Barrett-Jackson To Auction Ultra-rare 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II Sport Coupe In Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – November 7, 2007 – One of only 19 total 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II’s bodied as a coupe, and one of only two completed by Hooper & Company, will be sold at No Reserve during the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on Jan. 12-20, 2008, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The fixed-head, two-passenger sport coupe (Lot #1312) will cross the block during SPEED’s live primetime coverage on Saturday evening. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™,” the Scottsdale auction will feature 1000 of the world’s finest collector vehicles and lavish lifestyle events. As always, SPEED will broadcast live-coverage of all six auction days.
“This beautiful Phantom II coupe demonstrates Barrett-Jackson’s position as the leader in offering a broad variety of world-class collector cars,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “When my father began Barrett-Jackson auctions almost 40 years ago, he was known for offering the great classics of the ’20s and ’30s because they were in high demand. Today, though we’ve diversified the offering across the block, there’s still demand for the cars that put Barrett-Jackson on the map, which is why we will continue to offer pre-war beauties like the Phantom II.”
The black and Tudor Gray Phantom II was special-ordered in December 1934 through R.P. Collyer, Ltd., in Montreal, Canada’s lone Rolls Royce dealer. Specific design elements ordered by the new owner included sloping bonnet shutters, Dunlop Fort Silent Tread tires, front and rear Wilmot Breeden bumpers and an unusual request for no wheel carriers in the front wings of the vehicle, giving the bare side panels an extraordinary fluid shape. It is also lavishly equipped with Marchal headlamps and center light, a windscreen sun visor and matching pairs of Lucas trumpet and Alto horns.
The renowned styling of Hooper is evident in the flowing wing lines, rear-hinged passenger doors and lean side windows of the Phantom II. The right-hand drive chassis is equipped with a 6-cylinder, 40/50 horsepower engine with a 4-speed manual transmission.
“Combining sport-motoring with elegant design was a technique mastered by pre-war coachbuilders in England,” added Steve Davis, President of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “The Rolls Royce Phantom II, along with classics from historic stables such as Bentley, Aston Martin and MG, represented the pinnacle of that era with design elements that remain unmatched today. As one of only two Phantom II coupes bodied by Hooper, this Rolls will create quite a stir among pre-war collectors familiar with the value of this great classic.”
The Rolls Royce Phantom II is in stellar condition following a late 1980s restoration by R.R. & B Motors. All systems were recently serviced, including cooling, exhaust, suspension, electrical equipment and the replacement of bulbs and exhaust tips, leaving the sport-coupe in amazing driving condition. Taxed and inspected in the United Kingdom, the Phantom II has completed the 2003 Rallye des Alpes, the Claret & Classic Tour in France and several other vintage touring events.
About Barrett-Jackson
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Classic Car Event” in Scottsdale, AZ, and has expanded to other venues, including Palm Beach, FL and in 2008, Las Vegas, NV. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Media Contact: Luke DeRouen lderouen@timepiecepr.com or (214) 520-3430 (www.timepiecepr.com)