1969 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Limousine

Coachwork by Mulliner Park War

6,230 cc OHV V-8 Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
Adequate Horsepower
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Previously owned by legendary French actor Alain Delon
*Well-optioned car
*Previously displayed The Petersen Museum
*The last word in luxury in its day

THE PHANTOM VI

"The specification has been designed to make our Phantom VI the 'Showpiece' of our demonstration fleet, and also to promote those extras that MPW are keen to sell." – Rolls-Royce Motors.

With development of its dependable six-cylinder engine nearing an end and facing competition from faster rivals in the United States market, Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the new 6,230cc all-alloy engine graced the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 as well as the Rolls-Royce Phantom V. Introduced at the same time, Rolls-Royce's new limousine model, the long-wheelbase Phantom V, effectively replaced both the royalty/heads of state-only Phantom IV and the Silver Wraith. Built on a much modified and strengthened Silver Cloud II chassis, the new Phantom measured over 6 meters (19' 6") in length and enabled coachbuilders to combine the desirable qualities of spacious interior accommodation with generous boot space and graceful lines. A lower final drive ratio ensured that, while top speed was a little down on that of its stable-mates, though still in excess of 100mph, the new Phantom could all but match them for acceleration.

Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward Limited produced what was in effect the 'standard' seven-passenger limousine coachwork for the Phantom V. The usual upholstery for the front compartment was leather, which was also included in the list of alternatives for the rear together with West of England cloth. As one would expect in a car of this class, a cocktail cabinet was often incorporated into the rear compartment, while electric windows and air conditioning were among the other options.

Park Ward's design remained substantially unaltered until the introduction of the Silver Cloud III and Bentley S3 in the autumn of 1962 when it was revised to incorporate the new models' four-headlamp lighting arrangement and a completely new above-waistline treatment. Now built by the combined firm of H J Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd, the car lived on into the 1990s as the Phantom VI, its passing in 1992 marking the final demise of the separate-chassis Rolls-Royce.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

In a market where fully loaded SUVs nudge $100,000, these majestic limousines look like terrific value with a quality of finishes that are unmatched in the modern age. PRX 4565's chassis number decodes as a Phantom, Rolls-Royce, Export model, which were built as new in left-hand drive form. Originally slated for the Canadian market, this example appears to have instead head east to Continental Europe, where it was reported to have spent time in the garage of renown French film star Alain Delon. Known as the 'male Brigitte Bardot', Delon was right in the midst of the peak of his fame and stardom when this PVI was new, having just come off of the success of La Piscine (1969) and on his way to further acclaim in Le Cercle Rouge (1970), Un flic (1972), and Monsieur Klein (1976).

It is not recorded how long the Phantom would remain in Delon's care, but the limousine would eventually make its way to the United States, settling in the mid-1990s in the substantial Rolls-Royce collection of John Bradley of Studio City, California. While in his care it was displayed at The Petersen Museum in Los Angeles in 2003, and on his passing it moved to another aficionado of the marque Dave Walters. It would enter the current ownership a decade later.

Likely restored at some point in its past, the car presents nicely but shows its age. Finished in stately black over retrimmed black leather driver's cabin and light tan broadcloth ensconced rear cabin, the rear passengers are treated to deep pile mouton wool carpets, rich burl walnut trim, and a pair of occasional seats should a few friends wish to join. Unused in the current ownership for the past nine years, with a new battery and some brief checking over the car was made to run and drive, although we feel a thorough check over would be more advisable prior to active use. A fraction of the cost of a brand-new Rolls-Royce Phantom, this Phantom VI possesses at least as much—if not more—style as the one rolling off the line at Goodwood. And it is bigger too.