The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental is a luxurious and prestigious car, known for its powerful engine, elegant design, and plush interior. It’s an iconic symbol of class and sophistication.
If you have a deep appreciation for cars, then prepare to have your heart stolen by the sheer beauty and luxury of this Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental. Its flawless design and unparalleled opulence will leave you breathless and yearning to experience its graceful power. From the moment you lay eyes on it, you will feel your heart skip a beat, as if you’ve found your soulmate on wheels. If you’re ready to indulge in a love affair with a car that will make you feel alive, then this Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental is the one for you.
1. History of formation and development
“It was the most well-received event at the time as the Rolls Royce Continental raced along the roads of the Cotswolds at an astonishing 70 mph.” Translation: At the time, the event where the Rolls Royce Continental raced along the roads of the Cotswolds at an incredible speed of 70 mph was the most well-received event.
The first took place in 1952. Anthony Gibbs, author of A Passion for Cars, had a rough day. Due to a protracted printer’s strike, his company went bankrupt and as he drove home across London, his mind was distracted from trying to solve problems. its business. Immediately, he was noticed by the appearance of the car ahead. Registered AXA 60, this sleek coupe features sporty details including a separate helmet-style spoiler without running boards and a low roofline.” Translation: This is a description of an event that took place in 1952. Anthony Gibbs, the author of the book “A Passion for Cars,” was having a difficult day because his company went bankrupt due to a long printer’s strike. As he was driving home across London, he was preoccupied with trying to solve the problems facing his business. Suddenly, he noticed the car in front of him. It was a sleek coupe with the registration number AXA 60, and it had sporty details such as a separate helmet-style spoiler without running boards and a low roofline
2. The differences create luxury and class
As he recounted the experience, Gibbs couldn’t help but feel a rush of emotion at the sight of the car. “I realized that, without even seeing it, I was walking behind the most breathtakingly beautiful car I had ever laid eyes on,” he reminisced. The car, a majestic black Rolls, exuded an air of luxury and sophistication that left Gibbs spellbound. Its sleek design was reminiscent of the driver’s old Delage, but with an added touch of elegance that set it apart from any other car he had seen. The way the sunlight danced off the car’s polished surface, the way the engine purred like a contented lion, it was all so enchanting. For several miles, Gibbs followed the Rolls in a daze, completely mesmerized by its allure. Every time he caught a glimpse of the car, his heart skipped a beat. Finally, the driver took notice and pulled over, giving Gibbs the chance to inspect the vehicle up close. Gibbs was overcome with a sense of excitement and admiration as he approached the car, his hands shaking with anticipation. It was a moment he would never forget, one that filled him with an inexplicable sense of joy and wonder.
For the past five years, there was only one car that made Gibbs’ heart sing – the Phantom II Continental fixed-head coupe. Its sleek black body, with a roof so low it hugged the car’s curves like a second skin, exuded a menacing aura that spoke to Gibbs’ inner rebel. With the powerful Wolseley 6/80s trailing behind, Gibbs felt invincible, like he was the king of the road.
But it wasn’t just the car’s aesthetic that made Gibbs fall in love with it. No, it was the way the engine roared to life with a flick of the key, the way the wind whipped through his hair as he pushed the car to its limits on the open road. And now, with the engine tuned to perfection, with a high compression head and elevated camshaft, the car was more than just a machine – it was a living, breathing extension of Gibbs’ soul.
As he slid behind the wheel each morning, Gibbs felt a sense of exhilaration that he couldn’t find anywhere else. The world was his playground, and the car was his faithful companion, ready to take on whatever the day threw at him. And with each passing mile, Gibbs knew he had made the right choice – for in this car, he had found a true expression of his innermost desires, a vehicle that carried him not just from point A to point B, but on a journey of self-discovery and personal freedom.
“The cockpit is crafted from the world’s most advanced woods, evoking a profound sense of opulence and stirring passion within the driver.”
“The Spring Steel wheel boasts an ‘F’ or ‘low rake’ design, perfectly suited for the Continental’s sleek form.”
“Gibbs drove the Continental across Europe as it was meant to be driven. However, during a family vacation to Switzerland in ’57, the Rolls-Royce suffered mechanical issues after traversing Alpine passes.”
“Gibbs struggled to find replacement parts, leading him to make the difficult decision to part with 42PY. Later, while driving through London, he was unexpectedly hailed by a fellow motorist.”
“That admirer was none other than Arthur W Seidenschwartz, an American from Waukesha, Wisconsin, who was resolute in his desire to own the Phantom II, just as Gibbs had been five years prior.”
“After negotiating a deal for a mere $300, the one-of-a-kind fixed-head coupé made its way across the Atlantic to the US, where Seidenschwartz cherished it for 35 years.”
