PLEASE NOTE: We now understand the original registration number for this lot to have been ‘GV 7128’.

Although unveiled to the public at the October, 1935, Olympia Motor Exhibition, the Phantom III did not enter series production until May, 1936.

A fabulous design that reasserted Rolls-Royce's right to be considered as the world's pre-eminent car manufacturer, its cruciform-braced chassis featured independent coil-sprung front suspension, a fully-floating 'live' rear axle, hydraulic shock absorbers and gearbox driven servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes.

Drawing on decades of aero-engine experience, it was powered by a 7,340cc ohv V12.

Fabricated largely from aluminium alloy, this technically advanced unit boasted a seven-bearing crankshaft, eight-bearing camshaft, hydraulic tappets and dual downdraught Stromberg carburettors.

Effortlessly potent and eerily smooth, it required a level of care and maintenance not dissimilar to that of its Schneider Trophy winning siblings.

Allied ...