Rolls-Royce Phantom III 40/50HP

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Perhaps the most outstanding luxury car of the 1930s - certainly on this side of the Channel - was the Rolls-Royce Phantom III.

Introduced in 1936, the 7,340cc V12-engined Phantom III succeeded the Phantom II, the six-cylinder engine of which was considered to be at the end of its development life. The choice of a V12 was a logical one for Rolls-Royce, the company already having had considerable experience of manufacturing V12 aero engines such as that used in the record-breaking Supermarine S6B seaplane. No doubt another consideration was the need to match the multi-cylinder opposition, notably the V16 Cadillac and V12 Hispano-Suiza.

Its engine configuration aside, the Phantom III represents an important milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce cars, being the first with independent front suspension. A total of 710 had been manufactured when WW2 halted production, of which around 300 exist worldwide today.

3BU182 was ordered in September 1936 via Henlys of London by Arthur Henry Wrey of Regents Park, London. A long chassis B-series example with C-type steering, it was despatched to celebrated coachbuilders HJ Mulliner who were commissioned to build enclosed limousine coachwork, the complete car being delivered to Wrey’s London address in February 1937.

It is not known when 3BU182 lost its coachwork but it is recorded that the engine was removed and fitted to 3CM101. The rolling chassis was purchased by the vendor in the early 1970s with the intention of building a stunning two-seater roadster in the style of Veth & Zoon – this dream was unfortunately never realised and the car is being offered here from a deceased estate.

Having recently been exhumed from long term storage the chassis, axles, gearbox and suspension components to name but a few are the original to this chassis – confirmed by copies of Rolls-Royce Factory Order and Build Sheets on file. This highly exciting project Phantom III affords the fortunate purchaser the chance to return to the road one of the finest engineered Rolls-Royces, with the freedom of coachwork choice.

3BU182 is offered with a correct type engine crankcase numbered K28S, crankshaft, D series high performance cylinder heads, con rods, cam followers, push rods, carburettor plus gearbox and radiator shell and core. A dissembled steering box, gears and column along with various engine ancillaries plus many other small hard to find parts included in the sale. It should be noted that marque specialists Alpine Eagle now supply a complete range of Phantom III components, essential for any such restoration. Sold strictly as viewed this most rewarding project is offered at a very sensible guide price today.