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1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II

The Rolls-Royce New Phantom, originally named the Phantom I, differed from the Silver Ghost mainly in its engine design. It was powered by an overhead-valve unit displacing 7,668 cubic centimeters (468 CID) and had a removable aluminum cylinder head. In 1929, the Phantom II was introduced, which was the final Rolls-Royce automobile design overseen by Henry Royce. It was given an improved chassis that was much lower than its predecessors, with central lubrication, semi-elliptical leaf springs, adjustable shock absorbers, and an underslung rear axle. The engine had new combustion chambers and manifolds, and the gearbox had synchronized third and top gears. Two wheelbase sizes were offered, measuring 144- and 150-inch wheelbases. The radiator shell was now placed directly above the I-beam front axle, and the long hood measured nearly half the entire body length. The low stance and long bonnet-line resulted in many European and American designers creating modern and fresh new appearances for the marque. Despite its three-ton weight, the Phantom II was much faster than any previous Rolls-Royce.

Between 1929 and 1935, approximately 1,672 (1680) examples were produced. Rolls-Royce produced the chassis and mechanical components while outside coachbuilders created the bodies to customer specifications. The list of coachbuilders includes Hooper, Henley, Mulliner, Thrupp & Maberly, Park Ward, Windovers, Barker, Brewster, and Carolton. All Phantom II chassis were built at Rolls-Royce's factory in Derby, as the factory in Springfield, Massachusetts had closed upon engine production of the US-market Phantom I in 1931.

by Dan Vaughan

All-Weather Tourer by Hooper
Chassis number: 143GN
Engine number: KX35

While the Phantom I inherited its underpinnings from the Silver Ghost, the Phantom II, launched in 1929, employed an entirely new chassis, wîth semi-elliptic rear springs replacing the cantilever springing of the Ghost and Phantom I. The new low-slung frame, wîth its radiator set well back, enabled coachbuilders to clothe the new car in a more modern style, often creating sleeker designs rather than the more upright ones of the past. They were built in two wheelbase lengths - 144 and 150-inch.

The combustion chambers of the engine were redesigned and the head was now of the cross-flow type, with inlet and exhaust manifolds on opposite sides. The result was enhanced performance, particularly for the Continental model, and the ability to accommodate heavier coachwork.

Rolls-Royce produced 1,767 examples of the Phantom II during the model's five year production lifespan. Only one example was ever fitted with All-Weather Tourer coachwork by Hooper & Co. It was ordered new by Count P. Bon de Sousa Esq., who split time between Paris and London. The car was originally intended to be a saloon but was never commissioned as such and has maintained this All-Weather-Tourer body its entire life. It is a long-wheelbase example that was given the Continental specification motor. It was also give extra second plates to its Firths rear springs, and several other European features. The original owner specified chromium plating for the radiator and shutters, the Lucas P100 headlights, the mascot, and the windscreen wipers, but prior to delivery, some items ended up with matte nickel.

The car remained with Count de Sousa before selling it to E. Frith in Paris in September of 1930. Two years later, A.F.R. Wiggins, Esq. of Kent returned the car to the UK (in April of '32). Starting in 1931, it spent some time with L.L.B. Anges of London, followed by a Dr. W.L. Milligarr of Portsmouth who is believed to have acquired the car in the fall of 1946. The last two known English owners from the early 1950s were K. Hutchison of Surrey in June of 1951 and finally Eric Michlethwait of London the next year. Around that time, 143GN moved to California in the care of homeward bound G.I. From the 1950s until 1970, the history is not known. In 1970, it was found in Loleta, California, by Dr. Leon Garoyan who would become the car's longest term owner. It remained with Dr. Garoyan for more than a quarter century. In 1995, it was given a meticulous restoration. After the work was complete, the car was shown extensively (including a display-only appearance at Pebble Beach), and was the recipient of the Hooper Award from the Rolls-Royce Owners Club, along with many Most Elegant and Best in Class Concours awards.

