1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental

With a shorter 144 inch wheelbase, the Phantom II Continental was envisioned for a sporting customer that would be more interested in driving themselves than being chauffeured in a limosine. It built upon already outstanding Phantom II platform but offered a higher level of driving performance. Each had distinct bodywork, but the Three-Position Drophead Coupé known as the Sedanca and built by Gurney Nutting was especially highly regarded.

Continental chassis were upgraded in several ways with stiffer five-leaf springs, a shorter 12/41 (3.416) rear axle and Hartford remote-control shock absorbers. Futhermore the cabin floor was designed to be much lower than the standard model. As an added incentive, the engine was upgraded with high compression and powered the car to a 160 kph (100 mph) top speed.

Like all Phantoms, the Continental was exceptionally well equipped and ofter described as the best in the world. It had more mechanical systems than most models of area with it’s automatic oiling, servo-assisted mechanical drum brakes and remote-control shock absorbers.

Of the 1400 Phantom IIs produced, only 278 were made on the Continental platform.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
built at	England
engine	Inline-6
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
ignition	Dual Spark by Coil & Magneto
valvetrain	Pushrod OHV
displacement	7668 cc / 467.9 in³
bore	108 mm / 4.3 in
stroke	139.7 mm / 5.5 in
compression	4.75:1
body / frame	Steel over Steel Chassis
driven wheels	RWD
front tires	7.00 x 21
rear tires	7.00 x 21
front brakes	Drums w/Servo Assist
rear brakes	Drums w/Servo Assist
steering	Worm & Nut
f suspension	Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs
r suspension	Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs
wheelbase	3658 mm / 144.0 in
front track	1486 mm / 58.5 in
rear track	1486 mm / 58.5 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual
tran clutch	Single Dry Plate
top speed	~160.90 kph / 100 mph

Auction Sales History

1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II All-Weather Tourer by Thrupp & Maberly 3XJ – sold for $357,500 Originally delivered to the Maharaja of Darbhanga. Beautiful, one-off coachwork installed in 1935 for the Maharaja. Featured in period in The Autocar and Modern Motoring. RROC National First in Class and concours award winner. A bespoke Phantom II of exquisite sportiness and grace.
Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015

1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sedanca Gurney Nutting Drophead Coupe 147RY – sold for $1,650,000 Often Considered the Ultimate Phantom II. One of 11 RY Series Phantom II Continentals Bodied by Gurney Nutting. Recent Stunning Restoration Overseen by Roger Morrison. Original and Desirable Three-Position Coachwork. Complete Hand and Road Tools in Custom-Fitted Tool Box.
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company

1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Drophead Sedanca Coupe by H.J. Mulliner 17TA – sold for $357,500 The most desirable Continental chassis, with beautiful coachwork. Formerly owned by Sir MacPherson Robertson, Martin Vogel, and Roy Wild. Documented ownership history since new. A well-maintained RROC tour veteran.
Auction Source: 2014 Arizona by RM Auctions

1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Coupé by Freestone & Webb 42PY – sold for $2,420,000 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Coupé by Freestone & Webb & Webb Chassis no. 42PY. A one-off Art Deco coupe. The prototype for the famous “razor edge” styling. Extensive known ownership history.
Auction Source: RM’s Art of the Automobile

1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Three-Position Sedanca Coupe 71MW – sold for $1,320,000 Quite Possibly the Finest Phantom II Extant. One of Fewer than 12 Such Examples Believed Built. A Matching-Numbers, Original-Bodied Continental. Well Documented with Just Six Owners from New. Impressively Restored by McDonald Vintage Restoration. A 2009 Pebble Beach Class Winner and Recipient of the Gwenn Graham Award for Most Elegant Convertible. 9 Best of Show Awards at Concours Events. A Participant of the Windsor Castle Concours of Elegance. Awarded Most Elegant Rolls-Royce at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Auction Source: Gooding & Company’s 10th Anniversary 2013 Pebble Beach Auction

1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom ll Continental Drop Head Coupe 107TA – sold for $495,000 Elegant, One-Off Drop Head Coupe Phantom II. Genuine Example, Retaining Original Body, Chassis and Engine. Pictured in Lawrence Dalton’s 1967 Book Those Elegant Rolls-Royce. An Exciting Opportunity for Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts. Recent Winner at Prestigious Concours. Eligible for RROC and CCCA Tours and Shows.
Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Allweather Drophead Coupe 107TA – did not sell for $625,000 Handsome, one-off drophead coupe coachwork. A very rare example; one of only two TA Series Continentals in DHC form. Beautifully presented and restored at great expense. Prominently featured in Lawrence Dalton book Those Elegant Rolls-Royces (pg. 266, 1973 edition).
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM

1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Hooper All-Weather Tourer 7-RY – did not sell for $500,000 Formerly the Property of Nubar Sarkis Gulbenkian. The First “RY” Series Continental. Short Chassis Purpose-Built for High-Speed Touring Use. Numerous Bespoke Details, Both Mechanical and Cosmetic. Well-Documented Provenance and Concours Pedigree. Original Chassis, Engine and Coachwork. Pictured in Raymond Gentile’s The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental. A Significant and Highly Versatile Classic Rolls-Royce.
Auction Source: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Tanner Boattail Tourer 100M – sold for €191,856 his particular example, 100 MS, was delivered new with Thrupp & Maberly saloon coachwork on the 16th September 1932 to Mr. W.R. Rons in Great Britain. During the 1950s, 100 MS made its way to Kenya, and during the 1970s, its then-owner commissioned Mr. Roger F. Tanner to re-body it as a boattailed touring car. In 1977, 100 MS was sold to Mr. H. Baungaard of Denmark, who in turn sold it to the current owner in 1985.

Since then, 100 MS has been very well maintained within the private museum of the current owner, and it has been taken out and driven regularly. Recent inspection confirms that both the steel and wooden bodywork are in very good condition, as is the interior and brightwork. The car appears to be mechanically fit and starts on the button, with all cylinders firing properly.

Auction Source: 2011 Salon Privé Auction by RM

1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Freestone & Webb Drophead Coupé 47RY – sold for €411,120 Desirable short-chassis Continental Drophead Coupé. One of only three Phantom II Continentals with Freestone & Webb Drophead Coupé coachwork. Ex-Bamford Collection.

Unusual for its dickey seat, a seldom-found feature on Phantom II Continentals, 47RY was treated to an extensive restoration in the period 1990-91. Mechanical work was done by Coldwell Engineering of Sheffield, interior and exterior body craftsmanship by David Hemmingway Restoration and coach trimming by Brian Frost. The car is finished in an elegant scheme of medium and light grey. It has the full wheel discs characteristic of Freestone & Webb and a medium grey hood. The seating is red leather, which has seen use but is unblemished and unworn. There is light grey carpet on the floor.

Auction Source: 2011 Salon Privé Auction by RM

1934 Rolls-Royce PII Continental Drophead Gurney Nutting Sedanca Coupe – sold for $341,000 Discovered by Mr. Tallman in a barn in northeastern Ohio in April 1964, this car was then driven the 400 miles home to Illinois. In remarkably good condition for a barn find, it has since been given a complete refurbishment in white, with contrasting blue accent on window and belt moldings. The interior is done in blue leather with matching blue carpets. The burl walnut dash is in very good condition, and the steering wheel and dashboard lettering were recently renewed by the Frawley Company, Rolls-Royce specialists in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania. The engine compartment is clean and nicely appointed. We are informed the car runs and drives well and will prove a handsome addition to any collection. Whereas other examples feature cycle-type front fenders, this car’s elegant, long and flowing fenders make for a very attractive profile and unique personality.

Auction Source: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions

1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Sedanca Cabriolet 40GX – sold for €153,322 The car is factory brand new, according to the records of the very serious “Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club” in September 1931 (although the French registration documents indicate 1930), and then sported a Sports Tourer bodyshell by Arthur Mulliner. Factory records also show that its chassis number was 40 GX, the engine, TQ 75 and it was registered JF 2027. The key number was 65V139 but they have been re-cut. There is also a note that the car was then turned into a convertible without further information. The current bodyshell is undoubtedly made in the finest tradition of the Owen style by Gurney Nutting in a Sedanca 3-position drophead convertible, probably by this establishment, which produced bodyshells until 1948, but no corroborating information has surfaced so far to prove this. Captain H. R. Owen designed the body and entrusted Gurney Nutting with its construction for him while he was the Rolls Royce agent at Berkeley Street, London. The construction and condition of the all-aluminium body are exceptional and the finish outstanding. All specialists of the brand recognize this bodyshell as the most elegant of all those made at the time on the Continental chassis. Often, at a time when body builders abounded, owners of luxury cars simply gave the car a “facelift” rather than buying another.

