1962 Rolls Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine

- £110,000 Coachwork by James Young

: 1962 1962 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine (PV 22)

One of thirteen examples

1962 Earls Court Motor Show

Registration number to be advised

Chassis number 5VA7

Engine number A4PV

Introduced in the autumn of 1959, Rolls-Royce’s new 6,230cc all-alloy V8 engine powered the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 sedans as well as the Rolls-Royce Phantom V. The new Phantom V long-wheelbase limousine effectively replaced both the royalty/heads of state-only Phantom IV and the Silver Wraith. The latter’s relatively short - for a limousine - wheelbase 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. Built on a much-modified and strengthened ’Cloud II chassis enjoying the same 145” wheelbase as the IV, the new Phantom measured almost 20ft in length and enabled coachbuilders to combine the desirable qualities of spacious interior accommodation with generous boot space and graceful lines. A lower final drive ratio ensured that, while top speed was a little down on that of its stablemates, though still in excess of 100mph, the new Phantom could all but match them for acceleration.

Rolls-Royce’s in-house coachbuilder H J Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd produced what was in effect the ‘standard’ seven-passenger limousine coachwork for the Phantom V, while an alternative design was offered by James Young. A lack of suitable chassis would force the latter’s closure before the ’Sixties decade ended, but in its declining years the Kent-based firm produced what are widely recognised as its finest creations, the sublimely proportioned Touring Limousine (Design PV 22) being one of the foremost. Undeniably more graceful than the rival H J Mulliner, Park Ward version, James Young’s Touring Limousine combined the formality of an internal division with luggage space sufficient for continental touring.

: Rear

One of only 13 Rolls-Royce Phantom Vs bodied by James Young, chassis number ‘5VA7’ was displayed on the coachbuilder’s stand at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show and is pictured on pages 256/257 of Lawrence Dalton’s book, The Elegance Continues. Accompanying copy chassis cards and other documentation record that the Phantom was first owned by one D M Glover of United Lubricants, London W11 and next by Central and District Properties Ltd of London W1 before being sold via Jack Barclay Ltd to Gavin S Herbert in California, USA in 1972. Later that same year the car passed into the ownership of Frank Lacoke of Dallas, Texas. It returned to the UK circa 1989 and was purchased by an R-REC member, in 1996 following a full body restoration.

The accompanying service history file, close inspection of which is recommended, indicates that some £43,000 has been spent on mechanical refurbishment and servicing since 1990. This work has included a complete engine overhaul undertaken by Rolls-Royce at the Crewe factory in 1999, the loan engine being supplied and fitted by marque specialists P & A Wood and the original engine reinstated by the same company.

: Engine

Finished in Silver Shell over Black Pearl, the car currently displays a total of 88,000 miles on the odometer, while noteworthy features include air conditioning and a Bray electric engine heater. Offered with (copy) James Young build sheets and driver’s instruction manual, ‘5VA7’ represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a coachbuilt rarity of considerable distinction, produced by one of Britain’s finest coachbuilders at the height of its powers.

Condition: Body paint: Wonderfully restored to an excellent standard. The body is straight, doors shut well. The whole car is beautifully presented throughout. The only minor paid defects are evident on lower edge of rear sill, with slight surface rust.

Interior: The rear compartment of the car has been meticulously restored and is stunning. The front compartment retains its original leather work, which is in beautiful condition. The wood cappings and dashboard have been restored to an excellent standard. New carpets are fitted throughout, and the car is credit to its restorer.

Engine: Starts and runs beautifully. Extremely quiet. Responsive throttle. Air conditioning has been retrofitted. Overall a superb car, in wonderful condition.

Comparables

Further Photographs: Gallery

The details, on this website, have been prepared in good faith. Accordingly, it is not intended that these details should be relied upon as a representation of facts or that they should have contractual status, and, for example: (i) The description, including photographs, of the vehicles are intended to be a guide only rather than a detailed and accurate report. (ii) Photographs are not necessarily comprehensive or current. (iii) No representation or warranty is given.