The current owner acquired the car after nearly four decades in the care of Dr. Garoyan. In 2009, it completed the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic, where it drove the entire distance from Kirkland, Washington, to Monterey, CA. It completed the Tour d'Elegance and it made its second appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

by Blackhawk Collection

by Rolls-Royce

Continental Touring Saloon by Carlton Carriage Company
Chassis number: 46GX
Engine number: WK25

In 1929, Rolls-Royce introduced their New Phantom as a successor to the older Phantom, the Phantom I. The Phantom I had used the underpinnings from the preceding 40/50hp model, the Silver Ghost. For the Phantom II, Rolls-Royce created an entirely new chassis similar to the smaller 20hp Rolls-Royce. There were two wheelbase lengths available, a 144-inch and 150-inch. The cars featured a low-slung frame with the radiators positioned well back. This allowed coachbuilders to create modern and sleek designs.

Improvements to the Phantom II went beyond just its platform; the engine received attention as well. It featured two blocks of three cylinders, with an aluminum cylinder head common to both blocks. This setup was similar to the engines of the past. Where they differed was a new combustion chamber with the heads now of the cross-flow type, with inlet and exhaust manifolds on opposite sides. These changes to the engine resulted in greater horsepower and better performance. More power also meant larger and statelier bodies could be fitted.

this Phantom II Continental was the 12th example constructed, of the 281 examples produced. It wears a touring saloon body with sunroof created by the London-based firm of Carlton Carriage Company.

It was first registered in January of 1931. Its first owner was Laurence Toole Locan Esq who was residing at the Cosmo Hotel in London's West Side. The second owner of the car was the Central Motor Company of Birmingham. Ownership later passed through three private owners before coming into the possession of R.W. Tripp of Albany, Oregon in 1960. It was purchased by the current owner in 1967. While in this owner's care, the car was treated to a long-term, professional assistance restoration. The work was rewarded in 2005 with the Jung Rolls-Royce Award for best personal restoration, North California region.

This car's original exterior color was grey/black. It is currently dark green/cream. The interior features a tan Connolly hide.

In 2007 the car was offered for sale at the Bonhams Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club. It was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $350,000. At the close of the auction, the lot had been left unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Mulliner by Mulliner
Chassis number: 126GY
Engine number: GD35

This 1930 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom II Coupe has coachwork by H.J. Mulliner. It is chassis number 126GY which is powered by engine number GD35. This two-door saloon coachwork is finished in blue with a matching top and grey interior, and matched wheel discs. There are twin side-mounted spares and whitewall tires on all four corners.

The Phantom II was introduced in September 1929 as a replacement for the New Phantom. This was to be the final model produced before Sir Frederick Henry Royce, OBE, died in 1933. The lowered chassis was offered in wheelbase sizes of 144- and 150-inches, attracting many of the prominent coachbuilders of the era to build elegant coachwork. Although weighing approximately three tons, the Phantom II was much faster than any previous Rolls-Royce. Among the host of mechanical improvements bestowed upon the Phantom II were a 'One Shot' chassis lubrication design and a new Autovac fuel delivery system.

The 7,668cc overhead valve inline 6-cylinder engine received a 2-Jet Type carburetor with dual ignition with magneto and coil. It produces 120 horsepower which was handled by a four-speed manual gearbox turing the rear wheels. Internal Expanding 4-wheel brakes with Servo-Assist provided the stopping power.

There were 1,681 examples of the Phantom II produced between 1929 and 1935. This example has been treated to a restoration that shows well in modern times. At the Bonhams Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club auction, the car was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $200,000. As the gavel fell for the final time, the lot was unsold.

When new, this Rolls-Royce wore Staybrite metal finishes and had twin spares. It was registered in London with the road plates GK 8441, which it retains to this day. The car's first owner was recorded as David Stewart Dawson, who ordered the car through London's Rolls-Royce retailer Jack Barclay and seems to have given the car to his wife, Harriet. The car remained with the Dawson family for a brief period of time, selling it in March of 1932 to the Rt. Hon. The Earl of Warwick. Its next owners were Major Ryder Ritchie in April 1933, W.H. Bey-Wilcox of West Hartlepool in November that same year, then E.R. Bailey in July 1934. It remained with Bailey for a long term, selling in January 1946 to A.J. Johnson of the Chequers Hotel in Uxbridge, just outside London. In March 1950, it was sold to Col. Beard of South Kensington and then on to R.E.B. Worth of Worcestershire in May 1950. It is believed to have migrated to the USA in the 1960s.

