Since its founding, Rolls-Royce has been arguably more synonymous with the term “luxury” than any other car manufacturer. The machines created by the company were the product of an endless quest to produce the greatest cars in the world—none more so than the Phantom II Continental. The model marked the introduction of the Continental name, typifying sporting luxury required by individuals whose time is their asset in shortest supply, and arriving in unquestionable style is equally paramount.

This Phantom II Continental, chassis number 7RY, towers above many for two reasons—its commissioning owner and its specification. Nubar Sarkis Gulbenkian—the son of Calouste Gulbenkian, otherwise known as “Mr 5 per cent”—was once considered the richest man in the world after taking his small cut in oil deals, which were pivotal in the West’s access to Middle Eastern oil. Gulbenkian would go on to own at least eight Rolls-Royces, all to extraordinary designs and unique features. This short-type Continental chassis was optioned with zero regard to expense—7RY had two very unusual requests on the factory build sheet: “Car for use in the UK and Continent. Chiefly for fast touring abroad. The Customer prefers springs which will give slightly harsh riding to those which will cause the car to have the slightest tendency to sway.”; “Engine to be tuned up to give utmost power irrespective of possible increase in petrol consumption or more noise”. The list of Gulbenkian’s specifications is exhaustive and includes a supplementary 5-gallon reserve fuel tank, special dashboard, special 11-degree bonnet louvres, and entirely disappearing windows with covered window cavities. Furthermore, the rear passenger compartment was fitted with a speedometer, illuminated clock and cigar lighter.

Delivered on 6 February 1934 to Gulbenkian’s home on North Row off Park Lane, it was made available to the Royal Family. It was used by King George V and King Edward VIII for the Silver Jubilee of the RAF in 1934, a 1935 Royal tour of RAF stations, and the 1936 Review of the Royal Navy. According to factory records, in January 1939 it was sold to Jack Billmeir of the Stanhope Steamship Company, a resident of The Bishops Avenue. Billmeir kept 7RY throughout the war before selling it in April 1946 to Geoffrey Hubbard of Barnet. In 1961 it crossed the Atlantic to North America where it enjoyed a series of owners. During the mid-1960s, 7RY is known to have been restored by Ed Lake, a restoration which would earn it many concours awards on the East Coast of America.

Acquired from a well-known US collector, 7RY joined The Best of British Collection in June 2015. Between then and 2018, the car was the subject of restoration work by world renowned marque specialists Clark & Carter. Work included fixing mechanical issues and repainting the wings—invoices total £164,288. During this process, this wonderful Rolls-Royce was shown at the 2016 editions of the Concorso D’Eleganza Villa D’Este and Salon Privé. At present, this car is running and drives but due to being in storage for several years it would benefit from a service prior to extensive use.

One of the most fascinating Phantom II Continentals, 7RY has the magical combination of outstanding specification and extraordinary period history, with Nubar Gulbenkian and the Royal Family. The perfect car for international concours events and touring, as it was first intended, this important Rolls-Royce would be a worthy addition to any collection.