1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine

Coachwork by James Young, Ltd

6,230cc OHV V8 Engine
Two SU Carburetors
220bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front with Live Rear Axle Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Delivered new to New York City
*Brilliantly customized from the factory
*Offered with Rolls-Royce factory records
*The car of kings, aristocrats, and titans of industry

THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM V

Introduced in autumn of 1959, Rolls-Royce's new 6,230cc all-alloy V8 engine powered the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 sedans as well as the Rolls-Royce Phantom V. The new Phantom V long-wheelbase limousine effectively replaced both the Phantom IV and the Silver Wraith. The latter's relatively short wheelbase made it difficult for coach builders to provide adequate trunk space in a comfortable seven-seater automobile; the Phantom addressed this shortcoming. Built on a much-modified and strengthened 'Cloud II chassis employing the same 145" wheelbase as the IV, the new Phantom measured almost 20 feet in length, enabling coach builders to combine spacious interior accommodations with generous boot space and graceful lines. A lower final drive ratio ensured that top speed remained in excess of 100mph and the new Phantom could all but match its stable-mates for acceleration.

Over the course of a nine year production run, 516 Phantom Vs rolled off the line, sporting a dizzying array of body styles all built with the express purpose of providing the utmost luxury to their lucky occupants — most of whom were unbothered with the task of driving, preferring, naturally, to be cosseted in the sumptuous rear passenger compartments.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This regal Phantom V was ordered new in New York City by Benjamin M. Reeves, founder of the B.M. Reeves Company, Inc., a food importer and packer. Mr. Reeves, who had founded his eponymous company in 1924 and would sell his interest in the company to focus on philanthropy less than a year after taking delivery of this car, no doubt sought the ultimate conveyance to get around NYC when he purchased this car. Ordered in understated Black over tan hides up front and fawn leather in the rear, the car was well outfitted electric windows, Sundym glass, picnic tables in the rear along with a cocktail cabinet complete with a pair of decanters and four glasses (plus an extra four glasses in one rear door and an ice flask in the other), a vanity mirror, notebook, and pencil in the rear center armrest, and plenty more. Delivered to Mr. Reeves in London in August of 1964, the Rolls would soon make its way across the Atlantic to his residence at the tony Hampshire House at 150 Central Park South.

It is not recorded for how long Mr. Reeves kept his Phantom V, but by the dawn of the new millennium the car had found its way to the Lone Star state in the collection of Beaumont, Texas based collector Dan Mouton. A Rolls enthusiast, Mouton would enjoy this PV for over a decade before the car eventually found its way into the collection of the current owner about a decade ago. At some point prior to his purchase, the Rolls appears to have been restored and the paint color changed to a rich burgundy. On static display since acquisition, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to having Jeeves actively shuttle you about.

Rare by design, exclusive and elegant, James Young's renderings on the later Phantom series have always been coveted and this represents an unusual opportunity to find one which has not been restored.