1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom

Here is a really imposing Rolls-Royce Phantom V by James Young finished in all over Brewster green with simply stunning green Connolly Vaumol leather hides. The twin fine lines to the waist-rails and hubcap beauty rings are hand-painted in an off-white to match the interior seat piping.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1959, replacing the previous Rolls-Royce limousine, the Silver Wraith, which had been living on borrowed time since the introduction of the Silver Cloud in 1955. The four-year delay was deemed necessary by Rolls-Royce Limited, as they had already planned on introducing their now legendary light alloy V8 engine across the range at that time.

With a wheelbase of 12ft 1in, and an overall length of just a hair under 20ft, the Phantom V chassis had been planned from the outset to carry coachbuilt bodies that were imposing and graceful, with really spacious interiors and large luggage carrying capacity. The powerful V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, servo-assisted brakes and power-assisted steering made the car feel considerably smaller than its size. With its lower 3.89:1 axle ratio, the Phantom V could glide along at walking pace, or reach speeds in excess of 100mph with ease.

516 Phantom Vs were built between 1959 and 1968, when it was superseded by the slightly modified Phantom VI.

The vast majority of cars were provided with coachwork by Park Ward, H J Mulliner, and the later combined firm of Mulliner Park Ward. A total of 196 were bodied by James Young Ltd in either 7-passenger or touring limousine styles.

Beautifully styled by A F Mac McNeill, his creations for James Young coachwork on the Phantom V are regarded as some of the most beautiful and elegant designs of all time. James Young touring limousine coachwork, as on this magnificent car, is the most graceful, and is considered to be the epitome Phantom V.

Chassis number 5LVC51 was delivered in September 1964 to George Farkas, Founder and major owner of Alexanders Department Store in New York with Design No PV22 Touring Limousine coachwork by James Young.

This Phantom V is very well known to us having been owned by a life-long collector who had this darling for some 25 years and has mechanically serviced and maintained her along with all his Rolls-Royce collection.



The body of the car presents straight and the paint in good condition. It has had some repaint over the years and although no concours finish, she does present extremely well, clean, lustrous and consistent. There are some little chips and marks here and there but these are few and only show if one looks hard. She is clean underneath with no notable rust. Overall she is very shiny without any fading, dents or dings. Mouldings, badges and external fittings are all in excellent condition.



The interior of this car is stunning. The green Connolly Vaumol leather with off-white piping shows beautifully and is original. It remains super soft and supple without any signs of extraordinary wear and the natural patina is to die for. There is nothing like original, nicely matured Connolly leather. The detailed wood-work throughout is excellent and the richness in colour, grain and layout is really quite breath-taking. The photos say all! There are pretty much no cracks in the clear finish and minimal chips or marks in the overall presentation, we believe it presents perfectly with good patina.

The accoutrements in the division are a delightful touch with picnic tables that reveal a mirror for both rear passengers, cocktail glasses of different types on each side and a centre cocktail cabinet that serves all. The quasi art deco clock is simply gorgeous. In the centre armrest where there was once housed personal accoutrements (brush and comb set), this has been modified in the 80s for a mobile phone. Similarly the lo