Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 34
1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sports Coupe Coachwork by H.J. Mulliner Chassis no. 126 GY
Sold for US$235,200 inc. premium
Lot 34
1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sports Coupe
1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sports Coupe
Coachwork by H.J. Mulliner
Chassis no. 126 GY
Coachwork by H.J. Mulliner
Chassis no. 126 GY
7,668cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2-Jet Type Carburetor with Dual Ignition with Magneto and Coil
120bhp
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Leaf Spring Suspension with Single-Shot Chassis Lubrication
Internal Expanding 4-Wheel Brakes with Servo-Assist
*Originally ordered by David and Harriet Stewart Dawson
*Sporting and powerful Thirties Rolls-Royce
*Copies of factory records on file
*Offered from long-term private ownership
THE ROLLS-ROYCE 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.
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 CAR OFFERED
A striking balance of sportscar stance and graceful elegance, this majestic Phantom II dates from 1930, slightly predating the Continental series but sharing many of its characteristics in its looks. Its creator was H.J. Mulliner and is typical of their class in design and quality of build, incorporating details such as separated 'trouser crease' seamed fenders and step plates instead of running boards, to lighten its sporting look. As new it wore Staybrite metal finishes and had twin spares and was registered in London with the road plates GK 8441 it still wears to this day.
The fortunate first owner of the Phantom II is recorded on copies of factory records as being one David Stewart Dawson, who ordered the car through London's esteemed Rolls-Royce retailer Jack Barclay and seems to have given the car to his wife, Harriet according to an annotation on the order sheet. Born in Scotland, Stewart Dawson, was a successful jeweler and watchmaker, known initially for supplying the Liverpool police with their watches. A clever marketer, his tag line for sales was 'who watches the police' and over time he found such a good response from his advertising in Australia that he emigrated there and founded Stewart Dawson & Co. in Sydney, then branching out into other major cities, while retaining a business on London's Regent St. also. Selling out in 1931, he had already parlayed his income into property and other interests while retaining homes in both his main countries of activity. Naturally he had an abode in the known center for jewelry in London, Hatton Garden, which he named The Treasure House.
The course of its pre and early post war life is charted on the build sheets, Mrs. Stewart Dawson seemingly only owning it a mere year before it passed to The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Warwick in March 1932. Remaining in Warwick, its next owners were Major Ryder Ritchie in April 1933, W.H. Bey-Wilcox of West Hartlepool in November that same year, then E.R. Bailey in July 1934. Bailey was a longer term owner who was still its owner through the war, it only then changing hands again to A.J. Johnson of the Chequers Hotel in Uxbridge, just outside London in January 1946. It reverted to a military man's tenure in March 1950, becoming the property of Col. Beard of South Kensington, albeit briefly when this trail ends with R.E.B. Worth of Worcestershire in May 1950. It is believed to have migrated to the USA in the 1960s.
Last seen by the Bonhams team some 16 years ago, since then the car has received a repaint in the present rich dark blue hue which suits it extremely well and is offset by contrasting black fenders and waist-molding. Its wheel discs have been polished back to the aluminum which accent the looks and match its chrome brightwork. Its interior is sensibly trimmed in a light and airy grey leather color and blended to the exterior with blue carpets piped in the same grey.
This is a great looking example of one of the most desired series of Phantoms, which would make a statement on any concours lawn or could be shown or toured within the variety of chapters of Rolls-Royce clubs around the world.
Saleroom notices
Title in transit.
Additional information
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