Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 44
1959 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine Coachwork by James Young, Ltd. Chassis no. 5LAS11
Sold for US$57,120 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 44
1959 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine
1959 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine
Coachwork by James Young, Ltd.
Chassis no. 5LAS11
Coachwork by James Young, Ltd.
Chassis no. 5LAS11
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 Maj. Gen. Ralph K. Robertson
*Shown at the 1959 Earls Court Motor Show
*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 CAR OFFERED
This regal Phantom V was ordered new in New York City by Major General Ralph K Robertson, the son of a Civil War lawyer who himself had a distinguished career as a lawyer in civilian life as well as in the National Guard and Army. Maj. Gen. Robertson would serve in the 27th Division as president of a special court for trial of military offenders in WWI and then muster for WWII in 1940 to serve on Governor's Island in New York Provost General of the 2nd Service Comand and later Commanding Gen-eral of Military District No. 1. Ordered through Jack Barclay Ltd, the car was well outfitted electric windows, occasional seats in the rear along with a cocktail cabinet, 'refrigeration', and plenty more. Prior to delivery, the Rolls is noted to have been prepared for the 1959 Earls Court Show on the James Young stand and returned to the factory after for fitment prior to onward delivery.
Delivered to the United States nearly a year after being completed in June of 1960, Maj. Gen. Robertson did not keep the car long as he passed away in October of 1964. The next owner of record was Garland Shell of Monroe, Louisiana who is noted to have acquired the car on July 21, 1978. An advertising executive who ran his own firm, Shell Advertising, he was a lifelong resident of the Bayou state and retained this until he passed away in 1998.
The PV eventually made it out California, but little further details are known. It appears to have nicely kept with an original interior and still retains many nice, period accessories including a TV now mounted in the cocktail cabinet. In the current ownership for about a decade, it has not seen much use during that time and will require mechanical recommissioning. 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.
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