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Details
Photo Credit: James Mann
FROM THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM B. RUGER
1934 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM II CONTINENTAL DROPHEAD SEDANCA COUPE
COACHWORK BY H.J. MULLINER
Chassis No. 27 TA
Engine No. VS 95
Two tone silver and grey with red leather interior
Engine: six cylinder, in-line, 7,668cc, 130bhp at 3,100rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual, synchromesh on 3rd and 4th; Suspension: solid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear; Brakes: four wheel drum, mechanical servo. Right hand drive.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom II is considered by many authorities of pre-war Rolls-Royces to be one of the best models the manufacturer ever built. It had the classic lines that said 'luxury' and 'performance' all in one. The Phantom II was made from 1929 to 1935, during which time some 1,767 were produced. It was the last of the Big Six models and is considered the finest achievement of the master, Sir F.H. Royce. The engine actually grew out of the six cylinder used in the Phantom I, but was improved with an aluminum cylinder head and revised manifolding. In the Phantom II, the cantilever springs of the Phantom I were replaced by supple semi-elliptic rear springs. The chassis was lower and so in turn was the center of gravity; weight was reduced and the steering was much improved. The Phantom II also boasted centralized chassis lubrication and twin ignition systems (one by coil and battery, the other by magneto, firing six plugs each). At the end of 1932 a new improved gearbox was introduced.
In 1931 the sporting version of the Phantom II arrived, the Continental, and was to become one of the motoring legends of the thirties. Based on the short 144 inch chassis and with a 5.25:1 compression and a higher axle ratio, a genuine 100mph was possible. It was very much for the owner/driver who considered himself an enthusiast. The majestic Rolls-Royce radiator and low drivetrain provided a superb platform for elegant coachwork and inspired some of the best proportioned and most beautiful designs of the era.
This example, chassis 27-TA, carries elegant Sedanca Coupe coachwork by H.J. Mulliner on the Continental chassis. According to the factory records, it was dispatched in late 1934 to a Mr. Clifford Whitley in Regents Park, London. Special features included vertical louvres on the bonnet and aluminum molding to the rear. Mr. Whitley sold the car to Sir Harold Moore in 1938 who in turn kept it until 1952, when it was bought by Mr. H. Peat in Hertfordshire, England. In 1963 the Phantom was purchased by Mr. Stephen Fuller from Long Island and it remained in the Fuller family's ownership for 36 years until it passed to Mr. Ruger when he acquired it at the Christie's Tarrytown auction in 1999. There is also an original photograph of the Rolls-Royce on page 241 of The Phantom II by Raymond Gentle.
The car was sympathetically restored some years ago prior to Mr. Ruger's ownership and this has now mellowed with attractive gun metal grey paintwork and red leather interior. Externally it does show some signs of age now with a few areas requiring attention. The interior is in comfortable order and the seat cushion tops have been redone in the recent past. At some time a new roof was fitted and this fits and folds correctly and neatly. Indeed, the folding roof system is well executed and typical of the attention to detail incorporated by H.J. Mulliner. The woodwork has fine silver inlay, there is a radio, heater and an almost full complement of tools in the trunk. Other attractive features include the fabulous P100 headlamps, twin side-mounted spares and twin front-mounted horns.
Described as running well, since joining Mr. Ruger's collection the Rolls-Royce has benefited from some detailed engine work including the fitment of a Frank Cooke designed new roller bearing camshaft and the re-grinding of the valves. In addition the car received a full brake system check. Parts fitted include new tubes, tires and new side mounts. Since it is a later series car, it benefits from the built in jacking system.
Just 280 Phantom II Continentals were made, thereby instantly ensuring their rarity and desirability. This example is extremely attractive and captures all of the elegance of the thirties; it also has the added benefit of coachwork by H.J. Mulliner, one of the most respected of the coachbuilders.
WITHOUT RESERVE
FROM THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM B. RUGER
1934 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM II CONTINENTAL DROPHEAD SEDANCA COUPE
COACHWORK BY H.J. MULLINER
Chassis No. 27 TA
Engine No. VS 95
Two tone silver and grey with red leather interior
Engine: six cylinder, in-line, 7,668cc, 130bhp at 3,100rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual, synchromesh on 3rd and 4th; Suspension: solid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear; Brakes: four wheel drum, mechanical servo. Right hand drive.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom II is considered by many authorities of pre-war Rolls-Royces to be one of the best models the manufacturer ever built. It had the classic lines that said 'luxury' and 'performance' all in one. The Phantom II was made from 1929 to 1935, during which time some 1,767 were produced. It was the last of the Big Six models and is considered the finest achievement of the master, Sir F.H. Royce. The engine actually grew out of the six cylinder used in the Phantom I, but was improved with an aluminum cylinder head and revised manifolding. In the Phantom II, the cantilever springs of the Phantom I were replaced by supple semi-elliptic rear springs. The chassis was lower and so in turn was the center of gravity; weight was reduced and the steering was much improved. The Phantom II also boasted centralized chassis lubrication and twin ignition systems (one by coil and battery, the other by magneto, firing six plugs each). At the end of 1932 a new improved gearbox was introduced.
In 1931 the sporting version of the Phantom II arrived, the Continental, and was to become one of the motoring legends of the thirties. Based on the short 144 inch chassis and with a 5.25:1 compression and a higher axle ratio, a genuine 100mph was possible. It was very much for the owner/driver who considered himself an enthusiast. The majestic Rolls-Royce radiator and low drivetrain provided a superb platform for elegant coachwork and inspired some of the best proportioned and most beautiful designs of the era.
This example, chassis 27-TA, carries elegant Sedanca Coupe coachwork by H.J. Mulliner on the Continental chassis. According to the factory records, it was dispatched in late 1934 to a Mr. Clifford Whitley in Regents Park, London. Special features included vertical louvres on the bonnet and aluminum molding to the rear. Mr. Whitley sold the car to Sir Harold Moore in 1938 who in turn kept it until 1952, when it was bought by Mr. H. Peat in Hertfordshire, England. In 1963 the Phantom was purchased by Mr. Stephen Fuller from Long Island and it remained in the Fuller family's ownership for 36 years until it passed to Mr. Ruger when he acquired it at the Christie's Tarrytown auction in 1999. There is also an original photograph of the Rolls-Royce on page 241 of The Phantom II by Raymond Gentle.
The car was sympathetically restored some years ago prior to Mr. Ruger's ownership and this has now mellowed with attractive gun metal grey paintwork and red leather interior. Externally it does show some signs of age now with a few areas requiring attention. The interior is in comfortable order and the seat cushion tops have been redone in the recent past. At some time a new roof was fitted and this fits and folds correctly and neatly. Indeed, the folding roof system is well executed and typical of the attention to detail incorporated by H.J. Mulliner. The woodwork has fine silver inlay, there is a radio, heater and an almost full complement of tools in the trunk. Other attractive features include the fabulous P100 headlamps, twin side-mounted spares and twin front-mounted horns.
Described as running well, since joining Mr. Ruger's collection the Rolls-Royce has benefited from some detailed engine work including the fitment of a Frank Cooke designed new roller bearing camshaft and the re-grinding of the valves. In addition the car received a full brake system check. Parts fitted include new tubes, tires and new side mounts. Since it is a later series car, it benefits from the built in jacking system.
Just 280 Phantom II Continentals were made, thereby instantly ensuring their rarity and desirability. This example is extremely attractive and captures all of the elegance of the thirties; it also has the added benefit of coachwork by H.J. Mulliner, one of the most respected of the coachbuilders.
WITHOUT RESERVE