The Phantom III was a special car for the Rolls-Royce brand – the last of the pre-war “phantoms” designed by Henry Royce himself. Like all its predecessors, it was impeccable in terms of handcrafted quality, the balance of mechanical parts, quiet engine operation, and smooth ride.
Source: Charles Crail
It was the last model of the brand, which was constructed under Henry Royce’s direct supervision. The pre-war Phantom was a unique vehicle: even those familiar with the interior of this brand’s vehicles were amazed by the mastery of its assembly. The manufacturer paid particular attention to detail concerning the balance of moving parts, which manifested itself in excellent dynamic qualities combined with absolute smoothness. The independent front suspension and the significant weight of the automobile ensured an impeccably comfortable ride.
Source: Drive-My
It was the mid-1930s, and the world was recovering from the Great Depression. The British luxury car manufacturer, feeling the effects of the economic downturn, decided to make an ultimate status symbol against all odds. Thus, the engineers and designers set out to create the most powerful, luxurious, and technologically advanced automobile the world had ever seen. They knew they had to deliver something truly extraordinary, something that would make people forget about their economic woes and dream of a more opulent future. The result was the Phantom III, a car that embodied the company’s commitment to excellence in every detail. It was built with a massive 7.3-liter V12 engine, making it one of the most powerful automobiles of its time. The chassis was designed to be longer and more rigid than previous models, providing a smoother ride for passengers. But it wasn’t just the power and engineering that set this model apart from the competition. The design was also a masterpiece, featuring sleek lines, a longer hood, and a larger grille that commanded attention. The interior was just as luxurious, with hand-crafted wood trim, sumptuous leather seats, and every conceivable comfort and convenience feature. The Phantom III quickly became the go-to car for the rich and famous, including royalty, Hollywood stars, and wealthy entrepreneurs. It was a symbol of wealth, power, and success, and it cemented Rolls-Royce’s place as the pinnacle of luxury car manufacturing. As before, the company’s cars left the factory as an open chassis with all the necessary mechanisms: bodies were made by third parties: Park Ward, Mulliner, Hooper, Barker & Co, Vanden Plas, Vesters & Neirinck, Freestone & Webb, Voll & Ruhrbeck, and Thrupp & Maberly.
Source: Pre-War Cars
The 1936 edition featured the best technological solutions, including the beast of an engine. It was powered by a massive 7.3-liter V12 engine, which was a significant improvement over its predecessor. This power unit was capable of producing 165 horsepower, which was a considerable amount of power in the 1930s. The 1936 edition’s chassis was also a marvel of engineering. It was longer and more rigid than previous models, providing a smoother ride for passengers. The suspension was upgraded with new hydraulic shock absorbers, which made the ride even more comfortable. The automobile’s brakes were also improved, with a new servo-assisted system that made stopping a breeze. Inside, the craftsmanship was just as impressive as the engineering. The interior featured hand-crafted wood trim, sumptuous leather seats, and every imaginable comfort and convenience feature. The dashboard was an elegant display of gauges and dials, each one carefully designed and placed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Despite its size and power, the 1936 release was surprisingly easy to handle, with a smooth-shifting 4-speed manual transmission and power steering that made it feel light and nimble on the road.
Source: BBC
During the Second World War, the field marshal Montgomery used three Rolls-Royces – two Phantom III and one Silver Wraith. The first one was a 1936 model with bodywork by Freestone & Webb. The automobile was assembled by order of the head of the English Talbot Motor Company, Frederick Wilcock, and then requisitioned by the British War Office. Montgomery used this Phantom as personal transport in preparation for the Normandy landings and for the logistics of dignitaries – Winston Churchill, General Eisenhower, and King George VI – to schedule meetings in Hampshire on the issue of the Normandy operation. Wilcock did not allow the Phantom III to be taken out of the UK to avoid damage, so in France, after the opening of the second front, Montgomery moved to the Silver Wraith. For Montgomery, who knew the strength and power of the public image, Rolls-Royce was a symbol of constancy, unity, and reliability.
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