1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Drophead / 3AZ178 Vehicle Information

The Rolls-Royce Phantom III was the final large Rolls-Royce built before the war. Introduced in 1935, it was the only V12 Rolls-Royce until the introduction of the Silver Seraph in 1998. The unique disappearing top coachwork on this PIII (chassis 3AZ178) was built by Thrupp & Maberly to replace the car's original Barker limousine body. It was specifically ordered by the Maharaja of Darbhanga for touring in Europe. Later, the Maharaja had it shipped home A total of 710 Rolls-Royce Phantom IIIs were built between 1936 and 1939, many being delivered to titled customers. This is a rare example built by Barker with Sports Torpedo Cabriolet coachwork. It was built to the order of His Highness Balbhadra Narayan Bhanj Deo, the last Maharaja of the State of Keonjhar. It was shipped to Bombay in September 1937 with a cream body, light blue fenders, light green top, and green leather interior, which must have been quite a sight in its day. The car was only used for ceremonial and religious purposes. He owned the car from 1937, until his death in the 1960s. The car returned to England in 1969 and remained in the possession of Hugh Boucher until 1999. The car was brought to the US in 1999 and has been owned and enjoyed by the current owner since 2005. Total mileage to date is just over 25,000 miles.

The car is powered by a 7.3 liter 12-cylinder engine, producing 185 horsepower.