1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine

1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine
Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd.
Chassis no. 5LAS45
6,230cc OHV V8 Engine
Two SU Carburetors
220bhp at 4,440rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Rare Left hand drive specification, Canadian delivered
*Originally delivered to serial Rolls-Royce owner Lady Eaton in Toronto
*Later in the collection of Jim Rogers in Las Vegas
*A basis for sympathetic refurbishment
*Recently tested and run

THE POST WAR PHANTOM

With development of its dependable six-cylinder engine nearing an end and facing competition from faster rivals in the United States market, Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the new 6,230cc all-alloy engine graced the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 as well as the Rolls-Royce Phantom V. Alterations to the steering mechanism, now power-assisted as standard, were among the many modifications required to accommodate the wider engine in the existing chassis.

Rolls-Royce's new limousine model, the long-wheelbase Phantom V effectively replaced both the royalty/heads of state-only Phantom IV and the Silver Wraith. The latter's relatively short - for a limousine - wheelbase had made it all but impossible for coachbuilders to provide adequate boot space in a comfortable seven-seater automobile, a shortcoming addressed by the Phantom V. Built on a much modified and strengthened Silver Cloud II chassis enjoying the same 145" wheelbase as the IV, the new Phantom measured over 6 meters (19' 6") in length and enabled coachbuilders to combine the desirable qualities of spacious interior accommodation with generous boot space and graceful lines. A lower final drive ratio ensured that, while top speed was a little down on that of its stablemates though still in excess of 100mph, the new Phantom could all but match them for acceleration.

Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward Limited produced what was in effect the 'standard' seven-passenger limousine coachwork for the Phantom V. The usual upholstery for the front compartment was leather, which was also included in the list of alternatives for the rear along with West of England cloth. As one would expect in a car of this class, a cocktail cabinet was often incorporated into the rear compartment's cabinetwork, while electric windows and air conditioning were among the preferred options.

Park Ward's design remained substantially unaltered until the introduction of the Silver Cloud III and Bentley S3 in the autumn of 1962 when it was revised to incorporate the new models' four-headlamp lighting arrangement and a completely new above-waistline treatment. Now built by the combined firm of Mulliner, Park Ward, the car lived on into the 1990s as the Phantom VI, its passing in 1992 marking the final demise of the separate-chassis Rolls-Royce.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Phantom V offered today dates from 1960, and one of the rarer examples to have been delivered new in left hand drive configuration. Factory records obtaining from the Rolls-Royce Owners Club confirm that as new the Phantom was delivered to T. Eaton Co. Ltd in Canada for Lady Eaton. The Eatons were one of the most famous retailers in Canada, Timothy Eaton building a department store empire that survived through to 1999. Sarah Evelyn Florence 'Flora' McCrea had married Timothy's son John Craig Eaton in 1901, having met attending to him as a nurse. He was knighted for his services to the war effort in 1915, Flora becoming Lady Eaton then. Sir John died in 1922, but Flora continued as a socialite and philanthropist throughout her life.

Lady Eaton is one of the better-known patrons of Rolls-Royce and had been a client of the company since its early days, her Silver Ghost ordered in 1912 was christened 'Ladybird' after her and survives to this day. It can be assumed that this Phantom was one of the last that she ordered, as she passed in 1970. It is not known when the family may have sold the car or the ensuing history until the 2000s.

Although pre-dating the dual headlamp arrangement mentioned above, at some point it has been updated to this look. It was not uncommon for earlier cars to be converted to this set up, since ostensibly this was the only visual difference for the cars that succeeded it, and conversion to that form would no doubt make its owner appear to have a newer car.

The Limousine has resided in its present ownership for the last 8 years having been acquired from the noted public auction of the late Jim Rogers in Las Vegas in the spring of 2015. Mr. Rogers was well known figure in Nevada and former owner of the NBC affiliate KSNV (Channel 3), a passionate collector, he had gathered some 300 collectible automobiles by the time he passed and on his death it was his wish that they be dispersed with the funds then devoted to create a Foundation benefitting local Las Vegas Charities. The car was the earlier of two examples of its kind in that collection, and it seems likely that he would have acquired it some 11 years earlier when it was offered for sale in Las Vegas in another local auction, most likely by Frank Thayer of San Jose who had been advertising it in that period.

Since acquisition the PV has remained with the current owner, receiving only very limited use. As viewed today, it appears to have been the subject of some restoration and refurbishment at the start of the 2000s, to judge from previous auction reviews. Today the Rolls shows some evidence of wear and damage to the bodywork, with a dent in the right rear side roof and also to the front driver's side fender. The bumpers have damage which has displaced the chrome in places. The interior, which carries leather to both front and rear has dried out a little, but still retains the aroma of its luxury hides and lambswool rugs are also present. Having not been run in recent times, we have attempted to start the car and found that it would turn and fire but appears to be lacking a consistent feed of fuel suggesting that the pump needs attention. It was noted that the electric windows are operational.

As classy a ride as you can ever imagine, these timeless Rolls Phantoms represent remarkable value and will surely always be appreciated as the brand continues to go from strength to strength nearly 120 years after its inception.