The Rolls-Royce Phantom III, classed as a luxury car,
was the final large pre-war Rolls-Royce. Produced between 1936 and 1939,
only 727 were manufactured and it was the only V12 engined Rolls-Royce
until the 1998 introduction of the Silver Seraph. Many of the original
chassis have survived and although chassis production ceased in 1939,
cars were still being bodied by external coachbuilders – the practice at
the time – and delivered into the 1940s, the last being delivered to
its owner in 1947! The Phantom III was unusual for its twin ignition
systems with two distributors, two coils and 24 spark plugs. Petrol was
funnelled via a twin SU electric pump and it is interesting to note
that consumption was around 10 mpg! Wire wheels were fitted as standard
but many models carried Ace wheel discs fitted to enhance the cosmetic
detail but also to reduce the time taken to clean the wire wheels! The
Phantom III came with a 4-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on gears
2, 3 and 4. In 1938, Rolls-Royce added an overdrive feature within the
gearbox. The car had 4-wheel servo-assisted brakes applied, while
another detail saw the radiator shell made of Staybrite steel.
Oxford's 1:43 scale replica, registered TYJ 716, is modelled with HJ
Mulliner bodywork, open driver’s section and covered rear passenger
seating. It is decorated in black with chrome exterior finish to
bumpers, wheels and radiator grille. Inside the luxury feel extends to
red carpets and sumptuous pink upholstery and door panels. The door
cappings are brown, the dashboard, instrument panel and steering wheel
are all black but note the detailed silver spokes to the steering wheel.
The signature Rolls-Royce mascot is flying proudly from the front of
the bonnet, which also features the RR logo on the steel triangular
section at the top of the radiator. Note too that our model comes with
the Ace wheel discs, which were an option on the original.