Vehicle Description
Announced in 1929, the magnificent Phantom II served the role of
Rolls-Royce's flagship model for six years and set the standard for
other manufacturers of luxury motorcars the world over. Central to
the new car was a new 7,668cc six-cylinder engine that shared only
the bore and stroke dimensions with the outgoing Phantom I unit.
Key developments included a crossflow cylinder head, separate inlet
ports, improved exhaust manifolds and a bump in compression that
released an additional 20 horsepower. Rather than boast about
output, Rolls-Royce's marketing department allowed the unparalleled
levels of refinement to speak for them. Paired with the marvelous
engine was a new chassis and driveline afforded all around better
handling, ride quality as well as a lower floor line - much to the
delight of coachbuilders who could now fit lower and sleeker bodies
at the behest of their clients. Sales of the Phantom II were quite
respectable, with 1,545 examples built through 1935. The great
English coachbuilders of the time practiced their craft with the
PII chassis, with some more successful and prolific than others.
Among the most prestigious was Hooper, established in 1805. From
1833 on, the firm held a Royal Warrant to provide coaches for the
Royal Family; an agreement which they sustained for over 110 years.
In Hooper's own words, their coachwork was reserved for "the Royal
and the distinguished," and their extensive portfolio of designs
ranges from the sedate to the flamboyant. Our featured Rolls-Royce
Phantom II is a truly striking example, wearing one-off and
distinctly sporting Two Seater Open Sports coachwork by Hooper. A
well-documented example, chassis number 23GN has worn this
evocative body from new, ordered by the noted English businessman,
sportsman, and philanthropist Sir Julien Cahn. RROC records show he
ordered this Phantom II on October 18, 1929. It arrived at Hooper
at the end of February 1930, and the installation of the coachwork
(Body Number 7351) was completed by April 1930. It was delivered to
Sir Julian later that month, registered as GF7844. Cahn took over
his family's furnishing business and expanding aggressively,
ultimately controlling more than 300 stores across England. His
philanthropy led to his knighting in 1929, and he was made a
baronet in 1934 for his charity work. He is best known for his keen
interest and skill in fox hunting and especially in the sport of
cricket, where he enjoyed a successful career as both a player and
team owner. Sir Julian's love of sport is reflected in his choice
of coachwork for the Phantom II. While most Phantoms were clothed
with elegant, formal bodies, this car is quite the opposite. The
body is trim and clean, with a purposeful appearance befitting a
wealthy sportsman. The design features a lovely boat tail treatment
at the rear, abbreviated front wings, and step plates in lieu of
full running boards. Bumpers were omitted from new, and dual
rear-mounted spares lend a fabulous character, making the car
appear even lower and longer than it already is. While officially
designated a two-seater, the unique dual-cowl design can
accommodate four passengers thanks to a discreet rear cockpit with
a separate folding windscreen. When not in use, the seat and
windshield fold to create a flat rear deck. Should inclement
weather strike, unique individual hoods can be erected for both the
front and rear compartments. Sir Julien Cahn retained his beloved
Phantom II until the outbreak of war when he dutifully donated it
to The Ministry of War Transport. After the war, it was common
practice to return cars to their original owners, but as Sir Julien
passed away in 1944, the Rolls-Royce was sold to H.S.N Adams in
1946. R.D. Linford was the next owner, acquiring 23GN in 1957. In
1964, it was obtained by J.L. Mackinlay who was an active R.R.E.C.
member and who regularly enjoyed the car for many years. In 1988,
23GN was still in England, owned by broker and colorful character
Charles Howard. In 1991, Howard sold it to an American collector,
Ken Behring. It remained in Behring's collection through 1997 when
it was sold to David Hogue, who then commissioned a comprehensive,
professional restoration, adorning the car with the striking black
and scarlet livery it wears today. Following its magnificent
restoration, the Phantom II debuted at the 1997 Pebble Beach
Concours d'Elegance, where it received the coveted Lucius Beebe
Memorial Trophy. It subsequently earned a CCCA Senior award in 2003
and was invited to return to the lawn at Pebble in 2018. This car
appears in Lawrence Dalton's Coachwork on Rolls Royce (p. 128), in
Charles Howard's "An AUTObiography (p.194) and in the December 2005
issues of Road & Track magazine which covered the inaugural
1,500-mile Pebble Beach Motoring Classic, a copy of which is
included in the file. Over the years, 23GN has been well
maintained, with the restoration maturing slightly through regular
use and enjoyment. The black paintwork is gorgeous, and the body
finely detailed with period-correct accessories including Lucas
King of the Road headlamps and spot lamps. Polished alloy wheel
discs and black wall Michelin tires maintain the purposeful and
sporty appearance. Front and rear cockpits are trimmed in matching
red hides, with exquisite woodwork and restored original
instruments adorning the dash. The rear compartment houses a set of
factory PII tools. In addition, front and rear weather equipment
and copies of the chassis card and build records will be included
in the sale. In approximately 2014, 23GN returned to England where
Graham Moss of R.C. Moss performed a mechanical overhaul. In the
interest of comfortable and reliable touring, a heavy duty Laycock
P-Type overdrive unit mates with the original four-speed manual
gearbox. The under-bonnet presentation is good. A unique and
distinguished motorcar with documented provenance, this exciting
Phantom II will be a welcome addition to the most discerning
collections, sure to provide countless miles of motoring pleasure.
Offers welcomed and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6331-1930-rolls-royce-phantom-ii-two-seater-open-sports-by-hooper/
