Rolls-Royce 40/50 Phantom II

Rolls Royce 40 50 Phantom II 1933

Key facts

  • Year

    1933

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    7,668cc

  • Cylinders

    6 cylinder

  • Valves

    Overhead valve

  • Output

    120bhp at 3,000rpm

  • Performance

    90mph

  • Price new

    £1,800 (chassis only)

  • Loaned by

    Beaverbrook Foundation (CIO)

  • Manufacturer

    Rolls-Royce Limited, Derby

Considered by many to be the best looking Rolls-Royce ever, the Phantom II replaced the Phantom I in September 1929. It was the last car designed by Sir Henry Royce. A new underslung chassis gave the car its distinctive low appearance and was available in two wheelbase lengths of 144 and 150 inches. This car was supplied new to Lord Beaverbrook and is fitted with a Sedanca de Ville body by Barker & Co.

By the late 1920s, Rolls-Royce was facing stiff competition from cars like the straight eight Lanchester and Daimler Double Six. The Phantom II was designed to meet this challenge. The new model’s appearance at the October 1929 Motor Show came just days before the Wall Street crash heralded the start of global financial depression. Despite this, the Rolls-Royce Phantom II sold surprisingly well, 1,767 being built over a six-year production life.

There is a certain speed at which it can run with absolutely no sign of machinery being evident

The Autocar
11 October 1929

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Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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