Description
In 1936 Rolls-Royce made their first move away from the highly successful six-cylinder engine with the introduction of the Phantom III. For the first time in nearly three decades Rolls-Royce chose to power their new model with a V12 engine following several years of development. The new V12 engine was fitted with overhead valves and could produce very impressive performance figures, especially when considering the sheer size and weight of the finished motorcar. Speeds in excess of 80mph were well within this powerful models grasp. Production of the Phantom IIs successor continued until 1939, available in just one size that being a 142-inch wheelbase, with little more than 700 chassis rolling off the production line at the factory.
Most of the chassis produced were fitted with formal four door coachwork, but a select few were commissioned with more stylish bodies such as Chassis No 3AX59 which was completed to Design No 1751 by Freestone & Webb, a unique and extremely elegant Sedanca de Ville design. It was originally finished in black with a light blue interior and complete with twin side mounted spare wheels and individually adjustable bucket type front seats. The car was ordered by Grimshaw Leather Company and Dex Garages and was subsequently delivered to Mr John Cyril Finucane Simpson of Bradley Hall in Northumberland.
Mr Simpson retained the car until April 1941 and during his ownership took the decision to seal the sedanca roof for reasons unknown. He sold it back to Rolls-Royce where it remained until Jack Barclay offered it for sale in 1945. It was purchased in 1946 in post war London by Mr F Cumber of Knightsbridge who retained it until 1950 when it was sold to Mr J Ralph of Newquay in Cornwall. The car was then listed for sale nine years later with Simmons of Mayfair Ltd and sold to Mr B Gordon Glass who is understood to have exported the car to California in 1962.
Chassis No 3AX59 is understood to have returned to the UK in the late 1980’s when it was purchased by Phantom III historian and author, Mr Nick Whitaker, who took the wise decision to reinstate the sedanca roof as per the car’s original specification. The engine was reviewed by Brunts of Silverdale in the 1990’ and the cosmetics were all restored under the watchful eye of Bunty Scott-Moncreiff.
Frank Dale & Stepsons offered Chassis No 3AX59 for sale and sold it to Professor J. C. Givel in late 2003 and shipped it to his home in Switzerland early the following year. The present owner purchased the car from the Givel family around ten years ago. During his ownership the car has been beautifully maintained and toured significantly across Europe, with it always being reliable and a pleasure to drive. The car has recently been reviewed and prepared for sale in our workshops, with minimal works required such is the quality of the car. Chassis No 3AX59 is a superb Phantom III, driving beautifully with extremely stylish coachwork and is a car that we are delighted to have back for sale again.