Since being sold at auction, the car was given a repaint and finished in a dark blue hue and is offset by contrasting black fenders and waist-molding. Its wheel discs have been polished back to the aluminum which accent the looks and matches its chrome brightwork. The interior is done in grey leather color with blue carpets piped in the same grey.

In 2023, the car was estimated to sell at Bonham's Quail auction for $250,000 to $300,000. As the gavel sell, the car had been sold for $235,200, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Continental Sportsman Coupe by Barker
Chassis number: 42 GX
Engine number: DH 95

The Phantom II was introduced in 1929 as a successor to the New Phantom (which later became known as the Phantom I). This was, reputedly, the last model Henry Royce designed himself.

The chassis was sent to Barker on December 12th of 1930 and given a body-style similar to the Experimental car, 26 EX. There was a supplementary fuel tank fitted in the frame and the gear lever was 3-inches longer than standard. The speedometer is in miles and kilometers. There are twin rear spares, friction shock absorbers, untarnishable finish brightwork, and a louvered hood.

The first owner was Captain Jack Frederick Conrad Kruse. It remained in his care for fewer than six months before it passed to R.H.W. Jaques of Easby Abbey, York and Down Street, Piccadilly.

Jaques entered the car on the 1932 RAC 1000 miles rally and the following year enlisted the aid of Margaret Allen (later Jennings) to contest the Monte Carlo Rally. Allen was one of the best known and successful lady drivers and one of only four women to hold a 120 mph Brooklands badge.

The car remained in Jaques care until his death. The next known owner is Thomas Neale in 1950. The current owner has retained the car for the past sixteen years. While in the current owner's possession, it was given a comprehensive rebuild that was begun by its owner. At the time, the speedometer read 83,000 miles.

The original all-black livery was changed in favor of a two-tone dark Brewster green and black.

In 2008, this Phantom II Continental Sportsman's Coupe was offered for sale at the 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' presented by Bonhams Auction. This was its first public offering for sale. It was estimated to sell for $800,000 - $1,200,000 but as the gavel fell for the third and final time, the lot was unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedanca De Ville by Windovers
Chassis number: 76GN

The Rolls-Royce Phantom was basically a complete redesign of the 40/50 model, which it replaced. The 'New' Phantom, as it was known, incorporated many technical improvements that helped restore Rolls-Royce's reputation for using cutting-edge technology with the finest hand-built craftsmanship available. Perhaps one of the biggest improvements was the new pushrod, overhead valve, straight six engine, and displacing 7668cc. The design was selected for its smooth operated and inherently balanced layout. It was constructed as two groups of three cylinders topped by a single cylinder head. It was given dual ignition with a coil and magneto, and mated to a four-speed manual transmission with a single dry plate clutch.

The Phantom II model, introduced in 1929, brought with it several significant changes, adding to the host of improvements incorporated into the Phantom I (as it was now called after the introduction of the Phantom II). The Phantom II would be the last of the six-cylinder cars whose development from initial draft to completion had been supervised by F. Henry Royce. The Phantom II added four-wheel servo-assisted brakes, a redesigned suspension using semi-elliptical springs supporting the front end and new under slung rear suspension. The stately bodies that rode on this thoroughly modern chassis were able to be positioned lower in the chassis, offering better stability at speed.

From 1929 through 1936, there were 1,680 Phantom II's constructed, of which 278 were fitted with the sportier Continental chassis. All of the Phantom II models were constructed at the Derby factory in England, which Royce himself personally designed.