“In the States, 42PY captivated all who beheld it, turning heads at events and gracing the pages of the R-R club’s prestigious publication, The Flying Lady.”
“The unmistakable Continental was affectionately christened the ‘Robert Hall’ in honor of its modernist single-story silhouette, reminiscent of the iconic chain of fashion stores.”
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“Imagine the awe-inspiring sight of this magnificent Phantom II Continental filling your rearview mirror as you drove your humble Austin Seven in the 1930s. The mere thought of it sends shivers down your spine, and your heart races with excitement.”
“To commission a body for a Rolls-Royce was the ultimate symbol of prestige and honor, and Sir John Leigh was the most devoted patron of Freestone and Webb. He had amassed a colossal fortune in the cotton industry of Lancashire and was later honored as the first Baron of Altrincham, a true testament to his success.”
“Leigh’s passion for luxury cars was unrivaled, as he owned an astounding 22 brand-new Rolls-Royces. At one point, four Phantom II Continentals were parked at his four different residences, which included Lea Park in Surrey, Carlton Terrace in London SW1, Bowdon in Cheshire, and Lilleshall in Shropshire.”
“The Phantom II Continental was the perfect embodiment of Leigh’s impeccable taste, and he repeatedly chose Freestone and Webb as his preferred carriage builders, just like a favorite tailor. His first order for a Phantom II Continental is a testament to his remarkable eye for automobiles.”
“However, tragedy struck when the second chassis, 6GX, was severely damaged in a fire in AD 32. Despite the heartbreaking setback, the car was rebuilt by Carlton for Leigh’s son, who transformed it into a stunning convertible. The car’s history and legacy are a testament to the passion and dedication of those who loved and cherished it.”
The story of this Rolls-Royce is one of love, care, and renewal. For 35 years, the Seidenschwartz family cherished this elegant car, its sleek form and polished exterior holding a special place in their hearts. But as life goes on, they knew it was time to pass it on to someone who could continue its legacy. Enter David Scheibel, a man from Toledo, Ohio, who felt a deep connection to the car and saw its potential. He entrusted its restoration to D&D Classic Restorations, knowing that they would treat it with the same reverence and attention to detail as he would.
The rebuilt car was a sight to behold, its contours and curves beckoning you to touch and feel every inch of it. It was an experience that even those without sight could enjoy, as they ran their hands over the car’s wings and traced the lines of its long, graceful bonnet. This car event in Michigan was a testament to the power of art and design, to the way that even the most beautiful objects can be appreciated in different ways by different people.
For those involved in this story, the Rolls-Royce was more than just a car – it was a part of their lives, a symbol of something greater. And now, as it begins a new chapter with David Scheibel and his team, it continues to inspire and captivate, reminding us of the beauty and elegance that can be found in the most unexpected places.
The Phantom II underwent yet another change in ownership when Roger Willbanks acquired it in the United States. Willbanks was so captivated by the car’s splendor that he enlisted the expertise of the renowned American photographer, Michael Furman, to capture the majesty of the machine. The resulting photographs, with the studio lighting accentuating its handsome lines, left him in awe.
In 2013, RM Auctions and Sotheby’s joined forces for the first-ever Art and the Automobile sale in New York. Amidst the array of iconic vehicles on offer, including a Talbot T150 ‘Teardrop’ and a Ferrari 250LM, the Freestone and Webb fixed-head coupé shone brightly. The car fetched a staggering $2.4 million, setting a world record price for a Phantom II. Finally, after 56 long years, it made its way back home to join the magnificent collection of Lord Bamford.
A passionate connoisseur of coachbuilt Rolls-Royces, Lord Bamford holds a particular fondness for Phantom II Continentals and Phantom IIIs. Upon acquiring the Phantom II, he wasted no time in restoring its paintwork to its original two-tone color scheme, the same as when Sir John Leigh ordered it from Freestone and Webb 90 years earlier. The moment he laid eyes on it, he knew that it was a truly splendid vehicle, one that deserved to stand alongside the other Phantom II Continentals he owned, including the two Gurney Nutting-bodied examples, the Owen Drophead Sedanca Coupé 149RY, and the exquisite ex-George Gee Gurney Nutting two-door Boat Tail Speedster 125RY. Indeed, this addition to his exceptional collection stirred something deep within him, a feeling of awe and admiration that he had not experienced in a long time.
The Continental’s mechanically servo-assisted drum brakes are impressive, stopping the large car quickly in an emergency. Despite the sportier specifications of the Continental, which includes flatter springs and fewer leaves at the rear, the ride remains smooth and tranquil.
Driving the Continental on the wooded Cotswolds roads at 70mph in top gear is an utterly delightful experience. In the early 1930s, this kind of luxury was comparable to flying on a private jet today, which really puts into perspective Sir John Leigh’s collection of four Continentals. As a cotton magnate, he certainly traveled in style.
