Rolls-Royce Phantom II I Drop Head Coupe 1937
Allgemeine Beschreibung :
The Rolls-Royce Phantom II had proven to be one of the most successful flagship models for the marque; one that would cement Rolls-Royce’s reputation as the leader in the world luxury motorcar market. So the task of developing its replacement proved quite daunting. Despite Rolls-Royce’s status as the world’s premier automobile manufacturer, pressure from the multi-cylinder race influenced the firm’s normally conservative engineering department. The new Phantom III of 1936 would be Rolls-Royce’s entry into the multi-cylinder market, joining the likes of Pierce-Arrow, Hispano-Suiza, Marmon and Packard. Replacing the venerable inline six that traced its roots to the Ghost was an all-new, clean-sheet design V12 engine constructed of aluminum alloy and displacing 7.32 liters, or 447 cubic inches. While the V12 layout was certainly a departure for the company in terms of road car power, it was not at all unfamiliar territory given their vast experience with aero engines of the same configuration, and many of the Phantom III engine’s features borrowed heavily from the firm’s aviation experience. The Phantom III was the final car to be designed under the leadership of Sir Henry Royce, though he would not live long enough to see the car reach production.
As with the Ghost and Phantom models before it, the Phantom III was quite popular among the world’s royalty and social elite. In particular, powerful rulers from India developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for Rolls-Royce motor cars. The area that now comprises India, Pakistan and Bangladesh was once comprised of nearly 600 states, each ruled by its own prince, or maharaja. During the height of British Colonialism, the ruling maharajas enjoyed fabulous wealth and a love for the cars from Rolls-Royce, with 800 cars delivered there in the pre-war period. The marque had established itself in India in the early part of the 20th century, when in 1907, a 40/50hp “Silver Ghost” successfully traversed six treacherous mountain passes between Bombay and Kolhapur, winning a grueling reliability trial and spurring a frenzy of orders from the ruling elite. The Rolls-Royce cars delivered to India became increasingly elaborate and highly decorated, as Maharajas tried to outdo one another in an unofficial race to own the most spectacular motorcar in India. Many were ordered with special equipment for nearly an official activity or recreation imaginable, such as hunting, parades, or state business; and body styling would range from the sublime to the outrageous.
We are honored to offer one of the most beautiful of all Maharaja Rolls-Royces: The Phantom III Disappearing Roof Drophead by Thrupp & Maberly, serial number 3AZ178. This magnificent automobile was famously owned by Maharaja Bahadur Sir Kameshwar Singh, otherwise known as the Maharaja of Darbhanga. Maharaja Kemeshwar Singh was one of the wealthiest state rulers in India, amassing a huge fortune through his vast array of business interests in India and abroad. He holds the distinction of being the last titled ruler of the Raj Darbhanga state, as India gained independence in the late 1940s and he did not name an heir.
The provenance of 3AZ178 is quite fascinating. It is interesting to note that the Maharaja was not the original owner of this particular chassis. That honor goes to Joseph Coppinger of London who took delivery of the car in September of 1936, equipped then with very subdued Barker limousine coachwork. But by December of the same year, the car was returned to Rolls-Royce and sold to The Maharaja of Darbhanga, who commissioned Thrupp & Maberly to construct this staggeringly beautiful and daring coachwork, one of just two Phantom III chassis so equipped. The original limousine body was not wasted, as it was installed on another one of the Maharaja’s PIII chassis. It isn’t known exactly why Mr. Coppinger parted with his Phantom III so quickly, but it is believed that the Maharaja was open to the idea of a gently owned chassis if it drastically shortened the delivery time and allowed him to jump to the head of the waiting list. Prior to shipping it to India in 1938, The Maharaja toured Europe with the car, enjoying its effortless power and performance. When it arrived in India, it was only the second Phantom III to be dispatched to India. 3AZ178 remained a prized feature of the Maharaja’s stable through the time of his death in 1962.
Later in the 1960s, 3AZ178 was somehow wrested from the Maharaja’s family by a British National who hung about the colonies in search of interesting old cars. He exported it to England and in 1968 it was acquired by Hugh Boucher of Kent. By that time, the car still had exceptionally low miles, though cosmetically it was beginning to appear a bit tired. In the early 1990s, Boucher turned the PIII over to James Pearce Coachbuilders for a light freshening. Mr. Boucher cared for the Phantom III from 1968 through is passing in 1999, after which the car found its way to the USA. Once stateside, a prominent American collector acquired this historic Rolls-Royce in 2006, and commissioned a meticulous cosmetic restoration with highly respected classic-era expert Fran Roxas. Accompanying the car is a very large stack of receipts, correspondence and records documenting its history.
Color played an important role in the presentation of Maharajas automobiles, and this car is no exception. After painstaking research by Mr. Roxas, the original royal blue of the Raj Darbhanga was identified and carefully reproduced to repaint the car. This vivid blue accentuates the body’s breathtaking lines, and details such as the official state insignia of the Raj Darbhanga, a six pointed star with a sacred Ganges River Dolphin, adorn the doors. At the time of the restoration, the body was determined to be excellent condition, having enjoyed a pampered life both in India and in England. It exhibits an exceptionally solid feel, particularly in action of the doors. The folding roof is a marvel of engineering, with clever features such as B-pillars that disappear with the top frame, yet provide excellent weather proofing when the roof is in place.
