1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II

Phantom II chassis No.101-TA

This is a 40/50 HP Rolls Royce, Park Ward seven seater enclosed limousine, supplied new by Jack Barclay on 20th January 1936. It was built on 12th November 1934, and its original colours were Falcon Blue over Black.

Chassis 101-TA is a significant car in that it saw some fundamental changes with the fitting of an SU carburettor and changes to the wiring to update the car. At this time the Phantom III was being made, so the Phantom II variants were considered a little outdated.

This is an imposing machine with a long wheelbase and a frontal visage that is pure Rolls Royce, with that huge, handmade radiator grille, two vast headlights and a pair of equally impressive horns.

The silver and black Park Ward bodywork is generally in good shape, although there is a small dent on the bottom of the nearside front door, and some marks on the bottom of the rear wings.

The front offside wing has some paint defects and the car looks as though it’s suffered a bit of a knock to the roof near the windscreen on the passenger side.

Some marks in the paint are present but the brightwork all looks very good, with no pitting that we spotted. The chrome plating has worn away on the driver’s door handle, but it’s just part of the car’s history – it is only 11 years away from being 100 years old, and hence a genuine antique.

The upholstery and internal body work cloth has been replaced and the front seat squabs have been reupholstered with new black leather. The rear seats in particular look beautiful as a result, although the owner tells us that the back of the front seat is in need of repair or replacement. The leather here is quite tatty.

He also points out that the black carpets (originally Fawn with what he believes to be blue piping ) are thin and of poor quality.

Nonetheless, the woodwork, the cloth trim and the headlining all look to be in fine shape, as does the dashboard. 

When the current owner bought this car it was in need of thorough engine and clutch attention. The clutch and all thrust bearings were replaced, and work was carried out on the carburettor. In addition, following extensive work on the engine, the oil pressure is now 20psi.

The owner was told that there were six new tyres fitted just before he purchased it, and they remain in good condition.

Although an Autovac system is in place, electric fuel pumps are fitted. Attempts at returning the fuel system to original have not been successful, as at speed the Autovac system fuel volume seems to be insufficient. However, with the electric pumps in place the owner assures us the car starts on the button.

He believes the Phantom should have a 100 mph speedometer, it currently has a 80mph Rolls Royce item fitted.

This car was originally sold to J C Sword of Kilmarnock, Scotland, who was a collectors of vehicles from the earliest steam wagons. It then went to Captain DM Wills is Somerset, before passing to H C Boucher in Sittingbourne, Kent in 1965. 

It then went to Denmark in 1984, where the colour was changed to Silver. The original sales paperwork from Park Ward is with the car (and pictured in the Documents section of this listing).

In addition there is a sales invoice from Jack Barclay to the Rootes Company Ltd, plus original test data from Rolls Royce dating from the car’s construction.

The Phantom II’s current owner bought the car when it returned to the UK in 2017 to add to his Rolls Royce collection, which consists of a 20 HP, a 20/25 and a Silver Shadow. He says:

"I’ve decided to sell the Phantom because the car is not being used – the two small horsepower models are great for vintage events, one is in super condition and the other is oily rag. The Shadow is a concours winner and will go anywhere. It has power steering, an automatic gearbox, air conditioning and comfy seats. 

These early cars don't like standing, so it’s time for another enthusiast to take it on. The car was once owned by one of the Rootes brothers of Hillman and Commer fame. 

When I purchased the Phantom the inside of the car had been refitted, the engine was in need of a thorough overall, and the clutch needed to be replaced. All this work has been done.

The fuel system was changed to electric pumps – I have reconditioned the autovac but did not get round to connecting it up. I have driven around to local car events, but nothing else.

The car spent some time in Denmark and during this period it was repainted from a blue top and a black bottom to Volvo silver. I did plan to return it back to its original colour scheme.

101 TA is the first car Rolls Royce fitted with an SU carburettor. There were other modifications added, in order to help sell this car, as Phantom IIIs were by now being made.

There is a heater fitted (I would estimate it’s from the 1950s) that works from the engine cooling system, but I don't think it's ever been connected up. I believe the car was rewired, with indicator lamps and hazard warning lights. I was told it had six new tyres when I bought it.

As far as I know the engine is original and in good condition. Basically this is a very sound car, for its 89 years.

I thought it might help to understand the situation to know I have a collection of vintage motorcycles – about 30. And I realise I can only drive and ride one at a time, and there are not enough hours in the day."

A solid example of an iconic Rolls Royce, that’s ready to drive away.

Viewing is always encouraged (but strictly by appointment), and this particular car is located with us at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 10am-4pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.