1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Limousine Coachwork by Park Ward

Lot details Registration No: UW 7776 Chassis No: 41-XJ MOT: Exempt 1 of just 1,402 Phantom IIs understood to have been produced Current ownership for some twenty-two years Invoices on file relating to c.£55,000 worth of expenditure while in the vendor’s ownership Major engine overhaul in 2003 by Hofmann’s of Henley Boasting its original Park Ward enclosed limousine coachwork Introduced at the October 1929 Olympia Motor Show, the Phantom II was the last of the truly grand six-cylinder Rolls-Royces and the final one to be overseen throughout by F. Henry Royce himself. The chassis was completely new and, rather than the cantilever rear springs of its predecessors, it employed underslung semi-elliptic ones which, along with improvements to the drivetrain, allowed the frame to ride closer to the ground, improving handling. The power came from an updated version of the Phantom I engine, topped by a new aluminium alloy crossflow cylinder head, it was matched to a four-speed manual gearbox, bolted directly to the chassis rails. The four-wheel servo-assisted brake system of the Phantom I was continued, and all Phantom II chassis received lubrication set-up. The radiator was positioned aft of a reworked beam front axle, further adding to the model's fresh, low-slung appearance. The resulting elongated bonnet line together with short overhangs created an enticing platform for the coachbuilder's art, and proved conducive to elegant designs courtesy of the major carrozzerias of the day - e.g. James Young, Park Ward, Mulliner, Thrupp & Maberly etc. Capable of over 90mph, the Phantom II remained in production for six years, during which time some 1,402 are understood to have been made, plus 278 with yet sportier Continental specification. All but 125 of the total were equipped with right-hand drive. Chassis ‘41-XJ’ was supplied as a long-wheelbase to coachbuilders Park Ward & Co. for clothing with Limousine coachwork in late 1929, before the Phantom was supplied new to the first owner, E. Marshall Esq. of 74 Herne Hill, London, SE24 on the 27th of January 1930. Finished from the factory in Broken White paintwork with Black wings and chassis, the upholstery was trimmed in Brown striped cloth with Black leather front seats and walnut veneer. Further specified with monogram, sheepskin rug, rope pulls, inspection lamp, Burovox intercom, small interior clock, lamp bumpers to the rear, Lucas wiper, Black Ace wheel discs, Lucas lamps and stop lamp. Sold to Walters Brothers Ltd. of Forest Gate, London, E7 in 1944, ‘41-XJ’ was retained by them for the following twenty years. Passing into the third ownership in the 1960s and fourth during the 1970s, the vendor purchased the Phantom in 2002. Benefitting from a comprehensive engine overhaul by well-respected marque specialists Hofmann’s of Henley upon purchase by the vendor, the engine expenditure reached some £30,000. Looked after across the last eleven years by RR & B Garages, the work completed has included an overhauled Autovac; fuel system flush and new lines as required; carburettor refresh; a new clutch; starter motor and control box overhauls; and servicing, as well as retrimming of the interior in Black leather throughout. Invoices on file relating to improvement to ‘UW 7776’ total c.£55,000 worth of expenditure while in the vendor’s ownership. Starting readily and both running and driving well during our recent photography session, the Phantom is a well-sorted example with invoices on file illustrating significant expenditure back to 1976 with lots of it with known specialists. Supplied with a comprehensive history file, it includes the aforementioned invoices, RREC chassis records, an original handbook 40/50hp, a large selection of MOT certificates back to the mid-1970s, sundry paperwork and a current V5C document. Epitomising the very best of 1930s style, and with excellent provenance and history, ‘41-XJ’ is ready for rallies and extended use! For more information, please contact: Paul Cheetham paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk 07538 667452