** PRICE REDUCTION**

Rolls-Royce continued to produce a chassis for coach-built bodies from 1968 to 1992 but only 374 were supplied, with over 70 to kings and queens and heads of state (seven of these being fully armour plated), 19 to public corporations, 18 to their “music, stage and screen” clientele, and the remainder to businesses and private owners, although one started in 1971 was not finished until 1993, and another was destroyed by fire on board a ship delivering to South Africa. Because of the bespoke nature of the Phantom Rolls-Royce never quoted a price, but in 1975 it was equal to the cost of three average houses.

This Phantom was supplied to Jack Barclay Ltd, finished in Athenian Blue with Baroda Blue wool interior, the same as the Queen’s Phantoms, and dark blue carpeting, to the order of the Alexander Howden Group with warranty issued 03. 08. 75.

In 1980 it passed to Manchester City Council for use as the Mayor’s official transport. We have chauffeurs log books with dates and every journey but initially no year or mileage until a new chauffeur recorded mileage at 55, 050 at the end of September 1984 when it was used by Princess Anne for three days and also the Duchess of Kent. These mileages tie in with the MOTs from then to date.

In 1986 the Phantom passed to S. Sigley & Sons, funeral directors, in Leek for use with their other Phantoms including a hearse. They completely stripped and refinished the Phantom in their house colours of Ascot Grey. The interior shows virtually no sign of wear and we suspect that Sigleys may have retrimmed it. The woodwork is perfect.

At some stage the engine was leaking oil so they took it out and installed one from a Shadow. At the same time the gearbox was rebuilt by Gary Woodhouse.

They phased out their Phantoms in 2005 but retained this one for a few weddings and family use with the intention of completing a full rebuild but property requirements meant they sold the Phantom in 2011 when we purchased it, fortunately along with the original engine.

The bodywork and interior were all very good with the exception of the underside where the front body mounts and inner rear wings were severely corroded. We had completely new metal made and fitted along with new rear chassis legs. New front springs were also fitted. More recently we had the original engine fully stripped and rebuilt by Phantom specialist John Smith who also fitted an upgraded rear main bearing oil seal supplied by P&A Wood. This original engine was re-installed and is barely run in.

The Phantom has full build records with it.