1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Seven-Passenger Limousine
Coachwork by James Young
Chassis no. 5LVA121
Engine no. RS2/245

With development of its dependable six-cylinder engine nearing an end and facing competition from faster rivals in the United States market, Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the new 6,230cc all-alloy engine graced the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 as well as the Rolls-Royce Phantom V. Alterations to the steering mechanism, now power assisted as standard, were among the many modifications required to accommodate the wider engine in the existing chassis.

Rolls-Royce's new limousine model, the long-wheelbase Phantom V effectively replaced both the royalty/heads of state-only Phantom IV and the Silver Wraith. The latter's relatively short - for a limousine - wheelbase had made it all but impossible for coachbuilders to provide adequate boot space in a comfortable seven-seater automobile, a shortcoming addressed by the Phantom V. Built on a much modified and strengthened Silver Cloud II chassis enjoying the same 145" wheelbase as the IV, the new Phantom measured over 6 metres (19' 6") in length and enabled coachbuilders to combine the desirable qualities of spacious interior accommodation with generous boot space and graceful lines. A lower final drive ratio ensured that, while top speed was a little down on that of its stablemates though still in excess of 100mph, the new Phantom could all but match them for acceleration.
Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward Limited produced what was in effect the 'standard' seven-passenger limousine coachwork for the Phantom V while an alternative design was offered by James Young of Bromley. The usual upholstery for the front compartment was leather, which was also included in the list of alternatives for the rear along with West of England cloth. As one would expect in a car of this class, a cocktail cabinet was often incorporated into the rear compartment's cabinetwork, while electric windows and air conditioning were among the preferred options.
Park Ward's design remained substantially unaltered until the introduction of the Silver Cloud III and Bentley S3 in the autumn of 1962 when it was revised to incorporate the new models' four-headlamp lighting arrangement and a completely new above-waistline treatment. Now built by the combined firm of Mulliner, Park Ward, the car lived on into the 1990s as the Phantom VI, its passing in 1992 marking the final demise of the separate-chassis Rolls-Royce.

A lack of suitable chassis had forced James Young's closure before the 'Sixties decade ended, but in its declining years the Kent-based firm produced what are widely recognised as its finest creations. On the Phantom V chassis they offered three designs: seven-passenger limousine, touring limousine, and sedanca de ville. The catalogue for the Phantom V described their products thus: "This luxuriously equipped limousine is designed to provide the maximum comfort, whether owner or chauffeur driven... The coachwork on this magnificent car is recognised as the finest to be found anywhere in the modern world. It is the culmination of a century of superb craftsmanship which began with the Bromley Brougham." Out of the 516 Phantom Vs made, James Young accounted for almost exactly a quarter of them.

Left-hand drive chassis number '5LVA121' was delivered new to Italy in February 1964, subsequently passing - it is said - into the ownership of New York Governor, Nelson Rockefeller, although there is no accompanying evidence to support this. The Rolls-Royce subsequently belonged to the Hooper Corporate Collection and spent many years on display at the Auto & Teknik Museum in Sinsheim, Germany. Restored in the late 1980s by Hooper & Co (Coachbuilders) Ltd, the Phantom was described as in good running order when it was purchased by the current vendor at a UK auction in October 2010. Complementing the dark blue exterior colour is a contrasting biscuit leather interior featuring central division; burr walnut woodwork; centre console armrest; picnic tables; drinks compartment; and occasional seats. Stored since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. Accompanying documentation includes copies of the 2010 bill of sale and auction catalogue description, and a photocopy of a Jersey, Channel Islands logbook (issued in 1992).

A wonderful opportunity to acquire a coach-built rarity of considerable distinction, produced by one of Britain's finest coachbuilders at the height of its powers.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

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