Factory build records indicate that this handsome Phantom III was ordered through the famous Jack Barclay salesroom on Hanover Square and sold 12 November 1937 to Mrs. S.W. (Stanley William) Tanfield, wife of a prominent financier residing on White Place in Taplow, Buckinghamshire. Bodied by H.J. Mulliner as a Sedanca de Ville, it boasts beautiful solid wood trim throughout, with subtle inlays to the cabinetry of the rear compartment, concealing a robust heater, cases designed to contain decanters and glassware, a folding footrest (on the passenger side), and an occasional seat for a maid or footman (on the driver’s side).

The car was driven about 5,000 km with the Tanfields before it was sold by Jack Barclay to Harry Neal of London on 12 April 1938. Laid up during World War II, it was resold by Barclay in April 1945 to Frederick Nield of Manchester, then passed to Harold G. Bentley. It was re-registered by its present number in 1960.

In 1961 the Phantom III moved to the U.S. with Dr. John R. Fischer of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, a well-known enthusiast whose collection also included another Phantom III. He maintained the car for decades before selling it to his longtime friend, Fred F. Guyton, on 21 June 1986. By that time, Dr. Fischer was residing in the St. Louis area with his wife, Elinor, and thus this was another “local” addition to the collection.

Now having remained in the collection for nearly 33 years, the Phantom III was described as the “Official Guyton Wedding Vehicle,” put into service for numerous family nuptials over the years, with matrimonial white ribbons still visible in the rear quarter windows when the car was catalogued for this sale.

It maintains the appearance of a largely original and unrestored example, with the engine being thoroughly patinaed and having a well-used appearance, while much of the Royal Blue and black finish is cracking, with areas of paint loss in the high-stress areas. The wooden trim throughout is overall solid and intact, while the upholstery – rich black leather to the driver’s seat, and wool broadcloth to the rear – is largely solid and may benefit from conservation. Such charming details as the original roller windshield shades are still intact, and the woodwork beneath the driver’s seat still bears the original body number stamping. At the time of cataloguing the car recorded 30,333 km. It is offered with a largely complete set of original tools, as well as copies of its build documents, historical documents and correspondence dating to Dr. Fischer’s acquisition, and a history compiled by the noted Phantom III historian, Steve Stuckey.

An ideal basis for a concours-quality restoration, or perhaps touring and preservation, this splendid Phantom III boasts some of the most elegant formal coachwork of its era, and undoubtedly looks forward to carrying a new generation of brides to the chapel.