1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Owen Sedanca Coupe

Since its establishment in 1904, Rolls-Royce rapidly became a symbol of luxury, innovation, and exceptional engineering. Known for setting the benchmark in automotive excellence, the brand’s dedication to building "the best car in the world" has created a long-lasting legacy of iconic models admired by royalty, celebrities, and collectors around the world.

By the late 1920s, Rolls-Royce was leading the charge in a rapidly evolving car industry. The Phantom II, introduced in 1929, carried on the tradition of its predecessors, such as the New Phantom and Silver Ghost, and served as the marque’s flagship model for six years. Powered by a 7.7-liter six-cylinder engine, which was more advanced than the unit used in the Phantom I, it featured numerous technical improvements like a crossflow cylinder head and better exhaust systems, which contributed to higher performance and smoother operation. Rolls-Royce didn’t focus on horsepower figures, preferring instead to let the car’s exceptional refinement speak for itself. The revised chassis also offered better handling and ride comfort, giving coachbuilders more freedom to create sleeker, lower-profile designs.

In developing the Phantom II, Sir Henry Royce envisioned a model suited for the high-speed driving demands of European roads. Collaborating with engineer Ivan Evernden, they developed a sportier version of the Phantom II, later known as the Continental. It featured modifications like a shorter chassis, higher spring rates, and a lower floor, all designed for more dynamic touring capabilities. The Continental’s concept began with chassis 26EX, which debuted with a special saloon body by Barker & Co., winning accolades at prestigious events such as the Concours d’Elegance of Biarritz.

While there wasn’t a fixed factory specification for the Continental variant, Rolls-Royce built around 281 Continental chassis, representing only about 17% of total Phantom II production, making these models especially rare and highly coveted by collectors today.

As the final evolution of the Phantom II, the TA-series embodied all the advancements Rolls-Royce had made since the model’s introduction in 1929. The TA was the last series produced before the transition to the Phantom III, with just fifteen Continental chassis built in this exclusive run.

Inarguably one of the most sought-after designs on the Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental chassis is Chelsea coachbuilder J. Gurney Nutting’s “Owen” drophead sedanca coupe, carrying the name of the important London dealer who was purportedly involved in its creation. The lines of this body were beyond compare, including an extremely long hoodline, a sweeping curved beltline molding, flowing open fenders, and a relatively short stern carrying the signature Gurney Nutting trunk and rear-mounted spares. The Owen drophead sedanca coupe would, in time, rightfully come to be considered the quintessential Phantom II Continental, best representing the chassis’ balanced combination of performance and elegance.

Sold new through HR Owen Ltd. in London, chassis 179TA is one of the 18 original Owen drophead sedanca coupes. It was delivered in 1935 to Sir Albert Edward Harry Mayer Primrose, the 6th Earl of Rosebery, a prominent figure in Scottish nobility. His home in Edinburgh provided the backdrop for this grand automobile, originally finished in black. Over the years, 179TA passed through a series of notable owners, including Miss Eleanor Christian Sharp of Dundee, and later, Michael Eddowes, a British military officer stationed in Florida. The car continued its journey across the Atlantic, making its way to the U.S., where it changed hands several times, including ownership by Charles Hedstrom in Michigan and William G. Parfait in Colorado.

During its time in the Otis Chandler Museum in Los Angeles, 179TA was a centerpiece, admired for its historical significance and timeless beauty. The car later entered the care of Boone W. LaGrange, and then Robert Thomas Martin Jr., before returning to the UK under the ownership of Malcolm E. Ginna.

Today, chassis 179TA has been beautifully restored under previous ownership to the correct, delivery specification of black with matching black wire wheels, complemented by a rich fawn leather interior, and the car retains its original coachwork and engine. The motorcar was restored and prepared for the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, although logistical challenges prevented its participation, the car remains in concours-ready condition, a testament to the quality of its restoration. This striking transformation accentuates the Gurney Nutting coachwork’s refined lines, while maintaining the car’s imposing presence and sophistication.

The expertly restored interior is both spacious and luxuriously appointed, offering exceptional comfort for all passengers. Gurney Nutting's meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every detail, with each feature thoughtfully designed and positioned. The cabin, finished in elegant tan leather, complemented by restored walnut wood trim and polished metal accents, provides a tranquil and indulgent experience for both driver and passengers alike.

Beneath the hood, the Phantom II Continental is equipped with its original engine,  Rolls-Royce’s powerful 7.7-liter inline-six engine, delivering smooth and effortless performance. Its abundant torque ensures easy acceleration even at low speeds. Paired with a sophisticated suspension system that includes semi-elliptical springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, the car offers a refined yet responsive ride. This blend of power and precision makes the Phantom II Continental a delight to drive, whether on bustling city streets or leisurely countryside roads.

Rolls-Royce’s dedication to documentation and meticulous records means that 179TA’s history is well-preserved, providing collectors with a comprehensive understanding of its provenance. This car’s journey, from its Scottish origins to its time in prestigious U.S. collections, exemplifies the enduring appeal of the Phantom II Continental.

With its rare TA-series Continental chassis, original Gurney Nutting Sedanca Coupe body, and distinguished ownership history, 179TA is a stunning representation of pre-war Rolls-Royce craftsmanship and a true asset to any discerning collection of classic automobiles. Offering the perfect combination of luxury, speed, and refinement, it stands out not only for its striking design but also for its rich provenance and extensive documentation. Supported by an active owner’s club and built for high-performance touring, the Phantom II Continental was designed to be driven, offering a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to experience Rolls-Royce at its finest.