1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental

Sir Henry Royce passed away on April 22, 1933, and there is a myth that suggested the enamel color of the Rolls-Royce radiator badge was changed from red to black as an act of respect. This, certainly, would have been a noble and thoughtful gesture but in fact, it was Sir Royce who had approved the color change before his death. Perhaps the most likely reason for the color change was that the various coachbuilders of the day could more easily avoid a color clash as black could serve as a baseline for almost any color.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom II was six years into its production lifespan when the radiator badge color was changed, and this would be the final model to receive direct input from Sir Henry Royce. Introduced in 1929, the Phantom II had a number of improvements over its predecessor, the Phantom I. It employed a completely new chassis with the rear axle using semi-elliptic springs (replacing the previous cantilever springs) while the front axle was mounted on semi-elliptical leaf springs. The frame rested lower to the ground than it had previously, greatly improving handling and allowing premier coachbuilders of the day to create bodies that took full advantage of its sporty persona. The radiator was positioned well back behind the front axle, yet the hood remained long and stately. Wheelbase sizes measured 144- and 150-inches, similar to its predecessor of 143.5-inches. The Phantom I, initially known as the New Phantom, was offered with a long-wheelbase chassis with the U.S.-destined examples measuring 146.5-inches while the UK's measured 150.5-inches.

This Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was in production from 1906 through 1926 with 7,874 examples built during that time. The wheelbase initially measured 135.5-inches and eventually grew to 150.5-inches. The 7,036cc straight-6 engine was enlarged to 7,428cc in 1910, and the three-speed manual gearbox was replaced in 1913 by a four-speed manual unit. The major improvement of the New Phantom over the Silver Ghost was the new pushrod-OHV straight-6 engine with a 7,668cc displacement size. It had a 4.25-inch bore and undersquare 5.5-inch stroke; in 1928, the cylinder heads were switched from cast iron to aluminum. The frame of the New Phantom was the same as the Silver Ghost.

Production of the New Phantom (Phantom I) lasted from 1925 to 1931 with 3,512 units built. The Phantom II was built from 1926 to 1936 with 1,680 examples built. All production of the Phantom II chassis was created at the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby. The Springfield, Massachusetts factory was closed upon ending production of the US-market Phantom I in 1931.

Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental

The Phantom II chassis introduced a new 'Continental' version with stiffer springs and a shortened wheelbase. The instigator for this platform was from chassis 26EX which had been commissioned by Mr. Royce. A young development engineer named Ivan Evernden was tasked with creating the one-off short-wheelbase Phantom (a 144-inch platform). This sporty model was given thicker five-leaf springs, a lightweight Barker four-seat lightweight close-coupled salon body, and a tuned version of the engine with a high compression cylinder head and high lift camshaft. Power was further enhanced by an exhaust cutout with a switch fitted on the driver's side floorboard.

The enthusiasm from the sales department was initially low, but after 26EX won the Grand Prix d'Honneur at the 1930 Biarritz Grand Concours d'Elegance, they quickly got onboard and began creating sales literature and brochures.

Approximately two hundred and eighty-one Continental Phantom II's were produced. The majority of Phantom II Continentals were fitted with close-coupled four-door closed coachwork.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2022