When a body design was commissioned, a 'bare' chassis, complete with running gear, was shipped from the Rolls-Royce factory to the designated coachbuilder. It was then fitted to a handmade, wood framed body built to the customer's specifications. This meant each car was unique with no two cars exactly alike.

This Rolls-Royce Phantom II has Sedanca de Ville coachwork handcrafted by Windovers of London. It was designed as a chauffeur driven Town Car with a disappearing top. It has unusual 'cycle' fenders with a single side mount.

This Phantom II was delivered on March 31st of 1930 to Lillie Hall, the Rolls-Royce showroom in Fulham, London, on behalf of Mr. Edward Hann. It has a long-type chassis, wire wheels, and a nickel finish for its fittings. The chassis measures 150-inches and the engine is a Pushrod-OHV 7.7-liter six-cylinder engine. The car spent most of its earlier life in England. In the early 1970s, the car came to the attention of English broker and dealer Leonard Potter. The car was in various stages of restoration when Mr. Potter heard of the car. The car was mentioned to an American collector named James C. Leake, who then purchased the car for his collection. On January 8th of 1975, Mr. Leonard Potter, acting as his agent, purchased the car for Mr. Leake through J.R. Vernon at Coys Vintage Cars, restorers of Fine Motor Cars.

Leake instructed Potter to commission a full restoration. Five different specialty venders were contracted to complete the various stages of the restoration. Much of the work was completed by the same craftsman that had originally worked at the Derby factory and various coachworks in earlier times. It was then painted in the period correct color scheme of dark blue over ice blue. The interior features hand-sewn fine needle-point tapestry from Lisbon, Portugal. The cabinetry and trimming are all imported mahogany. The goblet and glasses are vintage Harrod's.

The restoration took over six years to completion with no regard for cost. The car is period correct except for the turn signal indicators which were added for extra safety.

The car arrived from U.S. Customs on May 16th of 1982 and was placed in Mr. Leake's museum, Antiques, Inc. in Muskogee, Oklahoma, along with the rest of his collection of pre-war Rolls-Royces. In June of 19986, Mr. Mac McGlumphy purchased the car in Tulsa where it resided for the nearly two decades, until his death in 2003. It was purchased by the current owner at that time.

In 2009, this Sedanca De Ville was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The lot was estimated to sell for $135,000 - $165,000. It was sold for the sum of $95,000, not including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Dover Sedan by Brewster

When Rolls-Royce opened a US manufacturing plant based in Springfield, Massachusetts, and began to build Rolls-Royce cars on the Silver Ghost chassis in 1920, and the Brewster Company was responsible for many of the bodies. For the New Phantom in 1927, or the Phantom I, as it subsequently became known, Brewster offered many different styles of coachwork named after towns in England. This Dover-style sedan boasts several unique features: French-built Marchal headlights, landau bars, and no division between the chauffeur and his passengers. This car has won many concours awards and is well known within the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club, appearing in many publications.

Trouville Town Car by Brewster

By 1930, Rolls-Royce of America was facing difficulties, and the new Phantom II was only available from the Derby factory in England. Adeline Bamberger of New York purchased the chassis in England and had it shipped to the United States to be fitted with Sedanca coachwork by Brewster. The Phantom II was the last of the great six-cylinder Rolls-Royce motor cars to be supervised by Henry Royce himself. From 1930 to 1935, the Rolls-Royce Phantom II was built as a replacement to the original New Phantom of 1925, with a new chassis and a much-modified engine and transmission.

Interestingly, the current owner of this car purchased it by accident on eBay when his son misunderstood his instructions to increase a bid on an Antique gas pump and ended up successfully bidding on this Rolls-Royce.

Shooting Brake
Chassis number: 67 XJ
Engine number: WK 55

This Rolls-Royce Phantom II is known to have been delivered as a Weymann fabric saloon, originally through Birmingham UK agents, George Heath Limited in January 1930 to its first owner S.C. Harrison. After just ten months, the car was transferred to a new owner, W.F. Player of Staunton grange in Nottingham.

In the 1950s, the car was put into new service and with the updated Shooting Brake coachwork which it retains in modern times.

