1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Drophead Coupe

Of the total 1681 Phantom II chassis produced, only 281 were Continentals. And there were only 12 of these 3-position Drop Head Coupes produced.

In October of 1921, Rolls Royce along with coach builder Brewster and Co, debuted the Phantom II at the London Olympia Motor Show. Under the bonnet was a 6 cylinder engine with 2 banks of 3 cylinders each, topped by a common head. The Phantom II, a very rugged and reliable auto that was much faster than previous Rolls Royces. This was the last model designed by Henry Royce.

ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM II CONTINENTAL
Chassis Number 124MY Engine Number JC95 With Owen Sedanca Coupe coachwork by Gurney Nutting

Introduced in 1929, the Rolls-Royce Phantom II was intended to usually carry formal coachwork for those customers accustomed to being driven by chauffer. However, starting in 1930 the Continental chassis was produced for those so inclined to take control of the wheel themselves in a more sporting fashion. Of the total 1681 Phantom II chassis produced, only 281 were Continentals.

The Continentals were short chassis vehicles usually made to accommodate lighter 4-passenger coachwork with, typically, the rear seated passengers sitting well ahead of the rear axle. To further emphasize its sporting intention, Hartford Telecontrol adjustable shock absorbers, as well as a lower rake steering was employed in the chassis. The 7.7 liter OHV 6 cylinder engine benefitted from a higher compression ration and a high performance camshaft. Continental buyers were also encouraged to order cars with rear mounted spares to improve road holding and higher ratio rear axles were fitted to render the cars more suitable for high speed, long distance touring.

Chassis 124MKY, priced at roughly 1,850 British Pounds, was ordered for stock for the fashionable London dealership of H.R. Owen & Co. The coachbuilding firm of Gurney Nutting was chosen to complete the package with a wonderful design patented by the dealership owner, Capt. H.R. Owen. Only 12 of these 3 position Drop Head Coupes were produced. 124MY was kept on display in the Berkeley Street showroom during June of 1933.

On June 15th of that year, the prestigious King George V Gold Cup equestrian race was held at Ascot.Sir (Edmund) Keith Nuttall, a successful civil engineer, head of a prominent construction company, and avid racehorse owner, was on hand that day. To his grand luck, his horse won the event. Much champagne flowed and celebration followed. A telephone call was put through at some point to Captain Owen from Sir Keith stating that if 124MKY could be delivered to Ascot by 5pm that day, he could consider it sold. Delivery was promptly executed, and the car would become part of the Nuttall's stable. Not quite immediately, however. It would seem that so much champagne had been consumed that an 'error of judgment' occurred on the way home and the car was returned to Gurney Nutting for repair. The damage was probably more to Sir Keith's ego than the vehicle. Tragically, Sir Keith passed away in 1941 at the age of 40 while serving his country in WWII, but Lady Nuttall, his widow, kept the car in use at their London home. It was recorded by Rolls-Royce in 1945 under the name of Mrs. Edward Firzpatrick (previously Lady Nuttail).

Introduced in 1929, the Rolls-Rocye Pantom II was intended to carry customers accustomed to being driven by a chauffeur. However, in 1930 the chassis was produced for those who wanted to take control of the wheel themselves in more sporting fashion. Of the total 1681 Phantom II chassis produced, only 281 were Continentals.

The Continentals were short chassis vehicles made to accommodate lighter 4-passenger coachwork, with the rear-seated passengers sitting well ahead of the rear axle. Adjustable shock absorbers, as well as a lower rake steering were also employed in the chassis. The 7.7-liter OHV 6-cylinder engine benefited from a higher compression ratio and a high performance camshaft.

Chassis 124MY, priced roughly at 1,850 British Pounds, was ordered by the fashionable London dealership of H.R. Owen & Co. Only 12 of these 3-position Drop Head Coupes were produced. 124MY was kept on display in the Berkeley Street showroom during June of 1933.

The car had many prestigious royal owners throughout the years, and in July of 2003, Pennsylvania collector John W. Rich purchased 124MY, starting another chapter in its history.