Mechanically, the V12 engine, running gear and chassis were found to be in remarkably good condition, as it is certain the car enjoyed no-expense-spared maintenance for its entire life. It is believed that the 25,000 miles shown is genuine, and that the car has never been completely apart. The engine has been methodically serviced and presents in beautiful condition both cosmetically and mechanically. Now beautifully dialed-in, this is truly one of the finest driving Phantom IIIs we have ever encountered. It feels hewn from a solid as only true low-mileage cars do. Proper mechanical condition is critical on these highly specialized automobiles, and this Phantom III stands with the best.
The tremendous efforts of owner and restorer were rewarded at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with a 3rd in class E-2, a special group celebrating the Rolls-Royces of the Maharajas. More recently, it earned a Best in Class for Pre-war Rolls-Royce at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. 3AZ178 is a stunning and highly important motorcar. The gently mellowed restoration and superb mechanical condition make it a fine choice for the collector/driver to participate in tours and road events the world over. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most beautiful of all Phantom IIIs, with fascinating provenance and a world-class restoration. Surely one of the most breathtaking examples of its kind, 3AZ178 is a shining example of the grand and glorious history of Rolls-Royce in India.
Offers welcomed and trades considered
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6294
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom II I Drop Head Coupe is listed verkauft on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for Preis nicht verfügbar.
Fakten der Auto
Karosserietyp : Auto Marke : Rolls-Royce Modell : Phantom II Ausführung : I Drop Head Coupe Hubraum : 0.0 Modelljahr : 1937 Karosstyp : Coupé Lage : Missouri
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über Rolls-Royce
Nun, meine Damen und Herren, heute tauchen wir ein in die glanzvolle Geschichte einer Marke, die immer das ganz Wesen britischen Luxus und Handwerkskunst verkörpert hat - Rolls-Royce.Unsere Geschichte beginnt zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts, als zwei Visionäre, Charles Rolls und Henry Royce, beschlossen, sich zusammenzuschließen. Im Jahr 1904 wurde der allererste Rolls-Royce geboren, der Rolls-Royce 10 hp. Es war ein bescheidener Anfang für ein Unternehmen, das die Automobil-Exzellenz neu definieren würde.
Aber es war erst 1907, dass Rolls-Royce wirklich seinen Stempel aufdrückte, mit der Einführung des Silver Ghost. Er wurde als das "Beste Auto der Welt" gefeiert und setzte den Goldstandard für Luxusautos. Mit seinem flüsterleisen Motor und seiner exquisiten Handwerkskunst war er ein Statement von Opulenz und Raffinesse.
Die 1920er Jahre brachten uns den Rolls-Royce Phantom I, ein Ikone seiner Zeit. Es war der erste Rolls-Royce mit einem 6-Zylinder-Motor und legte den Grundstein für die legendäre Phantom-Reihe. Dies war die Ära, in der die Maharadschas von Indien maßgefertigte Rolls-Royces in Auftrag gaben, die nichts weniger als automobilen Palästen entsprachen.
Schnell vorwärts in die Nachkriegsjahre, und wir haben den Silver Cloud, ein Symbol für den britischen Optimismus der Nachkriegszeit. Der Silver Cloud verkörperte Eleganz, mit seinen fließenden Linien und handgefertigten Interieurs. Er war die Wahl von Königen, Prominenten und Industriekapitänen.
Aber wenn wir über das Epizentrum des Rolls-Royce-Luxus sprechen, dann ist es der Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, der uns von 1968 bis 1991 begleitete. Dies war ein Auto, das die Aussage traf, dass "wenn Sie nach dem Preis fragen müssen, können Sie es sich nicht leisten." Anpassung war das Stichwort, und der Phantom VI war eine Leinwand für die weltweit Wohlhabendsten, um ihren einzigartigen Geschmack auszudrücken.
Nun, es ist unmöglich, über Rolls-Royce zu sprechen, ohne den Rolls-Royce Corniche zu erwähnen. Produziert von 1971 bis 1995, handelte es sich um eine Cabriolet- und Coupé-Version des Silver Shadow. Der Corniche war der Inbegriff des Grand Touring, ein Auto für diejenigen, die den Kontinent in absolutem Luxus durchqueren wollten.
Aber, ach, selbst die Mächtigsten müssen ihren Niedergang erleben, und Rolls-Royce war keine Ausnahme. Das Unternehmen durchlief in den 1970er und 80er Jahren finanzielle Turbulenzen, was zur Übernahme durch Vickers plc führte. Dann kam die umstrittene Eigentümerschaft von BMW und Volkswagen, die die Enthusiasten spaltete.
Rolls-Royce erlangte unter BMW-Besitz wieder Boden, und das neue Jahrtausend brachte uns den Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, eine Rückkehr zu den Wurzeln des Unternehmens für kompromisslosen Luxus. Der Phantom VII war ein Zeugnis für britische Ingenieurskunst und Handwerkskunst.
Und das, meine Damen und Herren, bringt uns auf den heutigen Tag. Rolls-Royce produziert weiterhin einige der opulentesten, maßgeschneiderten Fahrzeuge auf dem Planeten, ein Symbol für die britische Imperium, das mit der Zeit nicht verblasst ist. Der Geist von Sir Henry Royce und Charles Rolls lebt in jedem Auto weiter, das die Spirit of Ecstasy trägt, ein Zeugnis für das anhaltende Erbe der britischen Automobil-Exzellenz.