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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The Phantom III :the final large pre-war Rolls-Royce



The Phantom III was the final large pre-war Rolls-Royce. Introduced in 1936, it replaced the Phantom II.

Original Specification: 12 cylinders (V-12), overhead valves, 3 ¼" x 4 ½". (7340 c.c), single -plate clutch, 4 speeds, dual-coil ignition, 4 wheel brakes with servo plus independent handbrake, suspension independent front with enclosed coil spring and semi-elliptic rear, wheelbase 142", chassis weight without spare wheel or lamps 4050 lb (1837 kg)., tyres 7.00 x 18, price (chassis) £1850.




The III was distinguished by its aluminium alloy V12 engine. With a 3¾ in (95.2 mm) bore and 4½ in (114.3 mm) stroke, the new twelve displaced 7.3 L (7338 cc/447 in³). It was a pushrod engine with overhead valves operated by a single camshaft in the valley between cylinder banks.


Early cars had hydraulic tappets,these being changed to solid adjustable tappets on later cars.

Wire wheels are fitted as standard,but many cars carry Ace wheel discs.

This would be the only V12 Rolls-Royce until the 1998 introduction of the Silver Seraph.

The Phantom III is unusual as it has twin ignitions,therefore 2 distributors,2 coils, and 24 spark plugs.Fuel is provided by a twin SU electrical pump. These can be switched separately or together.

The car featured on board jacking ,and a one-shot chassis lubrication system,operated by a lever inside the drivers compartment.