Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
Registration No: KRX 599H
Chassis No: PRH4567
MOT: November 2024
1 of just 374 Phantom VIs manufactured
Supplied new to Mrs Khashoggi, wife of Saudi businessman and arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi
Used to transport members of the Royal Family as part of Princess Diana's funeral cortège
Fully repainted shortly after entering into current ownership in 2019
Well maintained throughout the current ownership with head gaskets replaced at the start of this year
Offered with a history file including the RREC factory records
By far the most expensive car that money could buy when launched in 1968, the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI remained in production for twelve years (albeit the final few examples were not finished until 1991/ 1992 due to the model’s handbuilt nature). Notable as the last Rolls-Royce to employ a separate chassis, the majority were bodied by Mulliner Park Ward as seven-seater limousines. Though, a hearse and even convertible versions were constructed (the latter conceived by the Italian Carrozzeria, Frua). Equipped with independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung back axle and four-wheel drum brakes, the Phantom VI was all about passenger comfort and boasted the world’s first dual zone air-conditioning system. Powered by a 6230cc (later 6750cc) OHV V8 engine allied to automatic transmission, gearing was chosen such that it could be driven at anything from walking pace to 100mph. Customers were encouraged to tax the ingenuity of Rolls-Royce’s in-house craftsmen to the extent that very few, if any, of the 374 completed were to standard specification.
This very early example of the Phantom VI boasts both Royal Family and film history. The new car order form, dated 16th January 1968, shows it was initially prepared for a M. Saady Esq. of London, and was initially due to be finished in Brown with Beige interior upholstery. The order was amended however, with PRH4567 then supplied new to Mrs Khashoggi, wife of Saudi businessman and arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. Among the richest men in the world, the Khashoggi assets encompassed: twelve homes, fully staffed at all times, including a 10, 000-acre ranch in Kenya, an estate in Marbella and houses in London, Paris, Cannes, Madrid, Monte Carlo and Manhattan. He had a stable of Arabian horses and 200 exotic animals, 100 limousines, a personal airline of three jets, and a fleet of three superyachts, including the $75m Nabila (named after his daughter) which was used in the James Bond film, ‘Never Say Never Again’.
Finished when new in Masons Black with 23-carat Gold finelines, the interior was trimmed in Beige hide front upholstery with cloth rear and Cumberland Stone carpeting to the rear. The factory specification also included Dunlop tyres, Sundym glass, hazard warning lights, safety belts to the front, air-conditioning, stainless steel sills and wheel arches, electric windows, electric division, and full-width foldaway leather occasional seats. Automatic transmission and power steering help to manage the power of the 6230cc V8 engine. It is unknown how long the Khashoggi family retained the Phantom, but it is understood to afterward have had a fascinating history and was used to transport members of the Royal Family as part of Princess Diana's funeral cortège and took princes William and Harry from the Royal Train to Althorp for their mother's burial.
Thereafter used in the film 'The Queen' starring Dame Helen Mirren and 'The Queen and I' with David Walliams, the Phantom thus boasts fantastic provenance and previous film appearances. Most recently entering into the ownership of a specialist funeral directors through a H&H auction in 2019, the Phantom was provided with a full repaint in 2019 in the original colour, and has benefitted from regular maintenance throughout their ownership to ensure reliability. Amassing some 13, 000 miles since their purchase in 2016, the total mileage on the odometer is now 91, 000 miles. Serviced seven times during their ownership, the Phantom has further benefitted from new head gaskets earlier this year; a new fuel pump, uprated valve stem seals and heads skimmed last year; and significant mechanical attention/ improvement in 2021.
Offered with a history file that includes the RREC chassis records, a collection of previous MOTs, original handbook, full maintenance spreadsheet for during the vendor's ownership, sundry paperwork, and a current V5C document. A fantastic opportunity to secure a rare and opulent car with a wonderful history, and offered at what we feel is a sensible guide price.
