1932 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom II Limousine

This magnificent Phantom II is one of just 1,681 ever built and is wearing splendid limousine coachwork courtesy of H.J. Mulliner.

Built on the long chassis, '92MS' was originally ordered on 11th May 1932 and delivered on 1st November that same year to its first owner, a Mr. W. Sherwood Barrett.  

This car has passed through Bonhams portals before, when it was auctioned by colleagues in the Bonhams Cars live team in 2011.

The vendor today was the buyer then, and we understand that the car has been kept warm and dry, but unused, in the intervening years.

For that reason, plus the fact that it is currently missing its prop-shaft, the car cannot be driven at present and will need recommissioning. That said, the engine turns freely.

Stored as part of a collection in Romania, the car was kept latterly at the Oldtimer Studio in Bucharest and appraised in 2024 by Gert Beets of Oldtimer Automotive Consultancy Services in Kontich, Belgium.

He confirmed that the engine is original and that the car had previously been the subject of a full restoration in the late ‘60s/early ‘70s.

The car is in good overall condition (mechanical recommissioning issues aside) and is a sensory delight from both the outside and inside.
 

This is a seriously good-looking car, of that there can be little doubt.

The bodywork is as straight and true as it is elegant and classy, with just a few shallow dinks on the boot lid in evidence, as far as we can see.

The original chrome and bright-work have held up well throughout and the shut-lines and panel gaps are in keeping with what you should hope and expect of a hand-built vehicle.

The paintwork, though part of an older restoration, has weathered the passage of time fairly impressively, as has the padded, black vinyl roof.

The restored lights are good and the badging and other external fixtures and fittings look reasonable.

The car has no more than a standard number and distribution of light scratches, scuffs and stone chips here and there, from what we can discern.

The non-matching wire wheels look decent. Some of the non-matching tyres look fresher than others.

The car is missing its side-mounted spare wheels.
 

In terms of quality, condition and preservation, the interior is every bit a match for its exterior counterpart and has all the warmth and gently patinated ambience of a St. James’ gentlemen’s club.

The brown leather-upholstered rear compartment features crystal decanters and two side-facing occasional seats.

The seats at the rear look as comfortable and familiar as a favourite sofa.

The grey fabric headlining appears to be bereft of any holes, sagging or other aberrations, and the tassel-pull fabric window blinds are a very attractive, and well-preserved detail.

The wood panels and inserts on the door cappings, drinks cabinet and around the central glass division appear to be in very fine fettle, as are the leather-trimmed door cards and new brown carpets.

It’s much the same story in the front cabin, where the soft brown leather upholstery has just a few scuffs and creases to show for its use. The fold-down centre armrest is a little scuffed where it has been rubbing on the adjacent seats.

The restored wooden dashboard is in very good order, by the look of it, and the steering wheel, gear selector, dials, instruments and switches all appear well-preserved.

We can’t vouch for the efficacy of the car’s electrics, although the Oldtimer appraisal tells us that the wiring looks to have been restored at some point.

A highlight of this splendid car immediately becomes apparent upon lifting the boot lid. The boot contains an utterly charming (and no doubt usefully functional) set of bespoke fitted luggage.
 

The engine looks to be intact, present and correct, as do the carburettors and other ancillaries.

The chassis and underpinnings are in older, restored condition, with some apparently surface rust in evidence here and there.

The suspension is original and appears to be well-maintained. The drum brakes, too, are original.

The stainless-steel exhaust is in good condition

The underbody protection layer has been partly renewed.
 

This car currently has temporary import status and comes with no history beyond that mentioned in this description.

It is accompanied by the aforementioned 2024 Oldtimer appraisal and some Romanian registration documents.
 

This is a very fine car and, although in need or some mechanical recommissioning, it has all the fundamental pedigree and class needed to make the work more than worthwhile and to ensure that both the car and its next owner enjoy a long life of attending events, rallies, tours and other adventures.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £30,000 - £40,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Blackmoor, Hampshire. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.