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Vehicle Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Guyton
Collection event, 4 - 5 May 2019.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $150,000
- Part of the Guyton Collection since 1986
- Formerly owned by well-known Midwestern collector Dr. John R.
Fischer
- Largely original condition; original chassis, engine, and
coachwork
- An ideal basis for restoration or touring
- Accompanied by copies of original build information
- Documented by Phantom III historian Steve Stuckey
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
Factory build records indicate that this handsome Phantom III was
ordered through the famous Jack Barclay salesroom on Hanover Square
and sold 12 November 1937 to Mrs. S.W. (Stanley William) Tanfield,
wife of a prominent financier residing on White Place in Taplow,
Buckinghamshire. Bodied by H.J. Mulliner as a Sedanca de Ville, it
boasts beautiful solid wood trim throughout, with subtle inlays to
the cabinetry of the rear compartment, concealing a robust heater,
cases designed to contain decanters and glassware, a folding
footrest (on the passenger side), and an occasional seat for a maid
or footman (on the driver's side).
The car was driven about 5,000 km with the Tanfields before it was
sold by Jack Barclay to Harry Neal of London on 12 April 1938. Laid
up during World War II, it was resold by Barclay in April 1945 to
Frederick Nield of Manchester, then passed to Harold G. Bentley. It
was re-registered by its present number in 1960.
In 1961 the Phantom III moved to the U.S. with Dr. John R. Fischer
of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, a well-known enthusiast whose
collection also included another Phantom III. He maintained the car
for decades before selling it to his longtime friend, Fred F.
Guyton, on 21 June 1986. By that time, Dr. Fischer was residing in
the St. Louis area with his wife, Elinor, and thus this was another
"local" addition to the collection.
Now having remained in the collection for nearly 33 years, the
Phantom III was described as the "Official Guyton Wedding Vehicle,"
put into service for numerous family nuptials over the years, with
matrimonial white ribbons still visible in the rear quarter windows
when the car was catalogued for this sale.
It maintains the appearance of a largely original and unrestored
example, with the engine being thoroughly patinaed and having a
well-used appearance, while much of the Royal Blue and black finish
is cracking, with areas of paint loss in the high-stress areas. The
wooden trim throughout is overall solid and intact, while the
upholstery - rich black leather to the driver's seat, and wool
broadcloth to the rear - is largely solid and may benefit from
conservation. Such charming details as the original roller
windshield shades are still intact, and the woodwork beneath the
driver's seat still bears the original body number stamping. At the
time of cataloguing the car recorded 30,333 km. It is offered with
a largely complete set of original tools, as well as copies of its
build documents, historical documents and correspondence dating to
Dr. Fischer's acquisition, and a history compiled by the noted
Phantom III historian, Steve Stuckey.
An ideal basis for a concours-quality restoration, or perhaps
touring and preservation, this splendid Phantom III boasts some of
the most elegant formal coachwork of its era, and undoubtedly looks
forward to carrying a new generation of brides to the chapel.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/gc19.
