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Books Models Highlights Cars
of 1998
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Car
of the Month - December 2000 |
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Presumably this is the most well-known Rolls-Royce from the pre-war period, except the original Rolls-Royce Silver with chassis-no. #60551. Not least this is the case because this was the pattern for numerous model cars from a variety of manufacturers, a highly desirable one surely the 1/8th scale model by Pocher of Torino, Italy, made from some 3.000 (!) parts. A particularly well-proportioned design does enhance the elegance of this All-Weather Cabriolet by Thrupp & Maberly (Job-No. 5861). Bonnet and wings (fenders for our American viewers) in polished aluminium are an impressive contrast to the body's paintwork in ochre – a colour chosen for its religious significance. In addition the car is fitted with a multitude of remarkable extras. Auxiliary headlamps below the main headlamps are linked to the steering and follow the slightest movement of the steering wheel, performing the task of shining into curves perfectly well. A pair of large sized hunting lights mounted to both sides' A-posts is supplemented by a searchlight/rear view mirror combination attached to the nearside A-post. Two small lamps with ochre lenses are fitted rear of the bonnet. During nighttime driving appropriately illuminated these lamps (similar to police blue lights used elsewhere) heralded the approaching motor car was to be given absolute priority.
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This Rolls-Royce Phantom II was built to the special requirements of the Rajkot State to be used by H.H. The Thakore Saheb Bahadur of Rajkot. The Rajkot State crest was applied to doors and sidelights front and rear. The Maharajah of Rajkot's motto read „Dharmi praja raja" and that is translated „An impartial ruler of men of all faiths". A mileage that was but a few thousand miles when it was purchased by an English collector after World War II indicates the car has rarely been used during the time it spent in India. The body is still sporting the original paintwork and the leather interior – a shade darker than the paint's colour – never needed to become renewed. In the meantime the Rolls-Royce Phantom II has been acquired by a collector in Germany. This jewel on wheels is part of a private collection in company with other fine Rolls-Royce motor cars.
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