1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Three-Position Drophead Coupé with Coachwork by Ranalah

The vast majority of the 1,400 or so Phantom II chassis that were produced between 1929 and 1935 were fitted with four-door saloon style coachwork, ideal for a chauffeur and his passengers. However, a select few were fitted with more stylish coachwork and, in our opinion, few look better than Chassis No 63GY which is fitted with three-position Drophead Coupé bodywork by Ranalah of Morden Road, London, SW19.

#63GY began life in April of 1931, fitted with limousine-style coachwork by Weyman of Addlestone and was originally supplied to a Mr Ernest Tweedale of Rochdale. Subsequent owners before the outbreak of the War were Mr Tom Crossley of Huddersfield in 1934 and Mr Basil E Garnham of London in 1938. It's understood, having looked through the correspondence in the history file, that Mr Garnham instructed Ranalah to create coachwork to his chosen design and re-body the car during the late 1930s. The project was personally overseen by Mr Garnham, who took great care in making sure the finished article was exactly what he wanted and looking at the resulting proportions and stylish lines of the coachwork, it would clearly seem that his efforts were not wasted. A few years later Johnson Matthey & Co Ltd. of London purchased the car in 1942 and it was later sold to Sir Keith Fraser of Leicester in 1955. Chassis No 63GY was then purchased by Mr Anthony Proctor of Devon who shipped the car to Canada in 1958. Mr Proctor had the car repainted black during his ownership prior to Mr Paul Teryl of Florida acquiring the car in 1974. He commissioned a thorough restoration to his taste, re-painting it in Ivory at this time. The works were extensive, and it won first place at two National RROC Concours competitions in the States. The car returned briefly to the UK in 1990 and was subsequently supplied to a Collection in Sweden where it remained until 2012, when it was purchased and returned to the UK.

Chassis No 63GY's present owner acquired it in 2017 and has improved the car significantly over recent years. Works included a bare-metal re-paint in black, the fitting of painted wheel trims, an extensive mechanical review and works including an engine overhaul, all carried out by noted Rolls-Royce specialist Mr Harvey Wash.

This most elegant Phantom II has an extensive history file of correspondence, invoices, handbooks, and generally interesting documents associated with the cars long and colourful life. It's believed to be a unique design by Ranalah and one of just two Phantom IIs for which they produced coachwork. As can be seen from our images, this striking motor car remains in very good condition and is ready for the next chapter in its life.