1939 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Limousine

This Rolls-Royce Phantom III is one of the final examples built and was bodied by H.J. Mulliner as a formal limousine for display at the 1939 Scottish Motor Show. Due to the onset of World War II, the show was canceled, and the Rolls-Royce was sent to the United States, where it was delivered to Mrs. Arthur Burrage of Boston. Another early owner was James Melton, who used the Rolls as his everyday car in Connecticut for some time in the early post-war era.

In 1951, the car returned to the United Kingdom and into the ownership of the Earl of Sefton, only to move back stateside when it was sold in 1963 to William Thill of Dubuque, Iowa. The car remained with Mr. Thill until 1997. Later owners include Robert Shaffner, who eventually sold it to the current owner, William B. Ruger Jr.

Mr. Ruger treated the Rolls-Royce to a cosmetic restoration by Fran Roxas with new Shell Gray and Tudor Gray paint and complementary upholstery. Dennison-Jayne Motors of West Chester, Pennsylvania completely rebuilt the engine. A new radiator was fitted and sealed-beam headlamps were installed. The odometer currently shows 80,176 miles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020