1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Four Light Cabriolet
| VIN: |
21844 (Not The Actual Vin Number) |
| Stock# |
21844 |
TEXT ME THIS CAR
1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Four Light Cabriolet
| Stock#: |
21844 |
| Ext. Color: |
Green |
| Int. Color: |
Black |
| Year: |
1938 |
| Model |
Phantom III Four Light Cabriolet |
| Vin#: |
21844 |
UNIQUE 1938 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM III FOUR LIGHT CABRIOLET
1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Four Light Cabriolet
Coachwork by Freestone & Webb
Chassis no. 3 DL 94
Engine no. Q88N
Design no. 1971
Body no. 1317
-Unique coachwork
-Only center gearshift Phantom III built
-Two long term owners from new, in the present family since 1962
-34k miles
-Pebble Beach entry potential
-Excellent part original and part restored condition. Structurally sound
-Lots of correspondence between buyer and Freestone and Webb
This unique and rare Phantom III Cabriolet was ordered new by K.L. Bilbrough of Chislehurst in Kent, in the U.K., a wealthy gentleman who was the Chairman of the shipping and marine insurance business his father had founded in 1862. Mr. Bilbrough had a penchant for driving Packard motorcars, but when he decided to change to the latest model, he discovered that the new car would not fit in his garage. At this point, two domestic companies took over the mantel, Rolls-Royce and Freestone and Webb. Stipulating that the car must not exceed 17 feet, 7 inches, even with its bumpers fitted, the coachwork was designed. Other intriguing specifics were required, in order to match the central gear-change lever that he was used to in his Packard, the Rolls-Royce was built in this way also, it being the sole example of this model so equipped. White faced instruments were required with black numerals and bezels, and they were to be on a dash panel rather than in the standard cluster. No clock was fitted, nor a Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament either. Further, he required that it be registered for the road with a license plate that he wouldn't forget, that number was 'FKN1', and when it was delivered to him it must have its odometer zeroed. There were a number of slightly dated aspects to the order, such as the fitment of a bulb horn when electric horns were of course then the norm, and a four piece windshield which harked back to 1920s coachwork styles more than current traits.
Freestone and Webb's design drawings and photos taken in period by Chas. Bowers confirm that the car was very much completed as specified. In fact it must have made quite an impression as Autocar featured the finished Phantom in their magazine in July 1939.
It can also be safely assumed that Mr. Bilbrough was happy with his purchase as he would retain it for more than 23 years, in fact until his death in 1962, at the considerable age of 90. At this point the Rolls was sold by his estate, having covered just 34k miles in its lifetime.
This unique Phantom III remains highly original in detail and true to the form in which it was delivered new, save for a repaint to its fenders and re-upholstery of its seating areas, but never receiving a full restoration. In more recent times it has been sympathetically maintained by the very capable local Pennsylvania expert Tim Jayne, of West Chester. The motor is running well and consistent with the mileage reading.
The opportunity to acquire unique, special bodied Rolls-Royce rarely present themselves, let alone open cars, or Phantom IIIs. With all of these desirable characteristics, the Bilbrough Phantom is a highly interesting car.
Price: $
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