1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II "Limousine De Ville" by Gurney Nutting - ex/Dame Gracie Fields & Duke of Buccleuch & Queensbury

Chassis Number: 55TA
Engine Number: VT55 - 7.6 liter

Records show that that Phantom II chassis number 55TA was ordered by Gracie Fields through London Rolls Royce dealer H.R. Owen on October 2nd, 1934. The chassis was dispatched to coach builder Gurney Nutting on January 10th, 1935, and it took approximately 3 months before the car was complete and ready for delivery. The car's history has been confirmed through documents supplied by the Rolls Royce archive (they also supplied the original build specification & test sheets, and a factory photo of this car when new).

Dame Gracie Fields was a legendary British actress/singer/comedienne. On February 15th, 1938, she was honored with the "Commander of the Order of the British Empire" medal from King George VI.

Gracie only kept the car for one year, after which it was sold to "His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensbury" (the largest private landowner in Europe - 280,000 acres). The car was owned by the Duke's family from 1936 - 1948 and kept at Drumlanrig Castle in Scotland. The Duke's uncle had been the Chairman of Rolls Royce (he commissioned the original "Spirit of Ecstasy"mascot). His cousin was Lord Montagu of Beaulieu who founded the National Motor Museum at his family estate in Hampshire.

The Duke sold the car in 1948 to a Rolls Royce hire service at 21 Cromwell Mews, Kensington, where it was mainly used for weddings and other special occasions. It was eventually exported to the US (circa 1970) and has been here ever since according to the history on file. A well-known classic car collector (and lifetime member of the Rolls Royce Owners Club) named Gordon Dysart bought the car and embarked on a restoration to bring the car back to its fomer glory. At the time, Gracie Fields ran a small hotel and restaurant on Capri catering to celebrities, and Mr. Dysart actually travelled to the island to visit her and ask for information on the car. She supplied him further details on original colors and materials to help add authenticity to the restoration.

A complete frame-off concours restoration was performed, and this "Full Classic" car earned both CCCA & AACA Senior First Place awards. After the restoration, the car was shown numerous times and was always maintained and properly stored. Although the restoration was performed some time ago, the car is still in quite beautiful condition. It almost appears to be a well-kept original rather than a restored car. Includes the fitted tool set (under the chauffeur's seat).

A very impressive car with a history described by several specialists as "superb". It is suitable for a quality collection, museum, or would make a great vintage tour car.

Photos and further information available by email. Please respond with your phone number and direct email, and I will respond immediately.

$175,000 / partial trades considered.

I will cooperate with brokers-

NOTE: Yes, I realize that a car of this caliber should have been consigned to a live auction such as Gooding, RM, or Rick Cole. I'm not really an "auction guy" and would prefer a face to face direct transaction with the buyer if possible. The car is in my garage and available for inspection any time. Thanks for taking the time to read this ad.