Vehicle Description
The Rolls-Royce Phantom II had proven to be one of the most
successful flagship models for the marque; one that would cement
Rolls-Royce's reputation as the leader in the world luxury motorcar
market. So the task of developing its replacement proved quite
daunting. Despite Rolls-Royce's status as the world's premier
automobile manufacturer, pressure from the multi-cylinder race
influenced the firm's normally conservative engineering department.
The new Phantom III of 1936 would be Rolls-Royce's entry into the
multi-cylinder market, joining the likes of Pierce-Arrow,
Hispano-Suiza, Marmon and Packard. Replacing the venerable inline
six that traced its roots to the Ghost was an all-new, clean-sheet
design V12 engine constructed of aluminum alloy and displacing 7.32
liters, or 447 cubic inches. While the V12 layout was certainly a
departure for the company in terms of road car power, it was not at
all unfamiliar territory given their vast experience with aero
engines of the same configuration, and many of the Phantom III
engine's features borrowed heavily from the firm's aviation
experience. The Phantom III was the final car to be designed under
the leadership of Sir Henry Royce, though he would not live long
enough to see the car reach production. As with the Ghost and
Phantom models before it, the Phantom III was quite popular among
the world's royalty and social elite. In particular, powerful
rulers from India developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for
Rolls-Royce motor cars. The area that now comprises India, Pakistan
and Bangladesh was once comprised of nearly 600 states, each ruled
by its own prince, or maharaja. During the height of British
Colonialism, the ruling maharajas enjoyed fabulous wealth and a
love for the cars from Rolls-Royce, with 800 cars delivered there
in the pre-war period. The marque had established itself in India
in the early part of the 20th century, when in 1907, a 40/50hp
"Silver Ghost" successfully traversed six treacherous mountain
passes between Bombay and Kolhapur, winning a grueling reliability
trial and spurring a frenzy of orders from the ruling elite. The
Rolls-Royce cars delivered to India became increasingly elaborate
and highly decorated, as Maharajas tried to outdo one another in an
unofficial race to own the most spectacular motorcar in India. Many
were ordered with special equipment for nearly an official activity
or recreation imaginable, such as hunting, parades, or state
business; and body styling would range from the sublime to the
outrageous. We are honored to offer one of the most beautiful of
all Maharaja Rolls-Royces: The Phantom III Disappearing Roof
Drophead by Thrupp & Maberly, serial number 3AZ178. This
magnificent automobile was famously owned by His Highness Maharaja
Bahadur Sir Kameshwar Singh, otherwise known as the Maharaja of
Darbhanga. Maharaja Kemeshwar Singh was one of the wealthiest state
rulers in India, amassing a huge fortune through his vast array of
business interests in India and abroad. He holds the distinction of
being the last titled ruler of the Raj Darbhanga state, as India
gained independence in the late 1940s and he did not name an heir.
The provenance of 3AZ178 is quite fascinating. It is somewhat
unusual that the Maharaja was not the original owner of this
particular chassis. That honor goes to Joseph Coppinger of London
who took delivery in September of 1936, the car equipped with
Barker limousine coachwork. But by December of the same year, the
car had been sold to the Maharaja of Darbhanga, who commissioned
Thrupp & Mayberly to construct this staggeringly beautiful and
daring coachwork, one of just two Phantom III chassis so equipped.
The original limousine body was not wasted, as it was installed on
another one of the Maharaja's PIII chassis. It isn't known exactly
why Mr. Coppinger parted with his Phantom III so quickly, but it is
believed that the Maharaja was open to the idea of a gently owned
chassis as it drastically shortened the delivery time and allowed
him to get an essentially new car in a fraction of the time. The
Phantom was used for touring in Europe by His Highness before being
shipped to India in 1938. At that time, it was only the second
Phantom III to be dispatched to India, surely a point of pride.
3AZ178 remained a prized feature of the Maharaja's stable through
the time of his death in 1962. Later in the 1960s, 3AZ178 was
acquired from the Maharaja's family by a British National who hung
about the colonies in search of interesting old cars such as this.
He exported it to England and in 1968 it was acquired by Hugh
Boucher of Kent. By that time, the car still had exceptionally low
miles, though cosmetically it was beginning to appear a bit tired.
Boucher turned the PIII over to the famed coachbuilder James Young
to be retrimmed and lightly restored. Mr. Boucher cared for the
Phantom III from 1968 through is passing in 1999, after which the
car found its way to the USA. The most recent owner, a prominent
American collector, acquired this historic Rolls-Royce in 2006. Now
in the hands of a new owner, a careful and sympathetic restoration
was commenced. Color played an important role in the presentation
of Maharajas automobiles, and this car is no exception. After
painstaking research by the highly respected restorer Fran Roxas,
the original royal blue color of the Raj Darbhanga was identified
and carefully reproduced to repaint the car. This vivid blue
accentuates the body's beautiful lines, and details such as the
official state insignia of the Raj Darbhanga, a six pointed star
with a sacred Ganges River Dolphin, adorn the doors. At the time of
the restoration, the body was determined to be excellent condition,
having enjoyed a pampered life both in India and in England. It
exhibits an exceptionally solid feel, particularly in action of the
doors. The folding roof is a marvel of engineering, with clever
features such as B-pillars that disappear with the top frame, yet
provide excellent weather proofing when the roof is in place.
Mechanically, the V12 engine, running gear and chassis were also
found to be in remarkably good condition throughout, as it is
certain the car enjoyed no-expense-spared maintenance for its
entire life. It is believed that the 25,000 miles shown is genuine,
and that the car has never been completely apart. The engine has
been carefully serviced and now presents in beautiful condition
both cosmetically and mechanically; running exceptionally well and
delivering fine performance - an important consideration on any
Phantom III. The efforts of the owner and restorer were rewarded at
the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance with a 3rd in class E-2,
a special group celebrating the Rolls-Royces of the Maharajas. It
was also awarded Best in Class for Pre-war Rolls-Royce at the 2017
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. 3AZ178 remains in beautiful
condition, with a slightly mellowed restoration and truly exquisite
mechanical condition. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a
magnificent Phantom III with exceptional, fascinating provenance,
presented in lovely order throughout. Surely one of the most
breathtaking examples of the Phantom III, 3AZ178 is a shining
example of the grand and glorious history of Rolls-Royce in India.
