The Last Detail

Chassis number: 3AX163.
Black/black leather to the front/violet fabric to the rear.
One-off coachwork by J.S. Inskip

Mirror-like paint, brilliant brightwork, an absolutely magnificent interior and the imposing P-100’s are among the highlights of this six-light limousine. A lovely example that has benefitted from a frame-off restoration by capable , marque experts. This photo-documented work with receipts, includes a rebuild of the 12-cylinder, aircraft-inspired engine. As reported in an edition of The Motor on October 8, 1935, the Phantom III introduced at the London Motor Show of that year was an entirely new chassis of outstanding interest. Today it’s considered by many enthusiasts to be the finest of the pre-war Phantoms. It was also the last of the great 40/50 horsepower cars with which Sir Henry Royce was directly involved. As an aside, he was Knighted during his tenure working on the P III.

The Phantom III represented a somewhat large technological leap from the widely employed straight-six cylinder engine to the smoother and more refined V-12 layout. The vast experience Rolls-Royce had in producing aircraft engines made this change possible. Other luxury car makers wanting greater refinement and performance were tending towards the simpler V-8 configuration. The road test conducted by The Motor in 1938 enthuses over the car’s comfort and performance: “Docile, yet very fast and powerful: big, yet easy to manage; supremely comfortable, but with exceptional road-holding qualities.” This typifies the Phantom III driving experience. Our Phantom started out life with Windovers coachwork and was delivered new to Cyril O. Smith, a notable English pianist in January of 1937.

The new and presently installed coachwork is the handsome creation of J.S. Inskip and is adorned with some very subtle, scalloped rear wings. In addition, it’s a one-off example crafted in 1937. In the 1970’s, the Inskip body was liberated form a barn in Maryland by the former chairman of the Phantom III society, Bob Shaffner. Mr. Shaffner arranged for the purchase of the new (at the time) Inskip body to Dr. G.W. Beckett of Portland, Texas. Dr. Beckett removed the Windovers body from 3AX163 and installed the Inskip. Mr. Shaffner subsequently purchased the car after Dr. Beckett’s work had been completed. A Phantom III limousine without a divider is indeed, quite rare. The car benefited from a most extensive restoration, including a Robert Jefferson engine rebuild from 1992-1994. In 1994 at the Philadelphia Rolls-Royce Owners Club event, 3AX163 was judged 91.75 points, while taking the Blenheim award. In 2004-2005 she underwent a thorough mechanical and cosmetic refresh and a breathtaking, ALL NEW interior including woodwork by Madera.