Sold 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 2146354187 Tweet

The Rolls-Royce Phantom II had proven to be one of the most successful flagship models for the marque; one that would cement Rolls-Royces reputation as the leader in the world luxury motorcar market. So the task of developing its replacement proved quite daunting. Despite Rolls-Royces status as the worlds premier automobile manufacturer pressure from the multi-cylinder race influenced the firms normally conservative engineering department. The new Phantom III of 1936 would be Rolls-Royces entry into the multi-cylinder market joining the likes of Pierce-Arrow Hispano-Suiza Marmon and Packard. Replacing the venerable inline six that traced its roots to the Ghost was an all-new clean-sheet design V12 engine constructed of aluminum alloy and displacing 7.32 liters or 447 cubic inches. While the V12 layout was certainly a departure for the company in terms of road car power it was not at all unfamiliar territory given their vast experience with aero engines of the same configuration and many of the Phantom III engines features borrowed heavily from the firms aviation experience. The Phantom III was the final car to be designed under the leadership of Sir Henry Royce though he would not live long enough to see the car reach production.As with the Ghost and Phantom models before it the Phantom III was quite popular among the worlds royalty and social elite. In particular powerful rulers from India developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for Rolls-Royce motor cars. The area that now comprises India Pakistan and Bangladesh was once comprised of nearly 600 states each ruled by its own prince or maharaja. During the height of British Colonialism the ruling maharajas enjoyed fabulous wealth and a love for the cars from Rolls-Royce with 800 cars delivered there in the pre-war period. The marque had established itself in India in the early part of the 20th century when in 1907 a 40/50hp Silver Ghost successfully traversed six treacherous mountain passes between Bombay and Kolhapur winning a grueling reliability trial and spurring a frenzy of orders from the ruling elite. The Rolls-Royce cars delivered to India became increasingly elaborate and highly decorated as Maharajas tried to outdo one another in an unofficial race to own the most spectacular motorcar in India. Many were ordered with special equipment for nearly an official activity or recreation imaginable such as hunting parades or state business; and body styling would range from the sublime to the outrageous.We are honored to offer one of the most beautiful of all Maharaja Rolls-Royces: The Phantom III Disappearing Roof Drophead by Thrupp & Maberly serial number 3AZ178. This magnificent automobile was famously owned by His Highness Maharaja Bahadur Sir Kameshwar Singh otherwise known as the Maharaja of Darbhanga. Maharaja Kemeshwar Singh was one of the wealthiest state rulers in India amassing a huge fortune through his vast array of business interests in India and abroad. He holds the distinction of being the last titled ruler of the Raj Darbhanga state as India gained independence in the late 1940s and he did not name an heir.The provenance of 3AZ178 is quite fascinating. It is somewhat unusual that the Maharaja was not the original owner of this particular chassis. That honor goes to Joseph Coppinger of London who took delivery in September of 1936 the car equipped with Barker limousine coachwork. But by December of the same year the car had been sold to the Maharaja of Darbhanga who commissioned Thrupp & Mayberly to construct this staggeringly beautiful and daring coachwork one of just two Phantom III chassis so equipped. The original limousine body was not wasted as it was installed on another one of the Maharajas PIII chassis. It isnt known exactly why Mr. Coppinger parted with his Phantom III so quickly but it is believed that the Maharaja was open to the idea of a gently owned chassis as it drastically shortened the delivery time and allowed him to get an essentially new car in a fraction of the time. The Phantom was used for touring in Europe by His Highness before being shipped to India in 1938. At that time it was only the second Phantom III to be dispatched to India surely a point of pride. 3AZ178 remained a prized feature of the Maharajas stable through the time of his death in 1962.Later in the 1960s 3AZ178 was acquired from the Maharajas family by a British National who hung about the colonies in search of interesting old cars such as this. He exported it to England and in 1968 it was acquired by Hugh Boucher of Kent. By that time the car still had exceptionally low miles though cosmetically it was beginning to appear a bit tired. Boucher turned the PIII over to the famed coachbuilder James Young to be retrimmed and lightly restored. Mr. Boucher cared for the Phantom III from 1968 through is passing in 1999 after which the car found its way to the USA. The most recent owner a prominent American collector acquired this historic Rolls-Royce in 2006.Now in the hands of a new owner a careful and sympathetic restoration was commenced. Color played an important role in the presentation of Maharajas automobiles and this car is no exception. After painstaking research by the highly respected restorer Fran Roxas the original royal blue color of the Raj Darbhanga was identified and carefully reproduced to repaint the car. This vivid blue accentuates the bodys beautiful lines and details such as the official state insignia of the Raj Darbhanga a six pointed star with a sacred Ganges River Dolphin adorn the doors. At the time of the restoration the body was determined to be excellent condition having enjoyed a pampered life both in India and in England. It exhibits an exceptionally solid feel particularly in action of the doors. The folding roof is a marvel of engineering with clever features such as B-pillars that disappear with the top frame yet provide excellent weather proofing when the roof is in place.Mechanically the V12 engine running gear and chassis were also found to be in remarkably good condition throughout as it is certain the car enjoyed no-expense-spared maintenance for its entire life. It is believed that the 25000 miles shown is genuine and that the car has never been completely apart. The engine has been carefully serviced and now presents in beautiful condition both cosmetically and mechanically; running exceptionally well and delivering fine performance - an important consideration on any Phantom III.The efforts of the owner and restorer were rewarded at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance with a 3rd in class E-2 a special group celebrating the Rolls-Royces of the Maharajas. It was also awarded Best in Class for Pre-war Rolls-Royce at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours dElegance. 3AZ178 remains in beautiful condition with a slightly mellowed restoration and truly exquisite mechanical condition. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a magnificent Phantom III with exceptional fascinating provenance presented in lovely order throughout. Surely one of the most breathtaking examples of the Phantom III 3AZ178 is a shining example of the grand and glorious history of Rolls-Royce in India.