Vehicle Description
In the early 1920s, the President of Brazil suggested to his friend
Octavio Guinle that Rio de Janeiro needed a world-class attraction
to bring tourists to its pristine beaches, and that Guinle should
build it. Acting on the encouragement of the president, Guinle
built the now-legendary Copacabana Palace, a world-famous hot spot
for the rich and famous to enjoy fun and sun. In 1930s, with his
hotel a roaring success, Guinle treated himself to a brand new
Rolls-Royce Phantom II, widely considered in its day to be the best
automobile money could buy. Guinle purchased his Phantom II chassis
through the dealer Oscar A. Cox & Co. of London and commissioned
one of Paris' most exclusive coachbuilders, Binder, to supply the
body. Binder was known the world over as a constructor of
exceptional motor bodies, their exquisite build quality only
surpassed by the distinctly French styling. Rolls-Royce did not
offer their own bodies, so cars were sold as bare chassis, then
shipped to a coachbuilder of the dealer or buyer's choice. Upon its
completion and testing by Rolls Royce, Guinle's Phantom II chassis
was delivered to Binder's facility in Paris, where this stunningly
beautiful and sporty Victoria-style drophead coupe was constructed,
featuring a long, low and elegant profile. To keep the body as
clean as possible, trunk was integrated between the rear fenders,
and the spare wheel mounted at the rear as well. After completion
of the spectacular and unique coachwork, the car was shipped to
Rio, where it was enjoyed by Guinle and his family, no doubt
looking positively beautiful parked proudly in front of the
Copacabana, which also happened to be the work of a great French
designer. The Rolls-Royce remained in the Guinle family's
possession until 1938, when it was exported back to England and
purchased by Mr. W.D. Radcliffe of Liverpool. It was then owned by
Mr. B. Stinton Johnson of Stretton Hall, Cheshire, from 1947-1950
and then Neil Tuson of London. Eventually, it found its way to the
United States, where it was featured in several prominent
collections, including those of Bill Lassiter, The Blackhawk
Collection, the Imperial Palace Collection and finally Dr. Donald
Vestley, a respected Rolls-Royce enthusiast who took on the task of
restoring this magnificent automobile back to its former glory.
While owned by Dr. Vestley, the Phantom II underwent a
comprehensive restoration. During restoration, the original engine
and body would be mated to an improved, late-production,
long-wheelbase chassis that featured a number of factory
refinements to the suspension and brakes, as well as a central
chassis lubrication system, which makes it an ideal choice for
drivers. Today, the restoration has mellowed only slightly and the
car presents in stunningly beautiful condition throughout, with
excellent paintwork and inviting red leather upholstery. The Binder
coachwork is imposing and sleek, with a unique sloping rear body
line and a low-slung, three-position, Victoria-style roof. The
rear-mount spare wheel and integrated trunk between the rear
fenders allow for a clean and uncluttered look, while the chrome
wire wheels and blackwall tires accentuate the dramatic appearance.
The chassis and the engine compartment are clean and well-detailed,
and records indicate the 7.7-liter inline-6 was overhauled in 2000
and is said to remain in excellent running order today. The Phantom
II is a fantastic car to drive, thanks to the tremendous torque of
the 7.7-liter engine and the highly advanced chassis. Experienced
owners often use them on long journeys and tours, as they are known
for their tremendous reliability and ease of use. This incredible
Rolls Royce Phantom II is so very special in the coming together of
fabulous, one-off coachwork by one of Paris' most revered
coachbuilders, fascinating early history in 1930s Rio de Janeiro
and a beautiful restoration that has been maintained in excellent
mechanical condition.