This is a beautifully restored, award winning 1929 Rolls-Royce
Phantom II, chassis 3XJ, that is one of the famed Maharaja
examples. Being royally commissioned, this bespoke Thrupp & Maberly
all-weather tourer is one of the most beautiful designs having been
sent back to its coachbuilder to be updated from the Hooper
original body in 1935. This is an ideal example that would be
welcomed at any concours event worldwide as well as a delight to
drive. Finished in Ultra Black with red dual pinstripes and
retaining its original British registration plate, DS8794, this
Phantom II remains in beautiful fully-restored condition with
exceptional provenance and concours history. This Phantom has
benefitted by being restored and maintained by several of the very
best, most capable engineers in the Pre-War Rolls-Royce industry.
During its restoration, 3XJ benefitted from the installation of an
excellent power steering system. The power from its massive
original 7.7-liter engine (ZH 25) and its precise and easy power
steering makes it a pleasure to drive. As an all-weather tourer,
the Phantom can be configured an open tourer or enclosed saloon
with division. 3XJ is ideally suited for concours exhibition, RROC
touring, or inclusion in a serious prewar collection focused on
Indian Royal provenance. Built in 1929, chassis 3XJ was originally
ordered by His Highness Maharaja Rameshwar Singh Bahadur of
Darbhanga, one of Indias most influential princely rulers and a
devoted Phantom II patron. Delivered new to Calcutta aboard the
S.S. Mulberra, the Rolls-Royce was first bodied by Hooper before
returning to England in 1935 to receive the current Thrupp &
Maberly all-weather tourer coachwork, a transformation documented
by The Autocar in January 1936. This Phantom remained in the
Darbhanga collection for 38 years before returning to England in
1967, at which time mileage was recorded at approximately 8,000
original miles. Chassis 3XJ later passed through notable collectors
in the United States and Europe and underwent a comprehensive
restoration between 1997 and 2009. This Phantom has a significant
history at many of the most important RROC and concours events,
including earning Best in Class at the 2009 Meadow Brook Concours,
and exhibited at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance in the
Motor Cars of the Raj class. The exterior of chassis 3XJ is
finished in deep Ultra Black with dual red coachlines and presents
with beautiful depth consistent with an older, high-quality
restoration. The gorgeous Thrupp & Maberly body features a
distinctive swept cowl molding, skirted fenders, polished
brightwork, and an all-weather folding roof that allows conversion
from open tourer to fully enclosed saloon. The original and rare
Grebel headlamps, parking lights and cowl-mounted searchlights as
well as its dual horns remain in excellent cosmetic condition.
Side-mounted dual spares, painted wire wheels with polished ACE
wheel covers, and blackwall tires all remain in excellent
condition. The interior is trimmed in soft and supple brown leather
and shows light creasing consistent with careful use. The Maharaja
ordered 3XJ with special ivory steering wheel and controls. The
ivory four-spoke steering wheel frames an engine turned metal
dashboard with a full complement of gauges and ivory-colored
controls. The driver and passenger clocks are present but not
currently running. Seatbelts have been installed for four
occupants, and the divider window glass separates the front and
rear passenger compartments. The spectacular rear vanity cabinets
feature book matched burled wood cabinetry with inlaid marquetry
and four Rolls-Royce logo wine glasses, adding both visual elegance
and period character. The engine and engine compartment have been
beautifully detailed during its restoration. 3XJ retains its
original, numbers matching 7.7 liter dual-ignition inline six with
dual ignition and magneto. The four-speed manual transmission has
its special ordered ivory-handled floor shifter with its matching
emergency brake lever. Semi-elliptical front springs and the rear
cantilever system provide the refined ride quality for which the
Phantom II is known. Extensive mechanical and cosmetic work was
carried out between 1997 and 2009 by leading specialists in England
and the United States including Fiennes Motor Engineers, The
Vintage Garage, Sports Classics, D&D Classics, E.F. Murphy,
Classic Concours Restoration and Doug Seibert Automotive. The most
notable restoration work was completed by Sports Classics who
rebuilt the engine with new cylinder head, pistons, bearings, seals
and completed engine detailing and rebuilt the transmission with
new seals. Flagstaffs, electric fuel pump and power steering were
installed. All electric was rewired to the original wire
specifications. The generator electric starter and water pump were
rebuilt. The lamp fixtures were rebuilt, rechromed, resilvered &
rewired by Appleyard Vintage Headlamp Restoration Co. Fiennes
Engineering in England rebuilt the fuel vac system, replaced
kingpins and rebuilt shock absorbers. Regular maintenance was
completed by Siebert Rolls-Royce in Rochester, NY. This Phantom II
is known for light steering, smooth operation, and reliable tour
performance. Chassis 3XJ is accompanied by original factory build
sheets and extensive documentation. For more information and
details, please call or text Harry Clark at 1.602.245.7200 or email
us at
[email protected]. This Phantom II is available for
inspection at our showroom in Phoenix. We are pleased to coordinate
inspections, and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also
have financing partners if you are interested in financing
