1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III ‘Sports Limousine’ by A. Mulliner No reserve

1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III ‘Sports Limousine’ by A. Mulliner No reserve - 7.4-litre V12 aluminium engine inspired by aviation - Recently recommissioned by the specialist Americo - High-quality older restoration - No reserve At the start of the 1930s, the luxury car manufacturers competed to outdo each other: Hispano-Suiza had developed a 12-cylinder engine and Cadillac went further, introducing 16 cylinders. Rolls-Royce could not be left behind, particularly as the constructor benefitted from valuable aeronautical experience. It produced a lightweight aluminium V12 engine of 7,338cc, a pushrod unit with overhead valves that developed 165 bhp and was connected to a four-speed gearbox. Often chauffeur-driven and built with no expense spared, the Phantom III could be bodied to order by Mulliner, Barker, Hooper or Thrupp & Maberly, according to the customer’s request. A little over 700 examples were produced between 1936 and 1939, and it would be 1998 before another V12 would be found under the bonnet of a Rolls-Royce. As its factory build sheet and various documents from the manufacturer confirm, chassis 3CM114 was sold on 10 November 1937 and sent to the coachbuilder Arthur Mulliner, to be fitted with a five-seat ‘Sports Limousine’ body. It was ordered by A.F. England, who took delivery of the car in March 1938. This magnificent Phantom was found in Wiltshire in 1989, in the ownership of an enthusiast who had used it daily before laying it up for several years. Its new owner, a collector of Phantoms, undertook a major restoration of the car, including the engine, bodywork, running gear and electrical system. The restoration was completed in 2002 and its owner said at the time that it was one of the nicest Phantoms to drive that he had ever tested. The father of the car’s current lady owners, a great lover of fine English motorcars, bought it the same year and ensured it was driven regularly. After being laid up for several years, the car has just been recommissioned by the specialist Americo, and we were able to see how splendidly the lovely V12 runs. With the exception of some chrome requiring attention and a cracked window, the standard of its restoration commands admiration today, just as much as its sporty, distinguished appearance. A car of great quality. Its registration certificate having been mislaid, a request is underway with the French authorities (ANTS) and the document will be supplied to the buyer as soon as possible. Photos © Alexis Rube

Estimation:€50,000

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