Rolls-Royce Phantom III Aero Coupe, 1937
Chassis No.: W68F $352,000 | Sold • Engine: V-12 • Transmission: Manual • Exterior: Indigo • Interior: Lilac • Body: Coupe • Custom Aero Coupe coachwork by Classic Auto Rebuilding Service • Right hand drive • 7340cc/165 HP V-12 engine • Aluminum cylinder heads • Marine-type connecting rods • Hydraulic lifters • Triple-pressure oiling system • 4-speed synchromesh manual transmission • Indigo exterior • Dual side mount spares in color keyed hard shells with top mount chrome mirrors • Lalique Chrysis Kneeling Nude radiator mascot • Lilac Scottish leather interior • Black walnut burl wood veneer • European goose-down cushions • English wool carpets • Marchal wiper arms and blades • Marchal headlights, tail lamps and trafficators • 140-inch wheelbase • Includes copies of the build sheet and chassis card For 1936, Rolls-Royce retired the Phantom II, introducing the all-new Phantom III. Gone was the inline 6-cylinder, replaced by a V-12 that was paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. An engineering marvel, it powered the Phantom III through the end of its production in 1939 and was the last V-12 Rolls-Royce used until 2003, when the Silver Seraph was introduced. The Phantom III also benefited from an extensively reengineered chassis with highly revised suspension geometry, which provided a much more compliant ride, even over less-than-smooth terrain. It handled the heft and V-12 of the Phantom III in stride, and the Phantom III was noted as being a very impressive car, even from Rolls-Royce. As was the call of the day for manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, a customer could specify a coachbuilder for their car, creating an absolutely one-of-a-kind vehicle tailored just for them. Interestingly, in spite of going out of production in 1939, the last example wasn’t delivered to its buyer until 1947, largely due to the ravages of World War II. This 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Aero Coupe began life as a limousine crafted by Rippon Brothers of Northern England, a coachbuilding company well regarded for its quality. However, later in its life, Classic Auto Rebuilding Services (CARS) was called upon to reimagine the limousine into a sleek, Art Deco-inspired two-door coupe. CARS based the new body on a rendering by J. Jortovic published in “Road and Track” magazine in 1935. A complex symphony of French and compound curves blended with unique rakes and angles, the Aero Coupe was painted in Indigo. The body was adorned with Marchal headlights, tail lamps, trafficators, wiper arms and blades, and dual side-mount spares in color-keyed shells with top-mount chrome mirrors that balance the outward look. The car rolls on blackwall tires with polished wheel discs for a sensational overall visual. The interior is fitted with English wool carpets and is upholstered in lilac-colored Scottish leathers with a unique sunburst pleated pattern, padded by European goose-down cushions. Polished black walnut burl wood veneers boldly highlight the interior. Power for the Aero Coupe comes from a 7340cc/165 HP V-12 equipped with aluminum cylinder heads, marine-type connecting rods, hydraulic lifters and a triple-pressure oiling system, which is backed by a 4-speed synchromesh manual transmission. Meanwhile, the 140-inch wheelbase chassis is equipped with independent front suspension, semi-elliptic rear springs, a centralized chassis lubrication system, automatic shock absorbers with over-riding hand controls, and servo-operated brakes. The crown jewel may well be the stunning Lalique Chrysis Kneeling Nude radiator mascot atop the grille. https://www.mecum.com/lots/1151235/1937-rolls-royce-phantom-iii-aero-coupe/
