Lot 161 - 1970 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Limousine by Mulliner Park Ward
| Lot Number | 161 |
| Registration | BLH 358H |
| Chassis Number | PRH 4596 |
| Engine Number | 4596 |
| Odometer reading | 21,076 miles |
| Estimate | £75,000 - £90,000 |
- Superb condition throughout
- First owner was Lombard Banking Ltd
- Copies of original build sheet in history file
Introduced alongside the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 in the Autumn of 1959, Rolls-Royce's new limousine model, the long-wheelbase Phantom V, effectively replaced both the royalty/heads-of-state-only Phantom IV and the Silver Wraith. The latter's relatively short wheelbase (for a limousine) had made it all but impossible for coachbuilders to provide adequate boot space in a comfortable seven-seater automobile, a shortcoming addressed by the Phantom V. Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward Limited (later Mulliner Park Ward) produced what was, in effect, the 'standard' seven-passenger limousine coachwork for the Phantom V. This timeless design would survive until 1990, being built in near identical Phantom VI form from 1968, when separate air conditioning for front and rear compartments was standardised together with the Silver Shadow-specification 6230cc V8 engine. The usual upholstery for the front compartment was leather, which was also included in the list of alternatives for the rear along with West of England cloth. As one would expect in a car of this class, a cocktail cabinet incorporated into the rear compartment's cabinetwork was one of a host of options that also included electric windows and air conditioning.
This superb example of this British luxury classic is presented in wonderful condition throughout. It was sold by H R Owen, London to its first owner, Mr Eric Lombard Knight of Lombard Banking Ltd fame, in May 1970 for the sum of £11,665.16. Copies of its build sheet can be seen in the history file, which shows that the interior still retains the same configuration and colour of beige leather to the front and beige cloth to the rear. It is presented in deep Claret below the waistline and black upper parts. It also comes with two occasional seats to the rear with red long pile carpet to the rear also. Its door cappings are in superb condition and this must be one of the finest examples available. The present owner has just had the car serviced with Rolls Royce and Bentley specialists, Hillier Hill in June 2021 at a cost of just under £5000 (invoice in the history file).
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.