1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Pillarless Berline

The Rolls-Royce Phantom II, the successor the Phantom I, was the last series designed and developed under the guidance of company co-founder Henry Royce. They were sophisticated and built to suit sportier body styles from the custom coachbuilders. Power was from a 7.7-liter engine which featured a modern crossflow cylinder head, improved manifolds, and new combustion chambers. The gearbox now offered synchronized third and top gears.

The Phantom II Continental made its debut in late 1930, with H.I.F. 'Ivan' Evernden collaborating in its development with Henry Royce. Continental upgrades included a modified engine equipped with a higher-lift camshaft and increased compression. Other improvements included a taller rear-axle ratio, a lower stance due to flatter springs, twin Hartford auxiliary dampers up front for ride control, and a raked steering column.

Just 281 examples of the Phantom II Continental were produced.

This Continental originally wore coachwork by Windovers and was delivered in May of 1932 to the prince of Nepal, who was living in exile in England at the time. The prince took delivery after three months during which time the car was used as a factory demonstrator in exchange for a 5-percent discount upon delivery.

The Prince later commissioned Figoni et Falaschi to re-body his Phantom II Continental as a Pillarless Berline. This would be the only body built on a Rolls-Royce by the French coachbuilder. The result was a an elegant, aerodynamic, sporty car-design featuring streamlined body lines with pillarless construction, fully skirted rear fenders, and Art Moderne accents and details throughout the interior.

Along with being the only body for a Rolls Royce by Figoni & Falaschi, it was also the largest car ever to be commissioned from them.

A subsequent owner in the 1950s, Captain Frederick Henry, was so enamored with this car that he traded his Bugatti Type 41 Royale Binder Coupe for it! This Phantom II Continental has won several awards including being honored with the Chief Judges award from the Rolls-Royce Owners Club. It also won the Lucius Beebe Trophy at the 1992 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The current owner acquired the car in 2010. In 2015 it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it won Most Elegant Closed Car.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2016