- 1 of just 21 Phantom IIIs imported new to the U.S.
- Known provenance from new
- Recent and complete concours-quality restoration
- All mechanical components are in excellent condition and are well-presented
- Open car appearance with closed car comfort; Exciting color combination and use of soft trim components
- Art Deco-inspired, streamlined rear body treatment
LOT 552
Selling on Saturday
Coachwork by Brewster
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Newmarket Faux Cabriolet
When Charles Rolls and Henry Royce decided to collaborate on their automotive venture, they set about creating a vehicle that would excel in design, engineering, workmanship and beauty. Their goal was not to put the masses on motorized wheels, but to deliver the most reliable motorcar ever. The first cars to carry the name Rolls-Royce were brilliant machines and many claim that the original Silver Ghost from 1906 was a generation ahead of its time. After the continued success of the Phantom and later Phantom II, the Phantom III was revealed in 1936 and it defined "state-of-the-art" as a mechanical marvel. For these large V-12 engines, they employed such advanced materials and techniques as "skeleton" cylinder block with wet liners and aluminum alloy cylinder heads. Capable of 165 HP when first placed in the market, within short order that number had been boosted to 185 HP and was easily capable of traveling in excess of 100 MPH. Britain's entry into World War II meant that the Phantom III had to be retired with just 710 examples having been produced. Rolls-Royce researchers estimate today that just over 300 of these glorious automobiles have survived to this day. Some of the revolutionary new features setting the Phantom III apart from previous models were its twin ignition systems that used dual distributors, dual coils, and a total of 24 spark plugs. Fuel was provided through a twin SU electric pump. While wire wheels were standard equipment for the PIII, many cars carried Ace wheel discs which reduced the time needed to clean and maintain the spokes as well as adding eye appeal.
3BT129 was ordered new by New Haven, Connecticut-based industrialist, Frederick F. Brewster, who was actually a member of the Brewster body family. This was not his first Rolls-Royce as he had also purchased a Phantom II in 1934. It was for that Rolls-Royce that this attractive Newmarket Faux Cabriolet was created and was so attractive that when the Phantom III was announced, he was able to order a chassis to be delivered to the shops at Brewster and had the body added to this new, more powerful chassis. With a low roof, raked windscreen, long tail, and a scalloped hood that extends all the way back to the windscreen, it has a beautiful silhouette and is certainly one of the most attractive PIIIs built.
In 1939, the Phantom III was sold through the Inskip dealership to Mr. Clarence Rodermond, a ship builder from Ridgewood, New Jersey. In 1970, this handsome Rolls-Royce was sold to Mr. Clarence Curtiss a partner in a Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Shelton, Connecticut. After his passing in 2013, this Rolls was acquired by our consignor who recently completed a concours quality restoration. It has been returned to its original design as delivered to Frederick F. Brewster. Our consignor says of the car, "the long sweeping rear is amazing, as is the long-scalloped hood and exposed wood (framed) headliner." Special features include the special extra-long bullet headlights fitted with Marchal lighting and pop-out air vents in the rear section of the roof to allow for adequate ventilation for passengers. The pleasing exterior color combination of deep dark blue with silver-grey accents complement the interior which is trimmed out in red leather with tan cloth for the seating surfaces. The rear wheels covers add one more touch of elegance.
A significant Rolls-Royce with a history of being well-cared for from new, this recently restored, sleek and attractive Phantom III is fresh to the concours circuit providing a wonderful opportunity for entry into prestigious events.
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