LOT 90

Offered from the Philip Reed Collection 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca de Ville Coachwork by Gurney Nutting & Co. Chassis no. 164 MY Engine no. CJ15

Sold for US$61,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 90

Offered from the Philip Reed Collection
1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca de Ville
Coachwork by Gurney Nutting & Co.

The Scottsdale Auction|16 January 2020, 11:00 MST|Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Offered from the Philip Reed Collection
1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca de Ville
Coachwork by Gurney Nutting & Co.
Chassis no. 164 MY
Engine no. CJ15

7,668cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
120bhp at 3500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Servo-assisted Drum Brakes

*Traditional open limousine coachwork
*Room for 7 passengers
*U.K. delivery as new
*Well preserved older British restoration

THE PHANTOM II

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 imperfections and improve performance, enhance comfort and drivability. This model's innovative details in its controls, carburetion and ignition systems are especially fascinating to the true motor car enthusiast.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Coincidentally sold on March 3rd 1933, This Phantom II 164MY was sold to R. Owen Ltd. of Knightsbridge. With a desired purpose of town driving and continental touring, a Sedanca De Ville body completed by Gurney Nutting was commissioned. The subsequent history of the vehicle remains scattered over the proceeding decades. A Watkins & Doncaster plate affixed to the body indicates it was likely owned by someone related to company while present in its home country, but documentation on file indicates the vehicle had made it stateside by the 1960s. Both a RROC registry page and a later listing in The Flying Lady both show the car to have lived in California for the better half of the last 50 years.

Likely to have received a restoration given the cars condition, the Rolls Royce today shows to have been well taken car of indeed. Little wear and tear can be found on any of the interior surfaces with the upholstery still looking fresh and the cabin wood largely free of aging beyond the fixtures directly exposed to sunlight. Under the hood, the engine has remained tidy free from corrosion or considerable oil buildup. Its Gurney Nutting Coachwork features excellent fitment with close shut lines between the panels. All of the brightwork can be found with exceptional luster.

With room for 7 passengers, this Phantom II is ideal for touring thanks to its exposed drivers compartment which provides the most traditional of motoring experiences while occupants are afforded to the luxury of closed comfort within the voluminous cabin. Rolls-Royces of the early period of the company's history rightfully earned their title as the greatest motorcars on the planet thanks to level of build quality without competition. Today, their elegance is still unquestionable and a Roll-Royce should be found in any serious collection of motorcars.

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