1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Saloon by Thrupp & Maberly

The Phantom II Continental differed from its standard sister not only because it was more expensive, but also because it was built on a shorter wheelbase with stiffer suspension and generally had a more 'sporty' feel. The 7.7-litre engine's new high-lift camshaft added to the power output quite significantly and when combined with the higher back axle ratio offered the owner-driver high speed, thrilling acceleration, and impeccable handling, whilst still retaining the charm and gentility of a Rolls-Royce.

In the early 1930s, all luxury marques were delivered as rolling chassis to one of many marque-approved coachbuilders for completion. Chassis 29TA, the fifth TA series Phantom II Continental, was bodied by Thrupp & Maberly in a delightful, lightweight four-door design, which came to be known as a "Gentleman's Sports Saloon". Thrupp & Maberly were favoured by royalty and heads of state, and they specialised in exquisite, well-built bodies with elaborate interiors for Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Humber.

This striking 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental is one of just three with Thrupp and Maberly coachwork, and according to the accompanying sales literature when our vendor purchased the car, chassis 29TA still wears its original sports saloon body. The car is trimmed in Oxford Blue hides with an exquisite Burr Walnut interior and is finished in a two-tone Oxford and Cambridge Blue, a popular colour scheme in the period when the Universities Boat Race had a slightly 'elitist' status. It still features special-order components from new, dual side-mounted spare wheels, a retractable rear luggage rack, a full-size sliding sunshine roof, Ace Deluxe wheel discs, a centre driving light, and dual “Wind-tone” trumpet horns.

The history file contains copy documentation from new and records validate this Rolls-Royce's participation in numerous Concours events, meets, and tours since it was delivered to its original owner, F. Parkinson, Esq of Sunningdale, Surrey who paid the princely sum of £1,418 3d 6s on the 13th December 1934. A documented history of the car validates its later busy life, with many decades spent in the forgiving climate of California. Photographs of the car appeared in the esteemed Rolls-Royce Owners' Club publication 'The Flying Lady', as well as on page 241 of the definitive publication "The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental" by Raymond Gentile. This elegant 'Gentleman's Sports Saloon' returned home on the 3rd of September 2005.

Our vendor, a leading Australian car collector, purchased 29TA in 2014 as an addition to his UK collection. With extensive business interests and a collection numbering some 95 cars in Brisbane, our vendor has reluctantly offered the car for sale. Chassis 29TA is currently being prepared for auction with a noted Rolls-Royce specialist and a list of these works and attentions is available for inspection. The car will be presented to auction with fresh coolant and oil and a new MOT.

This elegant Phantom II Continental looks completely at home on the lawns of Blenheim Palace and offers its new owner many years of relaxed cruising and the chance to slip back, at least momentarily, to a more graceful period in time.