Description
This car is Lot 118 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale on 11 July, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Thursday 10 July from 09:00 until 17:00 and Friday 11 July from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Lot 118
2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé
Registration no. LM57 MHN
Chassis no. SCA2D68008UH07036
Special order for Middle Eastern royalty
Numerous factory options
Rolls-Royce service history
Most recently serviced in March 2025
MoT'd to March 2026
Rolls-Royce had begun work on the Phantom in 1999 under new owners BMW. Launched in 2003, the Phantom is credited with successfully reviving the Rolls-Royce brand and restoring the British company's credibility as a maker of luxury cars. It was inevitable that a convertible version would follow, and in 2004 Rolls-Royce displayed the 100EX concept car to celebrate the company's centennial. Introduced at the North American International Auto Show in 2007, the two-door Phantom Drophead Coupé was styled along 100EX lines and built on a short-wheelbase version of the Phantom saloon's platform chassis, suitably strengthened to compensate for the absent roof. The chassis and body are mostly aluminium, the latter featuring rear-hinged doors, while the convertible top - the largest on a European car could be raised in only 25 seconds.
This new generation of Phantoms was a huge success, being highly acclaimed by the motoring press, dealers, and, most importantly, the customers. Once again Rolls-Royce Motor Cars had produced the pinnacle of luxury motoring. These Phantom Drophead Coupés are rated among the very best, boasting a V12 engine of almost complete silence yet capable of producing 453bhp and so much torque that the mid-range acceleration is mind boggling. Rolls-Royce's famed reputation for silence in operation was continued with the Phantom Drophead Coupé and despite the car's size and weight, the power assisted steering requires only fingertip control at low speeds.
Built to UK market specification, this 2008-model Phantom DHC was a special commission by Sheikh Rashid of Bahrain, featuring specific dashboard colouring, 'Rolls-Royce' embossing, special order 21" wheels, and door plates denoting the special order. The car was ordered in Old English White with Cornsilk Cream leather interior and delivered with various options including a DAB tuner, brushed steel package, teak decking, camera system (front and rear), and a tan hood (ordered silver hood unavailable). Particularly worthy of mention is the stainless steel bonnet (a £25, 000 factory option back in the day). This car is believed to be the only UK right-hand drive example ordered with this option.
Previously registered in the UK as 'SAC 1R', the Phantom comes with Rolls-Royce's 'Dealer Community' document listing its entire service history dating back to 2007. It also comes with the stamped service booklet and numerous invoices, most of them issued by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, London for servicing in more recent years. The most recent service was carried out by Rolls-Royce (HR Owen, London) on 7th March 2025 at 21, 093 miles at a cost of circa £3, 000, and the car is MoT'd to 7th March 2026. The V5C documents state four former keepers, though the vendor advises us that three of them were the Sheik and his driver. The current odometer reading is only circa 21, 500 miles and the vendor advises us that the car 'appears as new' apart from a few very minor blemishes. This unique and magnificent Phantom drophead comes complete with two keys, owner's manual, tool kit, umbrellas, original brochure and a battery charger, as well as a spare wheel.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
