1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Owens Drophead Sedanca CO Gurney Nutting Sedanca Coupe

The 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Owen Drophead Sedanca Coupe is considered one of the most beautiful and coveted Rolls-Royces ever built. Its proportions are much like a Pre-War Jaguar XKE with its majestically long hood and cowl, low windshield and sleek profile. This is an example that is a beautifully preserved older restoration that has been exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours in 1986 and has been included in many of the most important collections of classics in North America. The Sedanca Coupe is a true three-position drophead, operating as a coupe, sedanca or convertible.

82PY is one of 281 PII Continentals and one of the 18 original Owen Drophead Sedanca Coupes made, but is one of very few with the rare and desirable double rear-mounted spares. The effect of the dual rear mounted spares is to enhance its sensual and iconic lines. The chassis was delivered from Rolls-Royce to J Gurney Nutting on October 28, 1933 as a special order from H.R. Owen, a renowned Rolls-Royce dealer. It was originally ordered for British tinplate scion Cedric Treherne-Thomas, to be delivered to him at the International Sportsmans Club in London. Tommy Treherne-Thomas was quite a sportsman, placing well in the 1935 24 Hours of Le Mans. By 1935, 82PY was acquired by James R Herbert Boone, an American financier that who spent much of his time in Europe with audiences with the Pope and royalty in England and Italy. Mr. Boone made headlines in the 1930s for funding a lengthy but unsuccessful hunt for the famous sunken treasure of King John Lackland of England off the English coast.

By the 1950s, 82PY had moved to California, where it was owned by several very well-known collections. By 1964, it had been acquired by the late enthusiast Robert G. Valpey of Palos Verdes, California, who installed the present engine, number XO55. Mr. Valpey sold the car in 1976 to another noted West Coast collector, Barry Hon of California. Six years later it became part of the collection of Ross Bewley, who exhibited the car at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance in 1986. In 2007 and 2008, 82PY had very extensive mechanical restoration, including a complete engine and cooling system rebuild by the specialists at AJ Glew & Company of Draycott, Gloucestershire. By 2012, the Rolls then became part of the distinguished museum of Academy of Art University in San Francisco, alongside many other important Full Classics. It has been featured in numerous books on Rolls-Royce including Raymond Gentiles The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental.

The livery is featured in a beautiful deep blue that appears black except for in the sunlight. The dark blue is complemented by red and royal blue twin pinstripes, polished aluminum ACE wheel discs and the classic tan Haartz canvas three-position convertible top. The paint is in beautiful condition with excellent shine and luster. There is normal slight wear in the high use areas near the hood and door jambs, otherwise the Rolls presents very well. The chrome and stainless-steel trim are in excellent condition. Attached to the short and rakish windshield posts are dual pillar mounted Grebel spotlights a beautiful blue tinted glass sun visor. In front of the iconic and massive Rolls-Royce grill is a Lucas center light. All of the accessories are in as-new condition, reflecting the care 82PY received while in the noted collections. The Dunlap Forte tires are exhibiting some age cracking. Overall, the exterior is in concours condition with few visible deductions only noticeable upon very close inspection.

The interior of 82PY is simply spectacular. The beautiful Russet Brown leather appears nearly new and is soft and supple to the touch. The matching Wilton wool carpeting is also as new and lends a rich feel to the interior. The gorgeous burl walnut dash and accents is deep and rich with minimal age-related cracking. The interior chrome and the instrumentation also present in very good to excellent condition. All of the gauges work well, and the restored steering wheel feels great while driving.

The engine compartment is detailed for concours and presents beautifully. There is no doubt that this Phantom II Continental has received excellent service and upkeep. The venerable 7.7 liter straight six-cylinder is quiet and powerful. The engineers at AJ Glew & Company did a tremendous job rebuilding the engine. It starts easily and performs well. There are no rattles, excessive smoking and the oil pressure and operating temperatures are all appropriate for a Phantom II. The chassis is well detailed and also shows that this Rolls has been well serviced and cared for.

Built into the lid of the original Gurney Nutting trunk is a beautifully presented complete tool kit. Included in the sale is a history file with many original factory documents, various period letters, book references, complete service invoices for the major work performed and more. A Phantom II Owner's Manual is also included in the sale.

We have this Phantom II Continental priced very well. Here is a comparable public sale at $1.65 million: Gooding & Co

For more information and details, call, text or email Harry Clark at 1.602.245.7200 or harry@classicpromenade.com . See our 151 photos and four videos on our website to learn more. This Phantom is available for viewing at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.