The 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Owen
Drophead Sedanca Coupe is considered one of the most beautiful and
coveted Rolls-Royces ever built. Its proportions are much like a
Pre-War Jaguar XKE with its majestically long hood and cowl, low
windshield and sleek profile. This is an example that is a
beautifully preserved older restoration that has been exhibited at
the Pebble Beach Concours in 1986 and has been included in many of
the most important collections of classics in North America. The
Sedanca Coupe is a true three-position drophead, operating as a
coupe, sedanca or convertible. 82PY is one of 281 PII Continentals
and one of the 18 original Owen Drophead Sedanca Coupes made, but
is one of very few with the rare and desirable double rear-mounted
spares. The effect of the dual rear mounted spares is to enhance
its sensual and iconic lines. The chassis was delivered from
Rolls-Royce to J Gurney Nutting on October 28, 1933 as a special
order from H.R. Owen, a renowned Rolls-Royce dealer. It was
originally ordered for British tinplate scion Cedric
Treherne-Thomas, to be delivered to him at the International
Sportsmans Club in London. Tommy Treherne-Thomas was quite a
sportsman, placing well in the 1935 24 Hours of Le Mans. By 1935,
82PY was acquired by James R Herbert Boone, an American financier
that who spent much of his time in Europe with audiences with the
Pope and royalty in England and Italy. Mr. Boone made headlines in
the 1930s for funding a lengthy but unsuccessful hunt for the
famous sunken treasure of King John Lackland of England off the
English coast. By the 1950s, 82PY had moved to California, where it
was owned by several very well-known collections. By 1964, it had
been acquired by the late enthusiast Robert G. Valpey of Palos
Verdes, California, who installed the present engine, number XO55.
Mr. Valpey sold the car in 1976 to another noted West Coast
collector, Barry Hon of California. Six years later it became part
of the collection of Ross Bewley, who exhibited the car at the
Pebble Beach Concours dElegance in 1986. In 2007 and 2008, 82PY had
very extensive mechanical restoration, including a complete engine
and cooling system rebuild by the specialists at AJ Glew & Company
of Draycott, Gloucestershire. By 2012, the Rolls then became part
of the distinguished museum of Academy of Art University in San
Francisco, alongside many other important Full Classics. It has
been featured in numerous books on Rolls-Royce including Raymond
Gentiles The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental. The livery is
featured in a beautiful deep blue that appears black except for in
the sunlight. The dark blue is complemented by red and royal blue
twin pinstripes, polished aluminum ACE wheel discs and the classic
tan Haartz canvas three-position convertible top. The paint is in
beautiful condition with excellent shine and luster. There is
normal slight wear in the high use areas near the hood and door
jambs, otherwise the Rolls presents very well. The chrome and
stainless-steel trim are in excellent condition. Attached to the
short and rakish windshield posts are dual pillar mounted Grebel
spotlights a beautiful blue tinted glass sun visor. In front of the
iconic and massive Rolls-Royce grill is a Lucas center light. All
of the accessories are in as-new condition, reflecting the care
82PY received while in the noted collections. The Dunlap Forte
tires are exhibiting some age cracking. Overall, the exterior is in
concours condition with few visible deductions only noticeable upon
very close inspection. The interior of 82PY is simply spectacular.
The beautiful Russet Brown leather appears nearly new and is soft
and supple to the touch. The matching Wilton wool carpeting is also
as new and lends a rich feel to the interior. The gorgeous burl
walnut dash and accents is deep and rich with minimal age-related
cracking. The interior chrome and the instrumentation also present
in very good to excellent condition. All of the gauges work well,
and the restored steering wheel feels great while driving. The
engine compartment is detailed for concours and presents
beautifully. There is no doubt that this Phantom II Continental has
received excellent service and upkeep. The venerable 7.7 liter
straight six-cylinder is quiet and powerful. The engineers at AJ
Glew & Company did a tremendous job rebuilding the engine. It
starts easily and performs well. There are no rattles, excessive
smoking and the oil pressure and operating temperatures are all
appropriate for a Phantom II. The chassis is well detailed and also
shows that this Rolls has been well serviced and cared for. Built
into the lid of the original Gurney Nutting trunk is a beautifully
presented complete tool kit. Included in the sale is a history file
with many original factory documents, various period letters, book
references, complete service invoices for the major work performed
and more. A Phantom II Owner's Manual is also included in the sale.
We have this Phantom II Continental priced very well. Here is a
comparable public sale at $1.65 million: Gooding & Co For more
information and details, call, text or email Harry Clark at
1.602.245.7200 or
[email protected] . See our 151 photos
and four videos on our website to learn more. This Phantom is
available for viewing at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to
offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help
coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if
you are interested in financing.