In 1962, the car was in the car of the Earl of Moray of Scotland. It later left the UK and was acquired by Charles Bickley in Florida and became part of his 'Woodie World' museum. While in Bickley's care, the car was given a comprehensive restoration in the early 1980s.

This car has many period accessories including its tinted windshield visor, side mounted sport light, a single Trippe driving light and an unusual feature of marker lamps recessed into the front fenders.

In 2012 the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge Sale in Carmel, CA presented by Bonhams. The car was estimated to sell for $180,000 - $220,000. As bidding came to a close, the car failed to find a buyer willing to satisfy its reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Boattail Tourer by Hooper
Chassis number: 23GN
Engine number: AH 35

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 Dan Vaughan

Town Car by Brewster

This is the second body on this Rolls-Royce purchased by film star Constance Bennett. It was originally delivered by J.S. Inskip, the New York sales officer for Rolls-Royce in 1931, with a body by Trouville. It was traded in 1935 at which point it was re-bodied by Brewster in the striking art deco town car coachwork which it wears today. The car featured a v-windshield, opulent interior appointments and hand-painted caning. Bennett saw the car at the 1936 New York Auto Show, purchased the car for a reported price of $17,000, and had it shipped to California. The car appeared in many MGM movies. Bennett rented the car to the studios for $250 a day. There was a standing joke in Hollywood that the car made more money than most of the actors of the time. Ms. Bennett kept the car for more than a decade until her husband lost the car in a poker game. It is currently one of the signature cars on display in the Nethercutt Collection. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful town car ever built.

The intricate caning effect on the sides was recreated just as it was done initially; each line was drawn by hand with a bead of paint. The restored car debuted at the 1992 Pebble Beach Concours, winning Best of Show.

Boattail Tourer by Hooper
Chassis number: 23GN
Engine number: AH 35

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.

Sports Limousine by Carlton Carriage Company
Chassis number: 49GN
Engine number: SP55

This Rolls-Royce Phantom II Carlton Sports Limousine was originally owned by Turner Layton of Washington, DC. Mr. Layton, who later moved to England, owned it through the 1950s. In 1958 it was brought to the United States when it was acquired by Dr. G. B. Wood, of Corvallis, Oregon. Beverlee and Burton Smith of Portland, Oregon acquired it a year later and kept it for 59 years. In 2018, Monte Shelton bought the car from the Smiths estate.

by Dan Vaughan

Continental Drophead Coupe by Carlton Carriage Company
Chassis number: 62GX

The 40/50 hp Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental is often referred to as the best of the prewar Rolls-Royce motor cars and was the last Rolls-Royce model designed by Sir Frederick Royce before his death in 1933. Between 1929 and 1935, 1,767 Phantom IIs were built, and of those, 281 were the short-chassis 'Continental' models. The Continental was designed to be as sporty as possible yet still tour the Continent of Europe in comfort. It is believed that just two Continental PIIs were bodied in this rare two-seat configuration by the Carlton Carriage Company of London.

This Phantom II was delivered to its first owner Major J. Coats of London, in 1931, and it remained in England for much of its life and was first restored in 1994. It was acquired for the Wakui Museum in Saitama, Japan, in 1995 and has since been exhibited at several events in that country. In 2007, the car was named 'Best of Show' at the first Tokyo Concours d'Elegance.

Torpedo Sports by Barker
Chassis number: 179XJ

At the 1930 London Auto Show, a two-passenger Phantom II was exhibited with an exceptional sporting torpedo body. Soon after, New Yorker Andre Mertzanoff, chief engineer at the American Radiator Company, ordered a Barker Torpedo Sports for this Phantom II. The nautical-themed design featured sweeping pontoon-style front fenders and a superbly finished hardwood rear deck, reminiscent of a speedboat. The svelt doorhandles incorporated lights, echoing port and starboard markers on a yacht. Research suggests that Mertzanoff never took delivery of the car; instead, it was acquired by Gulab Singh, the Maharaja of Rewa, a devoted Rolls-Royce client. Powered by the 7668cc inline 6-cylinder engine, producing 120 horsepower, the Phantom could cruise at 87 mph and is thought to have topped 94 mph. This magnificent Rolls-Royce has spent decades in the celebrated collections of Vojta Mashek, Dr. Samuel Scher, Don Williams, and Blackhawk.

