A Refined Example of Rolls-Royce Luxury

The Rolls-Royce Phantom III, introduced in 1936, was the pinnacle of pre-war luxury automobiles. It was the first Rolls-Royce to feature a 7,340cc V12 engine, producing 165 bhp, and was equipped with independent front suspension, making it an engineering marvel of its time. Known for its effortless power delivery and remarkable smoothness, the Phantom III was the choice of royalty, aristocrats, and elite clientele worldwide.

The Motorcar Offered

This particular 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville was originally ordered through the prestigious Jack Barclay salesroom in Hanover Square, London, and was delivered on 12 November 1937 to Mrs. S.W. (Stanley William) Tanfield, wife of a prominent financier residing at White Place in Taplow, Buckinghamshire.

Bodied by H.J. Mulliner, this Phantom III exudes elegance and craftsmanship. The car boasts exquisite solid wood trim throughout, with refined inlays in the rear compartment cabinetry, which discreetly conceals:

A robust heater
Cases for decanters and glassware
A folding footrest on the passenger side
An occasional seat for a maid or footman on the driver’s side

Following 5,000 km of use with the Tanfields, the car was resold on 12 April 1938 to Harry Neal of London through Jack Barclay. During World War II, the car was laid up but was later sold in April 1945 to Frederick Nield of Manchester, and subsequently passed on to Harold G. Bentley. The Phantom III was re-registered in 1960 under its current number.

A Journey to the United States

In 1961, the Phantom III was exported to the United States, where it became part of the esteemed collection of Dr. John R. Fischer of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. A well-regarded classic car enthusiast, Dr. Fischer cherished this Phantom III for decades before selling it on 21 June 1986 to his longtime friend, Fred F. Guyton. By this time, Dr. Fischer had relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, making this a distinguished local addition to the classic car scene.

Having remained in Fred Guyton’s collection for nearly 33 years, the Phantom III was affectionately known as the “Official Guyton Wedding Vehicle”, as it was frequently used for family nuptials, with white ribbons still visible in the rear quarter windows when the car was cataloged for sale.

A Highly Original Example with Charming Details

This largely original and unrestored Phantom III retains a well-patinated V12 engine that still exhibits the smoothness and reliability expected of Rolls-Royce craftsmanship. The Royal Blue and black exterior finish shows natural aging, with areas of paint cracking in high-stress locations, adding to its authentic character.

Inside, the car features:

Rich black leather upholstery for the driver’s seat
Wool broadcloth for the rear compartment
Beautifully preserved solid wood trim
Original roller windshield shades
Woodwork beneath the driver’s seat still bearing the original body number stamping

At the time of cataloging, the car displayed 30,333 km on the odometer.

Accompanying Documentation & Preservation Potential

The car is offered with:

A largely complete set of original tools
Copies of its factory build documents
Historical correspondence and documentation dating back to Dr. Fischer’s ownership
A detailed history compiled by renowned Phantom III historian, Steve Stuckey

An Ideal Candidate for Restoration or Preservation

This Phantom III presents an excellent opportunity for either a concours-quality restoration or continued preservation as an elegant touring example. With its stunning H.J. Mulliner Sedanca de Ville coachwork, long-term ownership history, and distinguished provenance, it is a truly remarkable piece of Rolls-Royce history, ready to embark on its next chapter.

This 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville by H.J. Mulliner represents one of the most elegant formal coachbuilt examples of its era and is undoubtedly a vehicle of historical significance, ideal for the discerning collector.

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