Description
One of just nine fixed head coupes built on the Phantom III chassis
A unique creation by Barker featuring a rear dickey seat for two passengers
Delivered new to the US in 1936 where it remained until late 2025
Engine overhauled by Dennison-Jayne Motors Inc in Pennsylvania
Stylishly finished in burgundy and black to highlight the beautiful lines of the body
Complete with original handbook
Complete with two small tool sets stowed under the front seat cushions
In beautiful condition both mechanically and cosmetically
f the 727 Rolls-Royce Phantom III chassis that were produced, just nine were fitted with two door coupe coachwork. A matching pair of bodies were built by both Inskip and James Young, leaving a further five individual coupe designs that were designed and built by Rippon, Hooper, Vesters & Neirinck, Binder and Barker. Chassis number 3BU2 which we are currently offering for sale is the sole offering by Barker on the Phantom III chassis in this style of coachwork and is arguably one of the very best looking of the nine cars produced. Chassis No 3BU2 was completed in December of 1936 at the Barker works, fitted with Body No 7211 which was designed to incorporate a rear dickey seat capable of seating two passengers. The car was originally painted “London smoke” grey and was supplied new to Mrs Frances Bell of New York. It was delivered to her beautiful home in Long Island in early 1937, making it one of the very few Phantom IIIs delivered to the United States. Mrs. Bell was married to Dr. Dennistoun M. Bell, a wealthy physician who shared his wife’s taste in motor cars as he also owned a rare American delivered Phantom III, Chassis No 3DL190. Following Mrs Bells ownership, the car was sold to Mr F. P. Price of Wilton, Connecticut, who was a very successful architect, with an office in the famous Architects’ Building on Park Avenue in Manhattan. The car remained on the east coast of the US and was purchased in the 1990s by Mr Murray Dewar of Melbourne Australia, although Mr Dewar chose to leave the car in the US. It is understood that he had the engine rebuilt at great expense during the 1990s by Dennison-Jayne Motors Inc in Pennsylvania, a highly respected company who specialise in pre-war Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars. Following Mr Dewars ownership, it became part of the collection belonging to Mr Gordon Wangers on the west coast before returning to the UK for the first time in almost ninety years in late 2025. Since its return Chassis No 3BU2 has been reviewed and prepared by noted Rolls-Royce specialists Alpine Eagle in Oxfordshire. The car performs beautifully and is cosmetically extremely attractive, finished in burgundy and black with a superb burgundy leather interior. It comes complete with small tools that are stowed under the two front seat cushions, its original handbook and a history file that contains copy chassis cards and various historical documents from the past. Phantom IIIs rarely come better in our opinion and this stylish motor car should be seen and driven in person to be truly appreciated.
