• An older restoration
• Present ownership since 2010
• Unused since acquisition
• Requires recommissioning

The choice of a V12 engine for the new Phantom III was a logical one for Rolls-Royce, who already possessed considerable experience of manufacturing V12 aero engines, while doubtless another consideration was the need to match the multi-cylinder opposition, notably the V16 Cadillac and V12 Hispano-Suiza. Maximum power was eventually raised to 180bhp, which was sufficient to propel later Phantom IIIs, such as the car offered here, to 100mph, a quite outstanding accomplishment for such a well-constructed and luxuriously-appointed vehicle. Needless to say, Rolls-Royce's flagship model attracted the cream of contemporary coachbuilders, many of whom achieved their finest work on the Phantom III chassis. Between 1936 and 1940 a total of 727 Phantom III chassis were produced, all bodied by independent coachbuilders, mostly with saloon or limousine bodies.

Chassis number '3CM177' carries razor-edge saloon-with-division coachwork by H J Mulliner and was first owned by a Frank Morris in the UK. Having displayed its first Rolls-Royce design at the 1928 Olympia Motor Show, H J Mulliner specialised almost exclusively in bodying Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars from the early 1930s onwards, producing many of its most successful designs on these high-quality chassis.

The Phantom was previously owned by a well-known collector of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars, under whose custodianship the interior woodwork was restored, while a well-known Rolls-Royce marque specialist carried out various other maintenance works. The Phantom underwent a photographically documented restoration in the USA some time ago and retains its original pigskin upholstery. Unfortunately, these photographs have been misplaced.

The previous owner acquired the Phantom III circa 2007 and the car was then serviced prior to shipment to Dubai for participation in a Rolls-Royce touring event, during which it performed faultlessly. Following its return to the UK, the Phantom was used extensively for enjoyable touring and always properly maintained.

Our vendor purchased the Phantom at a UK auction in 2010. The car is offered with Romanian registration papers and a generally favourable Oldtimertaxatie Valuation Report, issued in April 2024, concluding that although an older restoration the car was still in good overall condition. Recommissioning will be required before this magnificent Phantom III returns to the road.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.