To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$375,000 - $475,000
- Offered from the Calumet Collection
- Among the most extensively optioned Phantom VIs ever
produced
- Commissioned to demonstrate literally every available luxury
and accoutrement
- Featured in the promotional brochure "The Exclusive
Phantom"
- Originally delivered to UK entertainment magnate, Lew
Grade
- Immaculately restored and exquisitely presented; multiple
award-winning example
- Accompanied by a report from Rolls-Royce historian Diane
Brandon
- The finest example available for sale
This magnificent Motor Car is a supreme example of the individually
hand-built Rolls-Royce cars . . . It has been specially built for
Lex Mead by H.J. Mulliner Park Ward and is a superb example of
craftsmanship and coachbuilding. The specification is unique and
includes all the refinements associated with luxury motoring.
-"The Exclusive Phantom"
Lex Mead of Maidenhead, 1972
This Phantom VI, chassis no. PRH4703, was commissioned by the
well-known Rolls-Royce dealers Lex Mead of Maidenhead as a company
�demonstrator,' that would show every available luxury accoutrement
that could be specified for one's new limousine. A special
promotional brochure, "The Exclusive Phantom," was produced,
showing this car and its equipment to prospective customers.
Afterward the automobile was delivered to Lew Grade, later Lord
Grade, the powerful British entertainment magnate and impresario,
most famous on these shores as an early backer of Jim Henson's
Muppets, and remained with his family for over 30 years.
Finished in Black over Garnet and striped in Antique Gold, the car
features a driver's compartment in Dark Red Connolly hides, piped
in Black, overseen by a glass roof panel with its own privacy
blind. The rear compartment was upholstered in special Deep Red
Drayton velvet, including the headliner and head cushions, with the
rarest burled walnut veneers selected throughout; bud vases and
power-operated velvet privacy curtains added a touch of gracious
elegance. Coddled in either the capacious power-adjustable bench
seat or one of the two jump seats, passengers faced a cabinet
containing a Sony television and Lear Jet Stereo, a set of cut
glass decanters, and matching sherry glasses. The center armrest
sported a leather accessory set for gentleman and lady, including a
gold-plated grooming kit and even a checkbook.
The Phantom VI has been splendidly fully restored to the correct
specifications, and, in fact, aside from its unique accessories, is
almost certainly the finest example of the model in the U.S. Its
only alterations from �stock' - a relative term! - are a more
up-to-date Grundig television and Blaupunkt radio in the rear
compartment, which will be appreciated by modern passengers. Both,
of course, are fully functional, as are all other accessories with
which the Phantom VI was supplied.
In the fashion of the pair of Phantom VIs produced for British
businessman, George Moore, a pair of burled walnut tables, finished
to match the interior and supplied in the boot, were designed to
fit snugly onto the front fenders, secured by the mounts for the
flag masts. Once they were installed, a service of fine china could
be retrieved from its wicker hamper and set into place. Comfortable
seating was achieved using "toadstool" seats, small, heavily
upholstered stools that mount to the front bumper guards. A bottle
of chilled white could be retrieved from a wine cooler in the
boot.
The assembled result, with perhaps a p�t� de campagne, some
cornichons, and a loaf of good bread, was the most elegant roadside
meal imaginable - at what was, most certainly, the most expensive
picnic table ever created. The car is offered with all of the
pictured china and flatware, and, in the fashion typical to the
Calumet Collection's automobiles, runs and drives superbly.
This is sure to be the favorite of all its new owner's friends - an
automobile for the �host with the most,' and the representation of
all that could be had, with the right bank account, from
Rolls-Royce in 1972.To view this car and others currently consigned
to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
