1973 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Limousine

These cars were sold as bare chassis, to which coachbuilt bodywork of the buyer’s choice would be fitted. At least one cabriolet was built by Carrozzeria Frua, though most were saloons and limousines bodied by the more traditionally RR-associated, London-based Mulliner Park Ward.

This auction car is one such limo, similar to one used by the British royal family prior to replacement by a Bentley in 2002. The Queen’s Silver Jubilee car, also a 1977 model, has a special high roof and panoramic roof.

This is a large car, almost imposingly so at 20 feet bumper-to-bumper, nearly seven feet wide, and just under six feet tall. Styling is highly similar to the preceding, late production spec Phantom V, including a centrally hinged “butterfly” hood, which on final 1990 cars must surely qualify as the last use of this early 20th century coachbuilding holdover.

Being a limousine, the car features a permanent divider between the driver and passenger compartments. As with all vintage Rolls-Royce automobiles, the dashboard is a delight, filled to the brim with heavy, hand-cast and polished metal switchgear and air vents, hefty controls, and large, carefully matched, beautifully grained slabs of burl wood. This one’s original steering wheel has been replaced by what looks like a high-quality Moto-Lita item.

The back features a wide leather sofa and two foldaway occasional seats, as well as a liquor cabinet, foot rests, and a discreetly concealed Alpine cassette deck.

Motivation is delivered via a 6.2 liter OHV V8 of Rolls-Royce design and manufacture, delivering an “adequate” (to quote official period marketing material) amount of power rearwards via a 4-speed automatic transmission. Both steering and brakes are power assisted, naturally, the latter consisting of drums at each corner. Coil springs are found at the front, and a leaf-sprung solid axle in back.

This car is sold without known history.

Among the most exclusive and scarcest of all modern Rolls-Royce models, as well as its final traditional body-on-frame car, the Phantom VI holds a very special place in the history of handbuilt British luxury cars. Estimated $80,000 - $140,000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.