An especially elegant and imposing example of the Phantom III, chassis number 3AZ210 was bodied by the preferred London coachbuilders to Royalty, Barker & Company, known for the superb quality of its construction and fitments.

Styled as a handsome saloon with division window, tapered wings, and a relatively low roofline, it was originally fitted with a polished bare-metal bonnet 5.5 inches longer than standard with aggressively raked louvres, as seen in a surviving Barker linotype included in the file.

Along with the single rear-mounted spare the effect is an unusually clean front-end design that emphasises the size and power of the engine beneath.

It was also specified with a speedometer reading in both miles and kilometres, as well as a fuel gauge in both gallons and litres, perfectly suited to continental touring.

Delivery was made on 29 January 1937 to Commodore Louis D.

Beaumont, an American department store magnate, yachtsman, and avowed Francophile, at his villa Eilenroc at...