Vehicle Description
As the last Rolls-Royce designed under the direct supervision of
Sir Henry Royce, the Phantom II Continental is the ultimate and
most desirable iteration of the Phantom range. As its name would
suggest, the Continental was designed for high-speed touring across
Europe, and in ultimate spec, was capable of approaching 100mph.
What set the Continental apart from the standard range was namely
the shortened chassis with stiffer, five-leaf springs to handle the
rigors of high-performance touring and a series of sporting bodies
offered by select coachbuilders. The standard Phantom II shared
very little in common with its predecessor (Phantom I) beyond the
bore and stroke dimensions of the 7,668cc inline six-cylinder
engine. Engineers made a great deal of progress within the big six;
adding a cross flow cylinder head, separate inlet ports, improved
exhaust manifold and a bump in compression allowing for an
additional 20hp. The driveline was also improved with modifications
to the gearbox and clutch and the addition of a Hotchkiss drive
layout for the hypoid rear axle which allowed for a lower floor
line. This of course delighted coachbuilders who could now fit
lower, sleeker bodywork and the addition of the short chassis
Continental allowed coachbuilders to showcase their most sporting
designs. Performance was exceptional for a car of this size, and
sales proved strong considering the price, with 281 of the total
Phantom II production of 1,767 units leaving the works in
Continental specification. Chassis number 80MS was originally
ordered by the respected dealer Jack Barclay in 1932. It was sent
to directly to H.J. Mulliner where it received the handsome sports
saloon coachwork it wears today. On November 21, 1932, 80MS had
completed testing and was delivered three days later to E.M. Thomas
and his famous motor-racing wife, Jill (Scott) Thomas. The Thomas'
were well known in motor racing circles; E.M. Thomas was a regular
competitor at Brooklands, though rather uncharacteristically for
the time, it was his wife who was truly the hardcore racer. She had
been formerly married to "Bentley Boy" W.B. Scott and was the first
woman to lap Brooklands at over 120mph. She won multiple races and
held several 500km and 500 mile records. As such, she was the first
ever woman elected to the storied BRDC. According to factory notes,
Mr. Thomas insisted special attention be paid to the brakes on his
new Rolls-Royce. We can only assume that this wonderful Phantom II
was enjoyed to its fullest by its enthusiastic original owners. In
1938, 80MS passed to Mr. Angus Fletcher, who is believed to have
retained the car through the War. It then passed to Mr. John Lewis
who kept the car through 1962 when it appears to have made its way
to the United States. In 1989, following long-term ownership, the
car was handed over to Lyle Reider of British Marque Auto in
Pennsylvania who carried out a bare metal respray, re-wiring, and
cosmetic restoration. In conjunction, John Dennison performed a
full engine rebuild. The most recent owner acquired the car in 2003
who has continually maintained it in excellent mechanical order,
using it regularly on tours, events and rallies. Today, 80MS
(engine number WO85) remains in very fine order, showing just a bit
of patina from regular use. The crisp and attractive H.J. Mulliner
coachwork presents very well with burgundy main body over black
fenders and a black upholstered roof. The paint is in good order,
showing some signs of use here and there, but remaining quite
attractive since the respray was completed. Maroon wire wheels wear
blackwall tires that are an ideal match for the sporting coachwork.
A single rear mount spare keeps the body sides clean, fully
accentuating the sweeping line of the fenders. This is the original
body to 80MS, and a photo of the car is featured in Raymond
Gentile's book, "The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental" (p156).
The cabin has been retrimmed in attractive brown leather with brown
Wilton carpeting. The seats appear lovingly broken-in and the
detailing is unfussy and down to business. Wood trim on the door
caps and dash is in fine order. Under the bonnet, the 7.7 liter
inline six presents beautifully, again showing minor signs of use
but never abuse or neglect. Fittings and hardware are largely
correct with a few minor accommodations for modernity such as the
hose clamps and drive belt. The Phantom II Continental was designed
from day one as a driver's car with cross continent touring its
main charge. With its very intriguing early history, fantastic
Mulliner coachwork and well-sorted mechanical condition, we are
confident this fine example will continue to bring much enjoyment
to its next keeper.
