Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 98 ¤
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 40/50hp 4-Light Limousine Coachwork by Park Ward Chassis no. 3CP98 Engine no. C48Z (See Text)
Sold for US$35,840 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 98¤
From the Minden Automotive Museum
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 40/50hp 4-Light Limousine
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 40/50hp 4-Light Limousine
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 40/50hp 4-Light Limousine
Coachwork by Park Ward
Chassis no. 3CP98
Engine no. C48Z (See Text)
Coachwork by Park Ward
Chassis no. 3CP98
Engine no. C48Z (See Text)
7,338cc OHV V12 Engine
Single Carburetor
126bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4 Wheel Drum Brakes
* Rare V-12 Phantom III model
* Unusual body style by a premiere coachbuilder
* Largely original condition, regal colors.
* Ex-Ted Bacon, Bill Harrah, J.B. Nethercutt
THE CAR OFFERED
This attractive and largely original Phantom III wears distinctive and unusual coachwork by Park Ward. Wearing body number 4366, this extremely forward styled 4-Light Limousine with division is a supple and rakish example of the pinnacle of late pre-war coach building. Whilst most of the PIIIs of this era carry rather ungainly coachwork, this Park Ward body however benefits from a low roof line and compact stature. The attractive and minimal fenders work nicely with the body, and the integrated trunk is well proportioned. The single side mount spare and disk covered wheels finish the car off handsomely. Being of predominantly alloy construction, the weight of the coachwork is kept to a minimum to take advantage of the bold power of the Rolls Royce V12.
Appearing stylistically like a "Sports Saloon", this 4-Light Limousine was kitted with all the accoutrement of the day. The brilliant cabinetry in the passenger compartment includes a set of shelves, altimeter/barometer combination, and SU clock. Additionally, it contains a jump seat for an impromptu guest. The drivers' compartment is equally appointed with all the fittings one would require to transport one's charges, in comfort and style. Most amusing is the dual position horn button for soft and loud. The passenger compartment is trimmed in a tan corduroy while the driver's compartment is trimmed in a black leather.
The ownership of this Rolls Royce is no less interesting then the coachwork. Factory records on file illuminate that 3CP98 was delivered to an A. Colin Kinghall on September the 27th, 1937. By January 1954 however the Rolls-Royce had found its way to the Colonies and to a H.P. Greenough in Santa Barbara, California. However, by 1955 it'd found its way to, the J.B Nethercutt Collection. Sometime thereafter it had made its way to the Harrah Collection in Reno, NV it was listed in a 1963 RROC Roster in the company of many other RR's. Eventually it would find its long-term home with Ted Bacon in 1972 and listed as such in a 1973 RROC roster. In the Bacon's care the car was sympathetically stored in a stable of other Rolls Royce's and fabulous antique cars some of which are shown throughout this catalog.
As was the fate of many Phantom III's, 3CP98 likely had an oiling issue that resulted in pre-mature wear of its engine resulting in the need for a change, only 18 years into its life. Unfortunately, many Phantom III's would receive all manner of engines, from B80 tank engines, Princess 4 Liters, to Perkins Diesels. Fortuitously however, it would appear that between the ownership of H.P Greenough and J.B. Nethercutt the originally fitted engine H78U, was removed in favor of C48Z, which the PIII still sports today.
Presenting an extremely straightforward and rewarding recommissioning project, 3CP98 is a very deserving project. Sure to bring smiles wherever driven or shown.
Additional information
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