1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Landaulette

This car was originally commissioned by the eccentric Armenian oil magnate Nubar Gulbenkian and was later acquired by Beatrice Violet Chotzner, wife of the English Conservative politician Alfred Chotzner. It was displayed at the Hooper stand at the 1932 “Scottish Show” and the 1936 “Olympia Show” and was added to the collection in 1993.

Phantom III models styled as sedanca by Hooper were some of the most well-known, although the Landaulette style was particularly fitting for Rolls-Royce due to its retractable roof at the rear, allowing it to be used by dignitaries and celebrities. In the 1970s, this model was updated with a Landaulette opening system at the rear.

This particular car, a four-door sedancalette style with seating for seven, features a unique design where the trunk is placed outside the cabin. The interior is spacious, with two separate armchairs complemented by two occasional stools and a crank-operated partition to divide the space. Interestingly, this model features the same striking color combination and wheel arrangement as the yellow and black Phantom III used by the villain Goldfinger in the 007 movie of the same name.

By the time of Henry Royce’s death in 1933, Rolls-Royce was fully aware of the increasing demand for luxury vehicles with more power without sacrificing comfort or excellence. American competitors, such as Cadillac, Lincoln, and Packard, had already introduced models with 8, 12, and even 16-cylinder engines, quickly outpacing the traditional inline six-cylinder engines used by Rolls-Royce. In response, Rolls-Royce introduced the 12-cylinder V12 engine, leveraging its experience in aviation engine production.

The Phantom III has since become one of the company’s most iconic models. It was exclusively built in Derby alongside the 25/30 model, with the steering wheel positioned on the right-hand side. The independent front suspension further enhanced comfort, while the car could support the most luxurious coachwork without sacrificing performance. The most common body style was a more formal one, but only 710 units were produced, making it an exclusive model. The chassis price was £1,850, and clients like the Maharaja Gaekwar of Baroda purchased as many as five units.

This model was a true engineering marvel, designed by A.G. Elliot (1889-1975), whose pursuit of perfection is reflected in the car’s technical complexity. Ettore Bugatti described the Phantom III as “a masterpiece of engineering above poor design,” anticipating the issues that would later arise due to the mixture of aluminum and iron in the engine, which promoted corrosion and overheating. Despite these problems, they were eventually resolved.

Production of the Phantom III was interrupted by the war in 1939. It was later replaced by the Silver Wraith, a less luxurious and extravagant model, more in line with the coming post-war era.

• Chasis: 3AZ164
• Carrocería: Hooper & Co
• Motor: V12/ 7.338cc /120cv
• Período: 1936-1939
• Unidades: 710