1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III Cabriolet Deville by Hooper Spectacular Car

1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Cabriolet DeVille Additional Info:

The Rolls-Royce Phantom III was the final large pre-war Rolls-Royce. Introduced in 1936, it replaced the Phantom II and it was the only V12 Rolls-Royce until the 1998 introduction of the Silver Seraph. 727 V12 Phantom III chassis were constructed from 1936 to 1939, and many have survived. Although chassis production ceased in 1939 (with one final chassis being built in 1940), cars were still being bodied and delivered in 1940 and 1941. The very last car, though the rolling chassis was completed in 1941, was not delivered with a body to its owner until 1947. The Phantom III was the last car that Henry Royce worked on - he died, aged 70, a year into the Phantom III's development,

The III is powered by an aluminium-alloy V12 engine of 7.32L, having a bore of 3.25 inches and a stroke of 4.5 inches. It is a pushrod engine with overhead valves operated by a single camshaft in the valley between the cylinder banks. Early cars had hydraulic tappets or, rather, a unique system of eccentric bushings in each individual rocker that was actuated by a small hydraulic piston; the eccentric bushing ensuring zero valve-lash at the rocker/valve interface. This system was changed to solid adjustable tappets in 1938. The Phantom III is unusual for its twin ignition systems, with two distributors, two coils and 24 spark plugs. Petrol is provided by a twin SU electric pump. Wire wheels are fitted as standard, but many cars carry Ace wheel discs which were fitted to improve cosmetics and to reduce the time taken to clean the wire wheels after use. The car features on-board jacking and a one-shot chassis lubrication system, operated by a lever inside the driver's compartment. Independent front suspension by a coil spring-based system is complemented by a carryover semi-elliptical spring unit in the rear.

The car has a 4-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on gears 2, 3 and 4. An overdrive gearbox was added in 1938,the ratio change being contained in the gearbox rather than in a separate unit. The car has 4-wheel servo-assisted brakes applied by cable (using a servo made under licence from Hispano-Suiza). The radiator shell is of Staybrite steel. The sheer bulk of the car is reflected in its performance figures. An example tested in 1938 by The English Autocar magazine returned a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) and a 0 - 60 mph (0 96 km/h) time of 16.8 seconds. The overall fuel consumption quoted from that road test was 28 litres per 100 kilometres (10 mpg imp; 8.4 mpgUS)

This stunning example has a known history from new having been initially delivered to a British Engineer, and has had roughly 5 owners over its lifetime. The car was shown in the 60's at Pebble Beach by a Previous Owner, a photos of it on the lawn is in the copious records and research, which of course include the original Build Sheet. The car is one of only 3 Cabriolet deVille's built on the PIII Chassis, and the only Hooper bodied example produced-a true one off car. Interestingly, the car has a standing versus Kneeling Mascot as is common on PIII's, and has been so equipped from new.

Under the care of our client since 2000, the car was almost completely restored under his care, the only exception being the Leather interior-which was and remains in excellent condition. The Engine was completely rebuilt with guidance and assistance of the leading PIII engine specialists both stateside and In England. The car was sent to noted Restoration Shop D&D Restorations in Dayton, OH for complete body restoration, paint, new top, wood work restoration, and plating. The Wire Wheels which were incorrect were replaced with new correct sized units, and the Custom Steel trunk and fitted Luggage were fabricated by D& D as well.

The car runs extremely well-without fault really. All the gauges and instruments perform their function, including the trafficators. The car is accompanied by a complete and extensive set of factory tools, books, Build Sheet, binders of historical documentation, and some spares. Since the work was completed the car has completed several Long Distance Tours and been presented at Rolls Royce Owner's Club events across the country.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a car that will be a standout at any show, the centerpiece of any collection. A true One-off, unique example. A rolling Work of Art that will reward the lucky new owner both on the Road and on the Show Field.