1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine

6,230cc OHV V8 Engine
Two SU Carburetors
220bhp at 4,440rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Original USA delivery example
*Rare Left hand drive specification
*Early California history
*The definition of luxury

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 coachbuilders 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 coachbuilders to combine spacious interior accommodation 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 stablemates 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 cossetted in the sumptuous rear passenger compartments.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This stately Phantom V, chassis 5LAT22 is offered with copies of factory information regarding its build and delivery. It can be confirmed as being of formal design by Park Ward Ltd. and carries features such as air conditioning, rear power windows, and full occasional seats for two.

Also on file is a Schoellkopf card, which denotes that the original owner was Buckingham Livery Service in New York City. Delivered through New York imported Inskip on October 24, 1960, in not too much time the Rolls had made its way to California in the garage of one R.L. Stimson of Atherton, California. Remaining in California, it appears the car was owned for some time by Ray Kroc, the businessman who created the McDonald's we know of today, before ending up in the care of John Heska of Los Angeles by the end of October 1969. Listed for sale in the classified section of The Los Angeles Times on September 9, 1973, there is no further recorded history from that time until the current owner acquired the car in early 2014.

Appearing to be the subject of some degree of restoration at some point in the distant past, it could do with some restoration — especially to the paintwork. Hardly, if ever run in the last eight years of ownership, mechanical recommissioning prior to active touring is recommended.

As stately and imposing now as it was when it was new, few cars command attention and presence like a Phantom V. Following some recommissioning, all one needs to truly enjoy it is a hired chauffeur to whom you may announce, "home, Jeeves."