1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine LHD
This 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V is one of the rarer examples to have been delivered new in left hand drive configuration. Black with tan leather interior. Although pre-dating the dual headlamp arrangement, at some point it has been updated to this look. It was not uncommon for earlier cars to be converted to this set up, since ostensibly this was the only visual difference for the cars that succeeded it, and conversion to that form would no doubt make its owner appear to have a newer car. The car appears to have been the subject of some restoration and refurbishment at the start of the 2000s. Today the Rolls shows some evidence of wear and damage to the bodywork, with a dent in the right rear side roof and also to the front driver's side fender. The bumpers have damage which has displaced the chrome in places. The interior, which carries leather to both front and rear has dried out a little, but still retains the aroma of its luxury hides and lambswool rugs are also present. The motor cranks freely but is not currently running as the car has been in storage and off the road for some time. It was noted that the electric windows are operational. Factory records obtained from the Rolls-Royce Owners Club confirm that as new the Phantom was delivered to T. Eaton Co. Ltd in Canada for Lady Eaton. The Eatons were one of the most famous retailers in Canada, Timothy Eaton building a department store empire that survived through to 1999. Sarah Evelyn Florence 'Flora' McCrea had married Timothy's son John Craig Eaton in 1901, having met him as a nurse. He was knighted for his services to the war effort in 1915, Flora becoming Lady Eaton then. Sir John died in 1922, but Flora continued as a socialite and philanthropist throughout her life. Lady Eaton is one of the better-known patrons of Rolls-Royce and had been a client of the company since its early days, her Silver Ghost ordered in 1912 was christened 'Ladybird' after her and survives to this day. It can be assumed that this Phantom was one of the last that she ordered, as she passed in 1970. It is not known when the family may have sold the car or the ensuing history until the 2000s. The Limousine has resided under its previous ownership for the last 8 years having been acquired from the noted public auction of the late Jim Rogers in Las Vegas in the spring of 2015. Mr. Rogers was well known figure in Nevada and former owner of the NBC affiliate KSNV (Channel 3), a passionate collector, he had gathered some 300 collectible automobiles by the time he passed and on his death it was his wish that they be dispersed with the funds then devoted to create a Foundation benefitting local Las Vegas Charities. The car was the earlier of two examples of its kind in that collection, and it seems likely that he would have acquired it some 11 years earlier when it was offered for sale in Las Vegas in another local auction, most likely by Frank Thayer of San Jose who had been advertising it in that period. As classy a ride as you can ever imagine, these timeless Rolls Phantoms represent remarkable value and will surely always be appreciated.
1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine Left-Hand Drive
Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd.
Chassis no. 5LAS45 - Rare Left hand drive specification, Canadian delivered
- Originally delivered to serial Rolls-Royce owner Lady Eaton in Toronto
- Later in the collection of Jim Rogers in Las Vegas
- A basis for sympathetic refurbishment
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