The Rolls-Royce Phantom III, introduced in 1936 and produced until 1939, holds a significant place in the history of Rolls-Royce as it was the company’s first move away from the highly successful six-cylinder engine and it was the last model to have direct involvement from Henry Royce. The Phantom III was developed during a period of significant innovation and economic recovery following the Great Depression. Rolls-Royce aimed to produce a car that exemplified the highest standards of luxury and performance. The Phantom III was introduced at the 1936 London Motor Show, capturing the attention of the automotive world with its advanced features and powerful V12 engine.
The new V12 engine was fitted with overhead valves and could produce very impressive performance figures, especially when considering the sheer size and weight of the finished motor car. Speeds in excess of 80mph were well within this powerful models grasp.
This engine was designed by engineer André Lefebvre and featured an aluminium-alloy block and heads, an unusual and advanced feature for its time. The V12 engine provided smooth, powerful performance, generating an estimated 165-180bhp, allowing the Phantom III to compete with other luxury vehicles of the era. This was complemented by a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on third and fourth gears. The substantial chassis frame was fitted with independent front suspension with coil springs, with semi-elliptic leaf springs to the rear. The results, irrespective of coachwork, provided effortless performance and an exceptionally smooth driving experience. For its time it was unquestionably the most technically advanced luxury car in the world.
The Phantom III was available in just one size, that being a 142-inch wheelbase, with little more than 700 chassis rolling off the production line at the factory. The running chassis alone cost the price of six average houses at the time. The majority of the chassis produced were fitted with formal four door coachwork, but a select few were commissioned with more stylish bodies. Coachbuilders like Park Ward, H.J. Mulliner, and Thrupp & Maberly produced bodies to suit each buyer’s requests. Each Phantom III was unique, tailored to the specific desires and specifications of its owner, making it a highly personalized and exclusive vehicle. The Phantom III quickly became a symbol of luxury, technical innovation, and engineering excellence during its era.
Production of the Phantom III was halted in 1939 due to the outbreak of World War II. During the war, Rolls-Royce focused on producing aircraft engines, which were crucial to the war effort. By the time production resumed, the automotive landscape had significantly changed.
Thoughts from Frank Dale
The Rolls-Royce Phantom III remains a highly sought-after model, valued for its engineering excellence, historical significance, and bespoke luxury. Values vary greatly, depending on the coachwork style and condition of each specific Phantom III, with two door open cars being tremendously rare and highly coveted. Most of the very exotic examples reside in the world’s finest car collections and are rarely seen aside from at major concours events. Over the years we have maintained, restored, and sold many examples, perhaps most notably supplying the Goldfinger Sedanca de Ville by Barker back in the early 1960’s direct to Cubby Broccoli. It would have been a sensible car for Auric Goldfinger to use to smuggle gold between countries, due to the cars powerful on road performance. So, if you are a wannabe Bond villain, or just a big fan of this model, please give us a call about your own Phantom III requirements.