1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine

As the 1960s approached, Rolls-Royce chose to replace its aging six-cylinder engine with V8 power. The new V8 was introduced in the autumn of 1959. The 6230cc all-alloy V8 powered the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 sedans as well as the Rolls-Royce Phantom V. The new Phantom V long-wheelbase limousine effectively served as a replacement for the Phantom IV and the Silver Wraith.

The Phantom V measured nearly 20 feet in length, which provided a suitable platform for coachbuilders to build elegant and luxurious creations.

H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd was Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder who produced what was in effect the 'standard' seven-passenger limousine coachwork for the Phantom V. An alternative design was offered by James Young.

This Rolls-Royce Phantom V was ordered for Elvis Presley through American Rolls-Royce retailer Peter Satori via Rolls-Royce Inc. of New York. Chassis number 5LVA55 was delivered to James Young Coachbuilders on January 15th of 1963. It was built to U.S. specifications as a left-hand drive example and was completed at the Rolls-Royce works on March 21st. Presley ordered the car with a Blaupunkt Koln radio, Firestone white wall tires, parking and flashing lights, electric windows to all doors, a microphone, and air conditioning, whilst the center rear armrest contained a writing pad, mirror and clothes brush. A fitted cabinet contained cut glass decanters and crystal glasses.

Prior to shipping, the car was tested on February 11th, 1963. It was then sent to Adams Brothers on the Loch Loyal to Los Angeles. At the time of delivery, Presley was living at 525 Perugia Way, Los Angeles (Bel Air). Upon delivery, it was finished in midnight blue with a grey cloth interior. Legend records a color change was ordered by Elvis as his mother's chickens would repeatedly peck away at their reflections in the finish while visiting her. A light silver-blue color was chosen as a replacement.

On July 4th, 1968 he gifted this car to the SHARE charity, where at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium it was auctioned, raising $35,000.

Little is known about the car's history in the two decades that followed. The current owner acquired the car at an Elvis Presley Entertainment Auction in London. The car had been restored at some point prior to this. Since the acquisition by the current owner, the car has resided in a private museum and has been used sparingly.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014