Continental Torpedo by Vanden Plas
Chassis number: 43GX
Engine number: QT85

This Rolls-Royce Phantom II was commissioned in 1930 by Baron Jean Empain, a wealthy Belgian industrialist-playboy. It was the ninth of 279 chassis built on the shortened Continental wheelbase (12 feet compared to the standard 12.5 feet), and it presents with a low steering-wheel position and stiffer suspension, creating a low racy profile, compared to the standard Phantom II. The rare 'dual cowl' configuration, with its second windshield, offered protection to those riding in the rear with the top down. The car spent many years in Heliopolis, Egypt, and was brought to the United States at the start of the Suez Canal crisis in 1956 by TWA Captain William Frey. Following a restoration, it debuted in 2023 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The Phantom II was the first completely new car since the 20HP seven years earlier. The Phantom II was still rated 40/50 HP but was lower and the springing half-elliptic all around.

The car, although to Royce's design and specification, was mainly the work of his West Wittering design team and included many innovations and a redesigned engine that, with the gearbox, was now one unit.

The introduction of the Phantom II, only four years after the Phantom I, was prompted again by increased competition from other manufacturers, particularly Buick and Sunbeam. Ironically, the head of Buick had bought a Phantom I and, which so impressed everyone at Buick that they stripped it and copied much of what they learned.

Royce himself knew they were lagging behind: 'I have long considered our present chassis out of date. The back axle, gearbox, frame, springs have not been seriously altered since 1912. Now we all know it is easier to go the old way, but I so fear disaster by being out of date, and I have a lot of stock left, and by the sales falling off by secrets leaking out, that I must refuse all responsibility for a fatal position unless these improvements in our chassis are arranged to be shown next autumn, and to do this they must be in production soon after midsummer 1929.'

Royce was influenced by the lines of the current Riley Nine, and the manner in which the rear passenger's feet were tucked comfortably under the front seats in 'boxes', enabling 'close-coupled' coachwork to be fitted. Royce decided to build a special version of the car for his personal use.

Superb coachwork with modern styling was now available and Royce decided on a lightweight sporting body, which Ivan Evenden designed and Bakers built. This car became the forerunner of the legendary Phantom II Continentals.

The chassis is the standard Phantom II short model with a few modifications. These consist of a low steering column and specially selected springs. There never was a defined speciation of a Continental Phantom II. The series to series engineering improvements were applied to all chassis.

by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited

by Rolls-Royce

The Rolls-Royce Phantom II was very similar to the Phantom I in many ways, but brought improvements such as a higher horsepower rating and the removal of the traditional torque-tube drive. Instead, the engine and gearbox were constructed in unit with each other rather than being separate. The Autovac was now using an engine-driven pump. A new water-heated induction system was used. The Battery and magneto ignition was the same as in the Phantom I. Built-in centralized lubrication was now a standard feature and the Catilever rear springs were shed in favor of semi-elliptic units. The bodies of the car sat atop of a separate sub-frame which helped eliminate distortion.

After the construction of the first Phantom II, named the 18 EX, it was put through its paces on a 10,000-mile test drive to identify the vehicles short-comings and to ensure the vehicle was constructed to Rolls-Royce standards. The car was driven on many types of terrain and at various speeds. It was reported that the car drove best at 70-mph.

Most of the left-hand drive coachwork, those vehicles intended for the United States market, was handed by Brewster and Co. The European versions were bodied by names such as Hooper, Arthur Mulliner, Park Ward, Barker, and Thrupp & Maberly.

Construction of the Phantom II lasted from 1929 through 1935, at which point it was succeeded by the Phantom III and its large twelve-cylinder engine.

by Dan Vaughan