1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Vanden Plas Continental Drophead

Discover automotive elegance at its finest with this breathtakingly restored 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Drophead Coupe. This ultra rare and exceptional example of British engineering is wearing it’s original Vanden Plas coachwork one of just two Phantom IIs to be fitted with such. Magnificently versatile, the Continental styling by Oxborrow and Fuller has a touch of all-weather inspiration with its wind-up windows, convertible top and removable rear passenger wind screen. Other Continental features include “F” steering as well as performance enhanced rear springs. The exquisite paintwork with a dark blue body and black fenders presents a beautiful bold look. The depth of the paintwork is offset by the flawless exterior brightwork. The black soft top has dark blue accents over chrome bows. As a result of the Vanden Plas coachwork, passengers enjoy exceptional headroom and leg room in the front and rear seats as can be seen in the photo gallery. The gorgeous interior is trimmed in dark tan Pebble leather with period correct fluting, walnut woodwork, black carpeting and beautiful brightwork. Beneath the bonnet of this Phantom II lies its original engine (SW95), a 7,668-cc OHV inline-six cylinder engine with polished heads. Rated at approximately 120 horsepower, the 7.7 liter mated to the four-speed manual gearbox was said to be capable of speeds greater than 90 mph making its performance significant for the era. The power, handling and ride are all well-tuned and appropriately paired with its 6.50/7.00 Ensign bias ply tires and 19” black wire-wheels. This car includes a complete tool set, as displayed in the photo gallery. Originally delivered in August of 1935 to Major Fleetwood Varley. Major Varley was perhaps best known as a silver medal Olympian in the 1908 the Olympics. The current owners purchased the vehicle in the 1990s at the Kruse Auction in Auburn, Indiana. Although in need of a total restoration, this vehicle came with rarity, pedigree and the prominence of being from the Warshawsky (J.C. Whitney) Estate. Original build sheets were sourced, which can be seen in the photo gallery. The original paint color was found under a door sill. The restoration was undertaken by Brian Joseph, Classic and Exotic Service. The mechanicals, top and interior were done by Brian’s shop and in addition he personally managed many other aspects of the project. Mike Kleeves, American Metal Shaping was responsible for the bodywork. Mike has been recognized at Amelia Island for his expertise in his field. Rob Paddock (Paddock's Paint Works, Michigan) was responsible for the paintwork. Special paint was sourced from Akzo Nobel (now Sikkens) granting this automobile the best paint available. After the completion of the restoration in May of 2021, Rolls-Royce authorities Tim Jayne and Butch Murphy were invited to evaluate the finished product and to authenticate that it was restored properly, which they did. This restoration exceeded more than $ 700,000. Expert Rolls-Royce mechanic Dave Brown cares for the car currently. Unique features include a removable folding rear windscreen, dipping Lucas Head Lamps, Lucas “King of the Road” side lamps, horns, spotlight, detachable rear quarter lights and more. Rolls-Royce produced the Phantom ll between 1929 and 1936 and are widely regarded as one of the finest cars ever built. This luxury automobile delivers a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its advanced engineering and finely tuned suspension. This 1935 model is particularly special, as it represents the final refinement of the Phantom II’s production run. Its elegant design, combined with the meticulous craftsmanship of the era, makes it a truly iconic automobile. A true Classic (CCCA) this Rolls will be welcomed at any Concours d’ Elegance or any driving event for which the new owner desires.