One of only 281 Continental chassis produced out of 1,681 Phantom II chassis
Rare Thrupp & Maberly coachwork, one of only nine similar but not identical examples
Prestigious museum provenance, displayed at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry for 30 years
Original hand-painted back-illuminated registration number still in place
Documented ownership history from new, including notable collector D Cameron Peck
Accompanied by a vast history file
The Appeal
The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental represents the pinnacle of pre-war luxury motoring.
Specifically designed for the enthusiast owner-driver rather than chauffeur use, these powerful 7.7-litre cars were purpose-built for long-distance grand touring, utilising the F-type gearbox with higher final drive ratios. The Continental also had a shorter wheelbase and stiffer springs than those typically fitted by Rolls-Royce, meaning its handling was also improved. The chassis was the last designed under the supervision of Rolls-Royce co-founder Henry Royce.
Out of a total of 1,681 Phantom II chassis, only 281 were Continentals. In the great Rolls-Royce tradition, coachwork was outsourced to independent specialists, of which Thrupp and Maberley’s sports saloon with its sloping roofline above the windscreen is perhaps the most refined and certainly the most desirable. Thrupp and Maberley built nine cars in a similar style, yet none were absolutely identical.
Chassis 157RY, is especially noteworthy. Its provenance includes ownership by renowned early collector D Cameron Peck and three decades on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. The car features a sliding sunroof over the separate, staggered front seats. A large luggage compartment was designed into the body, while a single, side-mounted spare tyre is found on the right-hand side. Lucas P100 headlamps were fitted, with matching driving lamp and fender lamps.
Acquired by the current owner in 2010, the Rolls underwent some repairs in the UK before being shipped to Abu Dhabi, UAE, to be completed. Work included reconditioning the petrol tank and battery box, balancing the wheels, re-trimming the leather using 30-year-old Connolly hide, re-polishing the timber trim to the interior and improving the paintwork. Registered there from 2013, it became a show-winning car, before being later re-imported to the UK in August 2021, with its original plates restored.
Due to ill health, the vendor has been unable to continue giving this car the attention it deserves. Therefore, its condition has deteriorated during recent years. For those in search of a rare, usable and historically significant pre-war motorcar, this Phantom II Continental ticks all the right boxes. It is sure to be a rewarding winter project.
Originally ordered through Ollington Brothers in London against a deposit paid by George Kennedy on 13th March 1934
Chassis delivered to coachbuilders Thrupp & Maberly on 8th May 1934, with completed car delivered on 30th June 1934
Copies of RR Order and Build Sheets are included
First registered in London as AYY190, a number it still carries today
Passed through three further UK owners before being exported to the USA in 1939
Acquired by notable collector D Cameron Peck in 1945 through John Troka, the Chicago Duesenberg Agent
Owned by William Hayssen of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin from 1952 to 1977
Donated to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry in 1978, where it remained on display for 30 years
Sold through auction in 2008 to a St Louis classic car dealer
Purchased by the current owner through auction in 2010
UAE registered in June 2013, Abu Dhabi number 12-90964
Returned to the UK on 27th August 2021 and registered it with DVLA on 13th February 2023 on the basis of a certified copy of the Lyonel Stone Invoice, received from Detroit Public Library dated 23rd August 2012
Currently registered in the UK with its original registration number AYY190, reissued in 2023
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
95,750 miles indicated
Vast history file including numerous photographs of the car being exhibited in the UAE and detailed invoices/worksheets showing the extent of the restoration work
Presented in black paintwork, having been repainted from its earlier grey finish
Original hand-painted back-illuminated registration number still in place
Interior re-trimmed using 30-year-old Connolly hide leather
Timber trim to the interior has been re-polished
Features a sliding sunroof over the front seating from new
Equipped with Lucas P100 headlamps with matching driving lamp and fender lamps
Single side-mounted spare tyre on the right-hand side
Wire wheels with polished discs; ample storage space for cash and a gun, a reminder of the days before international banks and credit cards
Unusual secure box under the driver's seat, accessible from the rear seat footwell
Modern indicators, brake and side lights added to comply with current requirements
As the photographs show, this elegant car's coachwork remains in good condition, true to its specifications when it left the Thrupp & Maberly works on 30th June 1934. While its finish is richly patinated due to a period off the road, the car is an excellent basis for sympathetic restoration, the likes of which seldom come to market. The interior would undoubtedly clean up well, which is a testament to the superlative quality of its materials and the craftsmanship behind its construction.
F-type four-speed manual gearbox with higher final drive ratios designed for long-distance touring
Radiator has been re-cored
Magneto has been rebuilt
Complete rewiring with replica cable performed
Petrol tank and battery box reconditioned
Wheels have been balanced
Battery cut-out switch installed to aid with long-term storage
While now in need of mechanical recommissioning, we're informed that the Rolls-Royce ran very well when it was last on the road, benefiting from a great deal of work during current ownership. Once returned to the road, this car will be an excellent long-distance tourer, certainly among the most capable pre-war motor cars money can buy.image.png1.61 MB
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