1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville

The Rolls-Royce Phantom III featured the marque's only 12-cylinder engined chassis (V12 until the introduction of the Silver Seraph in 1998). The Phantom III was built from 1935 to 1939, when the war ended production, so only 710 (as many as 727) Phantom IIIs were produced. The extremely complex engine design was the last to involve Henry Royce, who died in 1933. The engine borrowed heavily from Rolls-Royce's experience building aero engines. The 142-inch chassis of the Phantom III were bodied by a variety of British coachbuilders, and this Sedanca de Ville, built by Barkers of London, was the first choice for many Rolls-Royce owners. This example was bought by the current owner's grandfather in 1967 and has been regularly toured and shown by the family over the past several decades. It was last shown at Pebble Beach in 1989 when it placed Third in Class.