If, during the interwar years, Rolls-Royce could justifiably claim to be “the best car in the world”, the marque’s finest model of the era is without doubt the Phantom II Continental.

Powered by a 7,668 cc straight-six, these magnificent leviathans represent the ultimate development of the 40/50 family.

They were aimed at a more sporting clientele than the standard Phantom II.

The car offered, chassis number 8JS, is one of the earliest of the type, having been completed in mid-1931.

Equipped with an extremely attractive four-door saloon body by Cricklewood-based Thrupp & Maberly, it was originally intended for display at that year’s Paris Salon.

A change of plan, however, meant that the car made its debut at the Olympia Motor Show in London from 15 to 24 October.

Finished in pale yellow with pea-green detailing and a matching green interior, the Continental was priced at £3,000, making it the most expensive car at that year’s London exhibition.

It is thought that this was one of...