Highlights

Very rare V12-engined H J Mulliner Phantom III
Specially built for the 1936 Scottish Motor Show
Only two registered keepers from new
Older restoration and engine rebuild
Dry stored throughout its life on the Isle of Man
Good history file including original order paperwork

The Appeal

In the late 1930s, this beautiful Phantom III must have been a very serene place to escape the storm clouds assembling across Europe. With its whisper-quiet 7.3L V12 engine, sleek Mulliner bodywork and hand-tooled limousine interior, there were few better ways to get from your gentleman’s club to your country estate.

All Phantom IIIs were supplied as chassis and mechanicals, ready for a coterie of coachbuilders to complete them to exact customer specifications. This car was specially prepared for the 1936 Scottish Motor Show by H J Mulliner, soon after passing to its first keeper in Edinburgh.

It arrived with its current keeper in the Isle of Man many years ago and has been carefully dry stored and sparingly used. It has therefore covered few miles since a full engine rebuild in the early 1990s and is reported to be in very good mechanical health.

Chassis number 3AX9 is one of only 727 Phantom IIIs built and presents today in good, very tidy condition with a lovely gentle patina across the bodywork and interior. There is scope to lightly improve the seats and perhaps the woodwork, but arguably both show the character of this nearly 90-year-old car.

It is a magnificent work of engineering and craftsmanship and with its interesting provenance would grace any collection.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 20th November 1936
Only two registered keepers
Specially prepared for the 1936 Scottish Motor Show
Subsequently acquired by a keeper in Edinburgh
Passed to its current Isle of Man keeper in the early 1990s
Various invoices for work included
Engine rebuilt in 1991/1992 together with overhaul of the brakes
Previously painted all black and now two-tone black and burgundy
Dry stored on the Isle of Man throughout its life
Original order paperwork from Mulliner and Rolls-Royce as shown
Old advert from early 1990 showing photo and specification of car
Book on the model as shown
Isle of Man registration certificate

The Condition

Older restoration in black with maroon trim as shown
Paintwork generally in good order with some localised marks to note
These include imperfections such as crazing to nearside rear wing as shown
Mulliner bespoke bodywork with four doors all rearward hinged
Bodywork appears solid and tidy with no reported corrosion or damage
Bodywork is an older restoration so buyers should be realistic about condition
Car is fitted with fabric roof panel as shown
Underside appears to be in good order with no reported issues
Steel wheels with body colour trims in fair condition with some aging and tarnish
Older Firestone tyres fitted all round appearing in good order considering age
Chromework in fair condition all round with some tarnish to certain elements
Grey leather interior in aged condition to certain elements but completed and usable
The main aging is to the driver’s seat as shown but seat retains shape
Leather would benefit from some remedial action but also adds to character
Beautifully hand-finished interior with extensive wood veneers in good order
Veneers show some age to certain elements including dash but not unsightly
Carpets, headlining and trim all in good, albeit aged condition
Original dials and switchgear with no reports of malfunctions
Features include glass divider, large rear seat and picnic tables

Now handsomely finished in black and maroon, this 1936 Phantom III was originally black, as many of these understated cars were. The repaint is now around 30 years old so shows some age, mainly limited to light deterioration of the paintwork rather than the bodywork itself. The chrome and extensive fittings are generally well kept, albeit with light patina.

The story continues inside where the grey leather has worn in places but the extensive hand-crafted wood veneers and other fittings are generally very presentable. The whole exhibits a sense of history wholly in keeping with this elegant car.

The Mechanics

Hand-built 7,338cc V12 all aluminium 59bhp engine
4spd manual gearbox
Engine rebuild completed in 1991/92
Brakes overhauled at same time as engine rebuild
The vendor informs us that the car runs and drives well with no faults
Factory tool kit included as shown

The engine beneath this car’s capacious folding bonnet was a revelation for pre-war buyers. The firm’s first V12, it was developed to deliver the sort of imperceptible hum that would enable its rear seat occupants to talk important talk without interruption.

This car’s engine was rebuilt in the early 1990s together with a brake overhaul. The car has covered few miles since and been carefully dry stored by the same keeper so we are confident in the seller’s claim that it runs and drives without fault.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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