The car has just been fully serviced at BMA’s excellent facilities in Courbevoie and the test drive proved delightful. The engine starts almost instantaneously, but of course after the preliminary required steps at start-up have been followed. It does not overheat, smoke or leak. Note that this aspect of the mechanics always diminishes somewhat with use. The engine is quiet, flexible and powerful and the clutch and gearbox very easy to handle. The instrument panel works well and has undoubtedly been restored. An electric fuel pump has been placed near the tank for easier start-up. The car has a lovely, even patina as if the car was restored 20 or 30 years ago, the parchment leather interior by BWP and the woodwork are outstanding. The rear boot is equipped with a removable exotic wood chest and two small picnic tables. An identical model, but with a Gurney Nutting bodyshell, sold at twice our highest estimate from the moment of its release. This desirable Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental is for true lovers of the brand, the ultimate in pre-war convertibles. Only 12 examples were manufactured by Gurney Nutting on the bare chassis.

Auction Source: 2011 Salon Rétromobile Aucion by Artcurial

1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Hooper Sport Saloon 114MS – sold for $192,500 Excellent Provenance Since Delivered New to India. Exquisite Coachwork Details on Desirable Continental Chassis. Exceptional Restoration by Marque Specialists. Ready for Concours and Tours.

As a testament to its mechanical condition, this beautiful Rolls-Royce successfully completed the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic in 2007 and 2009, covering more than 1,500 miles on each tour. Offered here is a majestic coachbuilt Rolls-Royce with impeccable provenance that has been beautifully maintained throughout its life and is ready for any number of concours and vintage driving events.

Auction Source: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company

1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Thrupp & Maberly Sports Saloon 157RY – sold for €115,224 This Phantom II Continental was given to a major museum in 1977. It has recently received a thorough freshening, both cosmetic and mechanical. The engine and drivetrain were completely recommissioned, and the car was fitted with new blackwall tyres. A fresh re-spray in black is nicely contrasted by new stainless steel wheel discs. Much of the brightwork has been newly re-plated. The grey leather interior, which appears to be completely original, was carefully and sympathetically detailed. Of 1,680 Phantom IIs built, fewer than 300 were the high performance Continental versions and those with F-type gearing fewer still. This rare and luxurious Sports Saloon, with its well-handling short chassis, is built for elegant, high speed touring. Ideal for the open road, it begs to give its new owner a rapid ride to the Riviera.

Auction Source: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions

1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Drop Head Coupe 117RY – sold for $528,000 A copy of the original order sheet is included with the car, along with extensive service and maintenance records from the time the car was in Ohio. Chassis 117 RY is also featured in Raymond Gentile’s definitive book on the model, The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental, with a half-page picture on page 221, as well as on page 89 of Lawrence Dalton’s book Those Elegant Rolls-Royce. Also included with the car is the original owner’s manual, as well as a significant and substantial file of documents, old invoices and other important sundry paperwork.

There is no doubt that 117 RY ranks amongst one of the most sought-after Phantom IIs in terms of its uniquely sporty configuration and specification − a true driver’s Rolls-Royce.

Auction Source: 2010 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction

1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Three-Position Coupe – did not sell for €321,250 This extremely handsome Rolls-Royce was discovered recently in the United States having previously been the property of a Mr. Parker Snyder of Celina, Ohio where it had remained for almost 50 years prior to being purchased by the present owner and shipped back to England earlier this year. The present owner described his discovery as being extremely exciting and a good solid car which was complete and had clearly been in storage for some considerable length of time as can be seen from the photographs taken at that time.

Early factory records indicate that 92-SK was originally delivered to the coachbuilders, Gurney Nutting on September 18th, 1934 and subsequently sold through London dealers H.R. Owen to Mr. John Cyril Finncane Simpson, Esq. of Northumberland. The car then spent the first twenty or so years of its life with various keepers in the north of England until factory records stop in 1955 with Mr. A.A. Stuart Marshall. Some time shortly after, 92-SK was exported to the United States, to form part of Park Snyder’s collection in Ohio.

Following its sojourn in storage, 92-SK has undergone a sympathetic but thorough restoration with parts being replaced only where necessary and everything else retained and professionally re-furbished. Decorative wood has been nicely polished or re-veneered, the seats have been re-trimmed in the original shade of grey Connolly leather and new carpets have been fitted. A new hood has been made from German mohair and fitted along with new headlining cloth.