COMING TO AUCTION
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GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED SALE
FRIDAY 24th JUNE 2016
GOODWOOD CIRCUIT, CHICHESTER
1929 ROLLS ROYCE 40/50hp PHANTOM II
CABRIOLET DE-VILLE
Coachwork by: BARKER & Co
Registration no. OF 8118
Chassis no. 121XJ
Engine no. EJ15
*Originally a limousine by Thrupp & Maberly
*Body from New Phantom '31HC'
*Professionally restored between 2000 and 2002
*Body restored by the owner
FOOTNOTES
- Reputedly the last model that Henry Royce designed himself, the Phantom II was introduced in 1929 as a successor to the New Phantom (retrospectively known as the Phantom I) with deliveries commencing in September of that year. Unlike its predecessor, which inherited its underpinnings from the preceding 40/50hp model, the Silver Ghost, the Phantom II employed an entirely new chassis laid out along the lines of that of the smaller 20hp Rolls-Royce. Built in two wheelbase lengths - 144" and 150", the former being used for the Continental models - this new low-slung frame, with its radiator set well back, enabled coachbuilders to body the car in the modern idiom, creating sleeker designs than the upright ones of the past.The engine too had come in for extensive revision. The PI's cylinder dimensions and basic layout - two blocks of three cylinders, with an aluminium cylinder head common to both blocks - were retained, but the combustion chambers had been redesigned and the 'head was now of the cross-flow type, with inlet and exhaust manifolds on opposite sides. The magneto/coil dual ignition system remained the same as on the PI. The result of these engine changes was greatly enhanced performance, particularly of the Continental model, and the ability to accommodate weightier coachwork.Highly favoured by prominent coachbuilders, the Phantom II chassis provided the platform for some of the truly outstanding designs of its day and this example wears handsome Cabriolet de Ville coachwork by Barker & Co, of London, one of the finest of all British coachbuilders and a firm associated with Rolls-Royce from the latter's earliest days. Old established coachbuilders, Barker had shown an example of their work to the Hon C S Rolls as early as 1905; so impressed was he that the firm was viewed as the 'official coachbuilder' to Rolls-Royce for the next 25 years.This particular body started life on the New Phantom long chassis '31HC'. The latter had been ordered in 1929 by Captain J F C Kruse, who commissioned Amhurst Villiers - of 'Villiers Vauxhall', 'Blower Bentley' and 'Bluebird' world record-holder fame - to supercharge the engine. Extensively modified, '31HC' was the only Rolls-Royce to undergo this conversion. In 1932 '31HC' was re-bodied by James Young, and its original body was later re-deployed on the car offered here, '121XJ', which had been originally completed as a limousine by Thrupp & Maberly in February 1930.A long-chassis model, '121XJ' had been ordered by Rootes and appears to have been delivered via Jack Barclay to George Heath Ltd of Birmingham, its first owner. Copy chassis cards are available, a particular point of interest being the dynamometer power graph, which shows that the original engine ('IY45') produced a maximum of 90bhp at around 2,400rpm. Only one additional owner is listed: Messrs Hodgson & Sons Ltd, Undertakers of Hockley Hill, Birmingham. The change of ownership is dated 1942, so it would be safe to assume that '121XJ' was still a limousine at this time.Between 2000 and 2002, this beautiful Phantom underwent extensive restoration at marque specialists Wildae Restorations of Braunton, Devon at a total cost of £30,000. Wildae carried out work on the engine, gearbox, axles, suspension, and exhaust, while more recently the body was fully restored by the car's owner. Trimmed in red hide with beige cloth headlining, the beautiful interior boasts piano ebony dashboard and capping rails, and rear vanity mirrors complete with small bottles, glasses, and decanters. '121XJ' comes with an extensive very interesting history file including the aforementioned chassis cards, a Phantom II parts catalogue, a V5C registration document, and numerous invoices for works carried out. Worthy of any collection, this most handsome car is presented in magnificent condition both inside and out.
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