1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Cabriolet
Rolls-Royce departed from tradition in 1929 by designing an entirely new chassis for the Phantom II, abandoning the Silver Ghost-derived underpinnings of its predecessor.
This lower-slung frame, influenced by the company’s smaller 20 hp model, positioned the radiator further back and was offered in two wheelbase lengths (144 and 150 inches). This allowed coachbuilders to create sleeker, more contemporary bodies than the upright styles associated with earlier Rolls-Royce models.
The 468-cubic-inch (7.7-liter) straight-six engine retained the Phantom I’s basic layout of two three-cylinder blocks with a shared aluminum cylinder head, but featured revised combustion chambers and a true cross-flow design with intake and exhaust manifolds on opposite sides of the head.
Using coil ignition and other internal refinements, the Phantom II delivered noticeably improved performance, particularly in Continental specification, while comfortably supporting the heavier and more sporting custom coachwork made possible by the strengthened chassis.
Production ran from 1929 through 1936, with synchromesh added to third and fourth gears in 1932. Rolls-Royce built 1,681 Phantom II chassis at its Derby facility.
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