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1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II background image

1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Imperial Cabriolet

  • Coachwork by D'Ieteren
  • Chassis Number: 127XJ
  • Engine Number: JX45
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Navigation
The Imperial Cabriolet is an exquisite example of an English automobile with custom French coachwork by Hibbard and Darrin. Among the many improvements of the Phantom II, over the Phantom I is that is has a much lower chassis which reduced the overall height by nine inches. They were produced until 1935, with a total production of 1767. This example has an aluminum bonnet and raked windshield giving it a pronounced and flowing appearance. The original owner of this car was Robert T. Neely, the founder of a successful chain of luncheonettes.
This 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Imperial Cabriolet has coachwork by D'Ieteren for Hibbard and Darrin. It is powered by a 7668 cc six-cylinder engine capable of producing 120 horsepower. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted four-wheel drum brakes and the suspension is comprised of semi-elliptic leaf springs. Though it is constructed of aluminum, it was heavy enough to require extra supports on the frame.

The Phantom II's were produced for six years, spanning 1929 through 1935 with 1767 examples being constructed. They were built as a replacement for the Phantom I and first shown to the public at the Olympia Motor Show. One of the biggest improvements over its predecessor was the under-slung rear springs and lower frame which allowed the ride height to be lowered, making the ride smoother and improving its handling.

The Phantom II's received coachwork from the most notable coachbuilders of the time. This one, chassis XJ-127 was shipped to Paris where it received coachwork by Hibbard and Darrin. The interior is the most astonishing, outfitted with lavish appointments that spared no expense. The floor is made of faux Mink while the trim in the rear compartment is made up of German plated gold hardware and walnut wood. Also found in the rear compartment are perfume bottles, lighter, crystal decanter and glasses, Waltham eight day clock, window blinds and jump seats. A hidden gun case could be found built into one of the armrests.

A divider window separated the driver from the chauffer. A speaker system allowed communication between the two. The roof above the chauffer was made of leather and constructed so it could be removed for open air driving.

XJ-127 was purchased by Mr. Neely, a New York State resident and founder of Nedick's and Shanty Shops, a chain of 135 luncheonettes. It was estimated that at the time of purchase, Mr. Neely was worth ten million dollars. After being toured around Paris and Europe for 100 days, it was hipped to the United States aboard the 'America Flyer'. It has stayed in the United States since that time.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2007

2012 Mecum - Monterey, CA

Sale Price :
USD $180,000

2011 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Amelia Island

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $125,000-USD $150,000 
Sale Price :
USD $110,000

2009 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia

Sale Price :
USD $227,000

2008 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $200,000-USD $225,000 
High Bid (Lot was not sold)
USD $180,000

2006 RM Auctions at Amelia Island

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $150,000-USD $200,000 
Sale Price :
USD $231,000

1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Rolls-Royce Phantom II

(Data based on Model Year 1929 sales)
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Shooting Brake
Chassis#: 41WJ
Sold for USD$49,280
  2025 Worldwide Auctioneers : Enthusiast Auction
 
1929 Rolls Royce 40/50hp Phantom II Cabriolet de Ville
Chassis#: 121XJ
Sold for USD$147,823
  2016 Bonhams : The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale
 
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Torpedo Tourer by Barker
Chassis#: 50XJ
Sold for USD$434,500
  2015 RM Sotheby's Hershey Auction
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II All-Weather Tourer by Thrupp & Maberly
Chassis#: 3XJ
Sold for USD$357,500
  2015 RM Sotheby's : Monterey
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  
1929 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom II Sedanca de Ville
Chassis#: 24EX
Sold for USD$184,657
  2013 Bonhams - Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
 
1929 Rolls Royce Phantom II Imperial Cabriolet
Chassis#: 127XJ
Sold for USD$180,000
  2012 Mecum - Monterey, CA
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca de Ville by Barker
Chassis#: 133WJ
Sold for USD$221,940
  2012 Aalholm Automobile Collection
 
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Short-Coupled Saloon
Chassis#: 33WJ
Sold for USD$59,197
  2012 H & H Auctions - Rockingham Castle
 
1929 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM II
Sold for USD$137,500
  2012 Auctions America - Ft Lauderdale, Fl
 
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Imperial Cabriolet by Hibbard and Darrin
Chassis#: 127 XJ
Sold for USD$110,000
  2011 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Amelia Island
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  
1929 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom II Weymann Sports Saloon
Chassis#: 61XJ
Sold for USD$333,519
  2011 Bonhams - Bonhams Oxford, Collectors' Motor Cars
 
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Weymann Saloon
Sold for USD$143,000
  2010 Auctions America : Auburn Collector Car Auction
 
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Torpedo Tourer
Sold for USD$770,000
  2010 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Boattail Tourer
Sold for USD$85,250
  2010 RM Auctions - The Pate Collection
 
1929 Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp Phantom II Open Tourer
Chassis#: 87WJ
Sold for USD$81,916
  2010 RM Auctions - Sporting Classics of Monaco
 
1929 Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp Phantom II Special Cabriolet 'Hunting Car'
Chassis#: 86XJ
Sold for USD$89,363
  2010 RM Auctions - Sporting Classics of Monaco
 
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Imperial Cabriolet
Chassis#: 127 XJ
Sold for USD$227,000
  2009 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  
1929 Rolls-Royce Phanton II Dual Cowl Touring
Sold for USD$82,500
  2009 Worldwide Auctioneers - The Weinberg Collection Auction 2009
 
1929 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM II DUAL COWL TOURING
Sold for USD$95,700
  2009 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
 
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II
Chassis#: 127XJ
Sold for USD$231,000
  2006 RM Auctions at Amelia Island
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II image  

Rolls-Royce Phantom IIs That Failed To Sell At Auction

1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Radford Shooting Brake41wj2025 Mecum : Indy$60,000  
1929 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom II Weymann Sports Saloon461XJ2021 Bonhams : Goodwood Revival : Collectors Motor Cars and Automobilia $130,000$160,000
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II 40/50hp Sedanca de Ville40WJ2015 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais $110,000$150,000
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Torpedo Tourer by Barker50XJ2014 Motor City Auction by RM Auctions$625,000$650,000$850,000
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Short-Coupled Saloon33WJ2011 RM Auctions London$120,750$110,000$140,000
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Imperial Cabriolet127XJ2008 RM Auctions Automobiles of Arizona$180,000$200,000$225,000

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1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II vehicle thumbnail image  1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II vehicle thumbnail image  
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1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
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Other Rolls-Royce Phantom II model years

1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Vehicle Profiles

1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II vehicle information
Torpedo Tourer
Coachwork: Barker
Chassis #: 50XJ
Engine #: 5025X
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II vehicle information
Tourer
Coachwork: Brewster
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II vehicle information
All Weather Convertible
Coachwork: Thrupp and Maberly
Chassis #: 3XJ
Engine #: ZH25
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II vehicle information
Imperial Cabriolet
Coachwork: D'Ieteren
Chassis #: 127XJ
Engine #: JX45
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II vehicle information
Short Coupled Saloon
Coachwork: Weymann

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.