1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Boattail Tourer

This sporting Rolls-Royce Phantom II was ordered from Rolls-Royce's Derby factory in October 1929 and delivered to Hopper & Company in February 1930 for its unique dual cowl coachwork to be fitted. This Rolls-Royce is the only two-place Phantom II built by Hooper in this style and was specially ordered by Sir Julien Cahn, later the 1st Baronet Cahn, a British furniture magnate. The design of this Phantom II was so spectacular that two different model companies created scale models honoring the design. In 1997 the car was awarded the Lucius Beebe Trophy at the Pebble Beach Concours and in 2005 the car completed the first ever Pebble Beach Motoring Classic tour from Seattle to Pebble Beach. Restored to its original factory specification, the car features two convertible tops: one fits over the drivers compartment and one over the rear seat. Mounted at the rear are twin spares which add to the car's distinctively rakish looks.

This 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Boat-tail Tourer was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca. It was estimated to sell for $400,000-$500,000.

It is powered by a six-cylinder overhead valve engine that is capable of producing 120 horsepower. It has four-wheel servo-assist brakes and a four-speed manual gearbox. The Hooper coach-built body sits atop a 150-inch wheelbase. Its first owner ordered the vehicle on October 18th of 1929 and had the car delivered to Hooper on February 24th of 1930. The car was completed by April of 1930.

During World War II the car served the British Ministry of War Transport where it escorted special staff and high ranking officials.

This car has separate tops for the rear and front passenger compartments. There are side mounted curtains and a tonneau cover for both compartments as well. Located in the vehicles boot is a two-drawer tool kit which is completely original.
This car was shown at the 1997 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded the Lucius Beebe Memorial Trophy. The Classic Car Club of America has awarded the vehicle a senior first place.

At auction the vehicle was left unsold.

It 2007 it was brought to the Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $700,000 - $900,00. It would leave the auction under new ownership, having been sold for $627,000 including buyer's premium.

The car is the only two-place Speedster created by Hooper & Company.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007