Lot 017: 1936 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM III SPORTS SALOON

Although unveiled to the public at the October 1935 Olympia Motor Show, the Phantom III did not enter series production until May 1936. A fabulous design that reasserted Rolls-Royce's right to be considered as the world's pre-eminent car manufacturer, its cruciform-braced chassis featured independent coil-sprung front suspension, a fully-floating 'live' rear axle, hydraulic shock absorbers and gearbox driven servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes. Drawing on decades of aero-engine experience, it was powered by a 7340cc ohv V12. Fabricated largely from aluminium alloy, this technically advanced unit boasted a seven-bearing crankshaft, eight-bearing camshaft, hydraulic tappets and dual downdraught Stromberg carburettors. Effortlessly potent and eerily smooth, it required a level of care and maintenance not dissimilar to that of its Schneider Trophy winning siblings. Allied to a four-speed manual gearbox (complete with synchromesh on second, third and fourth gears), it gave most variants a 100mph top speed. Only built for three short seasons, just 727 Phantom IIIs are thought to have been despatched worldwide. Finished in grey over black with grey leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "90\%" (chromework), "95\%" (interior trim) or "100\%" (engine, gearbox, chassis, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Said to have had just four keepers from new, chassis 3AZ136 was apparently delivered to dealer Jack Barclay on 18th December 1935 who in turn commissioned H.J. Mulliner to create the handsome sports saloon body that it wears today. Lacking an interior division (a rare omission on a Phantom III if only because so many were bound for formal service), it was despatched by the coachbuilders on 26th August 1936. Part of a large collection of Rolls-Royce motorcars since 1992, we are informed that during that time chassis 3AZ136 "has been totally rebuilt at a cost in excess of ú80,000 with all works carried out by specialist Rolls-Royce engineers". Reportedly treated to a "complete overhaul" of its engine, electrics and chassis, it has also benefited from "a new stainless steel exhaust and six tyres". Receiving a repaint earlier this year as well as attention to its interior trim, carpets and woodwork, chassis 3AZ136 is understood to have been "extensively road tested in March 2006". Thus, while it lacks a current MOT certificate, the present owner assumes that obtaining one would be a formality for his / her successor. Sporting twin side-mounted spare wheels and a recently installed FM radio, this magnificent Phantom III is not to be missed. Please Note: The centre spotlight pictured above is no longer attached to the car.