Description
This car is Lot 166 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at the Goodwood Members' Meeting Sale on the 13th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Saturday 12th April from 09:00 until 17:00 and Sunday 13 April from 09:00, at Goodwood Members' Meeting.
Lot 166
1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Coupé
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. 111GN
First owned by Sir Harold Bowden, Bt
Body designed by previous engineer owner
Present ownership since 2011
Restored by Oldtimer Studio in Romania
Used regularly since completion
Requires recommissioning
Rolls-Royce introduced the Phantom II in 1929 as 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 laid out along the lines of that of the smaller 20hp Rolls-Royce. Built in two wheelbase lengths - 144" and 150" - 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 engine too had come in for extensive revision. The PI's cylinder dimensions and basic layout - two blocks of three cylinders, with an aluminium cylinder head common to both blocks - were retained, but the combustion chambers had been redesigned and the 'head was now of the cross-flow type, with inlet and exhaust manifolds on opposite sides. The magneto/ coil dual ignition system remained the same as on the PI. 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 version was conceived as 'an enthusiastic owner driver's car', featuring revised rear suspension, a higher axle ratio and lowered steering column.
One of 1, 681 produced between 1929 and 1935, this Phantom II chassis was originally bodied as a coupé by the Carlton Carriage Company for first owner Sir Harold Bowden Bt, the then Chairman of Raleigh Industries. Subsequently converted into a hearse in the workshops of Alpe & Saunders, '111GN' was re-bodied during previous ownership with a new two-door, four-seater, fixed-head coupé body in the style of the original Carlton coachwork.
The previous owner was an honours graduate automotive and industrial designer, who spent several years in the design studios of Ford and then worked on projects with Saab, Volvo and Lotus while with the International Automotive Design consultancy. His ambition was to design a striking new body for his Phantom II and construct it to the very highest standards using traditional coachbuilding methods.
Even with the help of skilled colleagues and specialist business associates, such as pattern and tool makers, the cost of building such a new body from scratch was considerable. This included making an opening windscreen of high quality to contemporary 1930 design, complete with new wiper motor and wheel-boxes. The interior roof wood framing in seasoned mahogany was built to accommodate a sunroof if required. The woodwork trims for the interior, including fascia, door and window cappings, have all been made from solid mahogany - fine-grained and light coloured - sourced from the same timber merchants that Windsor Castle uses for their restoration work.
The Phantom was purchased at Bonhams' Rockingham Castle sale in June 2011 (Lot 318). At that time the car was described thus: "Far from being half-finished, the project is now at the stage when a new owner can choose the final paint and trim colours, just as would have been the case when the chassis was new and had been bodied by the coachbuilder."
Since its sale to the current vendor at the aforementioned sale, the Phantom has been extensively restored by Oldtimer Studio in Romania and used regularly since completion, including attending the 2013 Sinaia Concours d'Elegance. Accompanying documentation includes registration papers, a FIVA Identity Card (2013) and a generally favourable Oldtimertaxatie Valuation Report dated April 2024. Presented in lovely cosmetic condition throughout, the car will require some recommissioning after some years of storage.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
