Highlights

One-off Sedanca de Ville design by Hooper & Co. Ltd
Previously owned by King Faisal II of Iraq
Featured on the cover of "Rolls-Royce, State Motor Cars" by Andrew Pastouna
Sleek, bespoke black coachbuilt body and V12 power
Large history file including early build and factory documentation
Previously part of the Pate Collection in Texas

The Appeal

The Phantom III, with its gargantuan 7.3L V12 engine, is the epitome of Rolls-Royce’s pre-war, coachbuilt era. This Phantom Sedanca, with its bespoke body and beguiling history, arguably takes things a step further.

We’re told that it was built in 1938 for the boss of Hoopers. In 1944, it was acquired by the future King of Iraq, Faisal II, who ran it for 30,000 miles until 1953. It then joined the illustrious Pate Collection in Texas, USA, where it resided until 2010 when it was acquired by the previous UK keeper. The car featured in 1940s Rolls-Royce advertising and is on the cover of Andrew Pastoura’s book about Rolls-Royce state motor cars.

It is a remarkable vehicle whose provenance ensures it stands out from the other 726 Phantom IIIs that were built. Finished in black, it is a handsomely understated design. The current keeper began a restoration process on purchase, including rewiring and what appears to be structural repairs. These can be inspected in the photos. We’re also told that the interior wood trim has been refurbished and only needs refitting. The engine is said to run, but unfortunately has a cracked head.

There is still some work to do to bring this magnificent vehicle back to full glory. But with that history and its unique status, this is surely one for the marque enthusiast to get stuck into.

History and Paperwork

Originally delivered new in 1938 to G. Sclater-Booth, Managing Director of Hooper & Co. Ltd
Purchased in 1944 by the Prince Regent of Iraq (later King Faisal II)
Used in Baghdad until 1953
Covered approximately 30,000 miles during its nine years of service in Iraq
Later housed in the Pate Museum of Transportation in Cresson, Texas, USA
Acquired by a UK private collector in 2010, who began restoration work
Featured on the cover and in a double-page spread in "Rolls-Royce, State Motor Cars" by Andrew Pastouna
Chassis number 3CM197, Hooper design number 7315
Originally finished in Black and Brown paintwork
V5C
Eligible for Historic Vehicle registration based on age
DVLA records the first UK registration as February 1981
Single UK keeper registered by DVLA
Some spares included as shown in the boot photo
Early factory records and chassis log as shown
Original build sheet
Texas Certificate of Title as shown
Said to have been used in 1940s factory advertising
Restoration work was in progress but incomplete when previous keeper passed

The vendor says:

“1938 Rolls-Royce Sedanca de Ville by Hooper, Chassis 3CM197 design 7315 appears to be a one off, with its imposing frontal appearance, this Phantom III having the tallest radiator flanked by the iconic P100 headlights was delivered new in 1938 to Hooper's managing Director, G. Sclater-Booth.

“King Faisal the First was replaced in the early forties by the Prince Regent, until the accession of King Faisal II in 1953. just after taking up his Regency, the new Head of State bought a number of Phantom IIIs. In 1944, he purchased this Hooper Sedanca de Ville, Chassis 3CM 197. It was sent out to Bagdad and did not return until 1953. Design 7315 was painted Black and Brown and featured some typical Hooper touches to the rear compartment which had a concealed front opening roof panel over the driver. The chassis passed off test in 1938 and in almost nine years in Iraq covered around 30,000 miles.

“From Iraq, 3CM197 found its way to the “Pate museum of transportation” in Cresson, Texas, U.S.A. before being sold in 2010 to a Private Collector in the U.K. who set about restoring 3CM197 before his untimely passing earlier this year. In his custodianship, 3CM197 has been rewired using the correct materials and woods re-polished (unfitted). 3CM197 is the most exotic of the Phantom range with its glorious V12 engine and interesting history, including being featured on the cover and internal double page spread of the Book Rolls-Royce, State Motor Cars by Andrew Pastouna.”

The Condition

Appears to be a one-off design with unique coachwork by Hooper & Co. Ltd
Features typical Hooper touches to the rear compartment as shown
Includes a concealed front-opening roof panel over the driver's compartment
Now finished in black with coachline and matching wheel trims
Paintwork presents well with some age and marks such as chips to panel edges
Underside as shown in photos, indicating some earlier restoration work
Woods have been re-polished but remain unfitted
Complete rewiring has been carried out using the correct period materials we are told
Leather interior in beige requiring restoration
Door cards and carpets appear to be missing

The Mechanics

7.3-litre V12 engine
4spd manual gearbox
The engine is reported to run, but has a cracked cylinder head
Great candidate for electric conversion if the new owner wishes
Mechanical restoration appears to be incomplete based on the information provided
Some spare parts as shown

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