure, retaining as many original components as possible and refurbishing where necessary. Following complete disassembly of the wings, running boards, doors, mudguards, under-wing components and all interior trim, the coachwork was taken to bare metal and refinished in black, the car's original colour, with silver pinstriping. The oxblood red Connolly leather seats have been complimented by completely new Wilton wool carpeting, a refurbished headliner and freshly polished original walnut interior wood accents. The original wheels are fitted with proper color-matched discs and shod with six matching Denman tyres. The car has received over $25,000 in mechanical work by marque experts on the West Coast these works included ane engine overhaul. Matching chassis, engine and body numbers attest to a very original car, beautifully presented and ready for its next proud owner's enjoyment.

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  • Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental
  • £POA
  • DK Database ID: #384

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