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 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 interesting to
note that the Maharaja was not the original owner of this
particular chassis. That honor goes to Joseph Coppinger of London
who took delivery of the car in September of 1936, equipped then
with very subdued Barker limousine coachwork. But by December of
the same year, the car was returned to Rolls-Royce and sold to The
Maharaja of Darbhanga, who commissioned Thrupp & Maberly 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 if it
drastically shortened the delivery time and allowed him to jump to
the head of the waiting list. Prior to shipping it to India in
1938, The Maharaja toured Europe with the car, enjoying its
effortless power and performance. When it arrived in India, it was
only the second Phantom III to be dispatched to India. 3AZ178
remained a prized feature of the Maharaja's stable through the time
of his death in 1962. Later in the 1960s, 3AZ178 was somehow
wrested from the Maharaja's family by a British National who hung
about the colonies in search of interesting old cars. 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. In the early
1990s, Boucher turned the PIII over to James Pearce Coachbuilders
for a light freshening. Mr. Boucher cared for the Phantom III from
1968 through is passing in 1999, after which the car found its way
to the USA. Once stateside, a prominent American collector acquired
this historic Rolls-Royce in 2006, and commissioned a meticulous
cosmetic restoration with highly respected classic-era expert Fran
Roxas. Accompanying the car is a very large stack of receipts,
correspondence and records documenting its history. Color played an
important role in the presentation of Maharajas automobiles, and
this car is no exception. After painstaking research by Mr. Roxas,
the original royal blue of the Raj Darbhanga was identified and
carefully reproduced to repaint the car. This vivid blue
accentuates the body's breathtaking 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 found
to be in remarkably good condition, 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 methodically
serviced and presents in beautiful condition both cosmetically and
mechanically. Now beautifully dialed-in, this is truly one of the
finest driving Phantom IIIs we have ever encountered. It feels hewn
from a solid as only true low-mileage cars do. Proper mechanical
condition is critical on these highly specialized automobiles, and
this Phantom III stands with the best. The tremendous efforts of
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. More recently, it earned a Best in
Class for Pre-war Rolls-Royce at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours
d'Elegance. 3AZ178 is a stunning and highly important motorcar. The
gently mellowed restoration and superb mechanical condition make it
a fine choice for the collector/driver to participate in tours and
road events the world over. This is a rare opportunity to acquire
one of the most beautiful of all Phantom IIIs, with fascinating
provenance and a world-class restoration. Surely one of the most
breathtaking examples of its kind, 3AZ178 is a shining example of
the grand and glorious history of Rolls-Royce in India. Offers
welcomed and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6294-1937-rolls-royce-phantom-iii-drop-head-coupe/