Since its introduction in 1959, there has been, simply put, no other automobile quite like the Rolls-Royce Phantom V.

While other luxury manufacturers continued to produce limousines, the Phantom V was a last vestige of old-world craftsmanship, including its availability as a bare chassis for custom coachwork - provided one could find a custom coachbuilder.

Numerous styles were available, both from H.J.

Mulliner and Park Ward, soon to merge into a single unit under Rolls-Royce auspices, and from the surviving independent firms of James Young and Chapron.

James Young in particular crafted some truly exquisite designs, known for their exceptional balance of proportion, with artful touches to the windows and, frequently, a swept rear of beautiful line.

The fit and finish throughout was exceptional and the list of options limited only to the depth of one’s pocketbook.

As with almost all Rolls-Royce models, the Phantom V was continuously evolved and improved over production.

Famous o...