Back in the era this car was built, many luxury manufacturers built chassis and sent them to coachbuilders for the final body. Rolls Royce was no exception and the Phantom I model received bodies from many different manufacturers. This survivor (wow, it’s not restored!) version is listed for sale here on eBay with a buy it now price of $119,000.
I hadn’t heard of Hill and Boll before, but the seller is kind enough to include almost a full history of the coachbuilder. I was also able to find that the very first motor vehicle constructed in the UK was constructed in the Hill and Boll carriage works in 1895! The graceful lines of this stately car illustrate that they were pretty good at what they did.
Here’s a video of the car in action. Quite quiet for its age, don’t you think?
For being original, the interior is amazing. The seller has traced the original ownership of the car, and also where it’s been in Oakland, California from 1971 until just recently.
Rolls-Royce termed the power as “adequate.” I’d have to agree! This 7668 cc (467.9 cubic inches) inline 6 produced around 120 horsepower. I know the car is expensive, but think about what you are purchasing–and what you can buy for $119,000 today (as a point of reference, a 2018 Rolls Royce Phantom starts at $417,825)! I’d love it if one of you readers purchased the car!
A competent inspection first is a must – cylinder heads are fragile and expensive and commonly bad. But at least available.
I would think that as it has reached this age it will take a lot more years before needing a cylinder head overhaul.
A needed cylinder head overhaul may be the reason it’s for sale now! I’ve been around these cars nearly my whole life. I’d need to know a whole lot more before I bought this . . . unless it was so cheap that another $50 – $100,000 in unexpected repairs wouldn’t bother me, but it would bother me so I’ve learned – never ever buy ANY Rolls or Bentley with an inspection!
Mentioned this car and seller to a friend who sold to him once . . . well all I’ll repeat here is “Watch Out!” Exercise caution – extreme “Caveat Emptor” at work here!
Man check those headlights, wonder what wheelbase is. Cool side shot picture.
What the heck is that flugalhorn style object in the engine compartment?
That’s how you get ahold of the captain when you’re underway
Close, see my other comment below.
To talk to the bridge, to inform them that full steam pressure is available, and that the ship is ready to get underway.
The “flugalhorn” is actually a device so that the chauffeur can hear noises emanating from the engine while on the road. There was a similar device, fitted in the passenger compartment, whereby Her Ladyship could whistle through to the driver to tell him where she wanted to be taken.
Maybe a heater as well? :)
“Whistle?”
as it’s not a X-flow I’m thinkin that’s to get cool air frm driver’s side of motor for induction.
Nice looking taxi.
Back in the 1970s and ’80s when I was selling such machinery to buyers in the UK and Europe, I had the undeniable pleasure of driving a number of early Ghosts and Phantoms similar to this one ’round central London. Driving an early Ghost in modern city traffic can be especially thrilling due to the total lack of front brakes. I can’t remember if the Phantom I originally had front brakes or not but many of them were converted.
Surely the “flugalhorn” is simply just that, a horn.
I was thinking about starting a gold smuggling operation…….
All this needs is a Hellcat Engine and a 4 speed
I used to work on a 29 Rolls Boat Tail Speedster. It certainly did attract a lot of attention.
Reminds me of the car used in the 1964
movie “The Yellow Rolls Royce.” Very nice indeed. Would prefer to have some
front and rear bumpers to protect the
radiator and gas tank. Our Florida drivers
are notorious for aiming their cars at these areas when they hit you. And Del,
there was a gentleman in Tampa who
installed a 455 Olds V-8 and TH400 into
a ’31 Phantom II sedan with rather pleasing results. The swap took place in
the mid to late ’80’s and also featured 4-
wheel disc brakes, power steering, and
A/C. Man, what a street rod that would
have been! Classic styling and modern
reliability in one great car. I would’ve
driven something like that every day.
@Peter. The passenger would blow through the speaking tube to sound the whistle next to the drivers ear in order for him to listen to the directions.