Unique Coachbuilt Rolls-Royce, Resided in France from New
Commissioned New by Bugatti Royale Roadster Owner Dr. Armand Esders
Accompanied by Period Images and Factory and Coachbuilder Records
Intriguing Potential for Concours d’Elegance Events Around the World
Featured in Letourneur & Marchand, Autobineau (by D. Pagneux) and Archives d’une passion (by A. Raffaeli)
7,668 CC OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Mechanical Drum Brakes
Front and Rear Semi-Elliptical Suspension
Throughout the past 140 years of automobile history, one of the most famous cars ever produced was the Bugatti Royale – an ill-fated Chiron of its day, of which only a mere handful were built. Of the small number of clients to whom Ettore could sell the colossal machine, there is a strong argument that the most notable was Dr. Armand Esders, a wealthy clothing manufacturer with a great eye. Dr. Esders commissioned the sole roadster constructed on the Royale’s gargantuan frame, a car that would be depicted on much of the contemporary advertising for these Bugattis. One striking detail was the fact that headlights were omitted from the design – for it was said that Dr. Esders had no interest in driving his Royale at night, and believed they would spoil the lines.
It was that very same Armand Esders who purchased this Rolls-Royce Phantom II when new, commissioning Letourneur et Marchand to pen a striking open-drive coupe, which bears a close resemblance to the Bugatti Royale Coupe Napoleon. With its compact rear cabin featuring similarly rounded edges and proportions, it is not far-fetched to imagine that the Napoleon proved of influence in this car’s design. Interestingly, the coachbuilder elected to display the car on its stand at the 1932 Paris Salon de l’Automobile.
Dr. Esders retained both this Rolls-Royce and the Bugatti until his death in 1940 at the age of 51. Remarkably, this car has remained in France throughout its life, with just four further custodians after WWII. It was discovered by the previous owner in the south of France 22 years ago, igniting a 13-year pursuit that led to its acquisition. As purchased, the Rolls-Royce was found to have been carefully adapted into a more 1930s-style guise with a closed driving compartment. Fortunately, careful work revealed that the conversion had not been intrusive, and nearly all of its distinctive features were revealed beneath that cloak. Of further interest was the fact that neither the front leather nor the interior cloth appeared to have been replaced, suggesting a modest mileage. This Rolls-Royce has since been carefully returned to its original configuration, during which its authenticity was further confirmed – many fittings were found to have the maker’s body number (2793) stamped on them.
Accompanied by factory records and period images depicting it both alongside the Esders Royale and as built, this is an intriguing, unique, high-quality coachbuilt Coupe de Ville. Having never been exhibited at a major concours – nor having left France – this Rolls-Royce Phantom II offers considerable potential for future display.
