7,688cc Inline 6-Cylinder OHV Engine
120bhp
2-Jet Type Carburetor with Dual Ignition with Magneto and Coil
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Internal Expanding 4-Wheel Brakes with Servo-Assist

*Only Four Owners From New
*Original Coachwork, Engine and Gearbox
*Rare, Well-Maintained and Preserved Survivor
*Documentation From New

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Introduced in September 1929, the much-improved Phantom II replaced the New Phantom. It was the last car produced before Sir Frederick Henry Royce, OBE, died in 1933. The lowered chassis, now available in both 144- and 150-inch wheelbases, provided an ideal platform for the coachbuilders who were inspired to design and build the impressively elegant cars that defined the 1930s "classic" era.

With its distinctive Parthenon-like radiator shell now placed directly above the I-beam front axle, the car's long bonnet measured nearly half the entire body length, resulting in a long, low, sleek and very fresh look. The lower stance, and extended lean bonnet-line inspired the European and American designers to create fresh new looks for the marque. Exciting new looks defined this era, and replaced the previous cumbersome, boxy, formal and exclusively chauffeur-driven town cars found in earlier chassis types.

Much faster than any previous Rolls-Royce despite its three tons, modifications continued during its production years. The new Autovac fuel delivery system, a time-saving "One Shot" chassis lubrication design and silky gearing were designed to eliminate inperfections and improve performance, enhance comfort and driveability. This model's innovative details in its controls, carburetion and ignition systems are especially fascinating to the true motor car enthusiast.

The example offered here, GN49, presents an opportunity to own what appears to be an original car in every detail; one that has been owned by four motor car enthusiasts who honored the original design and fitments and resisted the kinds of modifications often seen on cars of this era.

The rolling chassis was fitted with a charming, under-stated yet sporting body by the Carlton Carriage Company in Shepherds Bush in London. Its lines are similar to a coupé, but offers the convenience of four doors and a division window. The rakish low roofline, rear-mounted Continental touring spare and jaunty pontoon step plates are delightful features. The sports limousine body fitted to this chassis is just one of about fifty Rolls-Royce chassis bodied by Carlton between 1928 and 1939. Like this example, Carlton bodies are without exception unique, featuring charming design cues, without appearing gimmicky. Regularly maintained, it is presented in honest and apparently original livery. It is finished in period-correct, elegant French Gray with Mason Black wings, window and roofline surrounds. Its Ace Deluxe Wheel Discs, fitted period-correct trunk and rear Continental wheel carrier are desirable, original and very practical features. The interior appears to be original, and therefore it is correct in every detail. As was the custom in cars with division windows, the front seating was trimmed in black hydes and the rear passenger seating was trimmed to suit the owners' taste. In this case, the bespoke rear passenger area remains in its original Ostrich hyde! Beneath the hand-crank division window are finely veneered book-matched mahogany parcel shelves with a center cabinet complete with a charming ivory knob fitted to the door. Under the driver's front seat is a fitted tool tray containing road, wheel disc and hand tools. Documents validating the car from new, original manuals, handbooks and other archival records accompany the car.

If only this car could talk—imagine the stories it could tell! Its owners included a Tin Pan Alley singer, a physician, a car-loving family and a race car driver. Its first owner, Turner Layton was from Washington, DC, but moved to England to further his career in music. He wrote Tin Pan Alley hits including "After You've Gone" and "Southland", as well as music for the Ziegfeld Follies in the 1920s, and with Sophie Tucker, recorded for Columbia Records. At the height of his fame in 1929, he ordered this Rolls-Royce from Parkers Ltd., of Manchester, England. He enjoyed it through the 1950s and in 1958 it was brought to the U. S. when purchased by Rolls-Royce enthusiast, Dr. G. B. Wood, of Corvallis, Oregon.

In 1959, it was acquired by Beverlee and Burton Smith of Portland, Oregon. The Smiths kept the car for 59 years, using it for family outings, and numerous events and tours with the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club.

In 2018, their longtime friend, Monte Shelton, a well-known automobile enthusiast, bought the car from the Smiths' estate. Monte's racing career spanned nearly six decades numbering more than 600 races and seven wins in the Portland Rose Cup, where he raced in 2005 when he was 70 years of age. He raced a variety of cars in many series including the Can-Am, Trans-Am, IMSA and Formula 5000, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and won the Six Hours at Watkins Glen twice. When he wasn't racing cars, he owned and operated several auto brokerages including British Motor Cars, Portland's Rolls-Royce and Bentley new car dealership.

Despite its massive presence, this spectacular, yet sporting Phantom II, is no trailer queen. It is the perfect car for vintage car tours as it may be driven at sustained high speeds in comfort and reasonable reliabiity, even at its age, almost 90 years old. It would surely qualify for one of the preservation classes gaining favor in the finest concours' events.

Fine, honest, original, and unmolested Rolls-Royce cars are rare finds indeed, and this one presents a unique opportunity for its fortunate next owner.