Straightaway from its introduction in 1959, the imposing Phantom V represented the last of a dying breed. Rather than this being a case of “one size fits all” with regards to the styling, for its new flagship Rolls-Royce still offered customers the opportunity to purchase a bare chassis—one which housed an alloy 6,230-cc V-8 engine—that could then be dressed in custom bodywork by an array of coachbuilders. Most notable were Hooper, H.J. Mulliner, Chapron, Park Ward, and James Young of Bromley, Kent. The latter’s design, numbered PV15, was still very much a traditional limousine body that was drawn to accommodate a generous cabin, albeit one modernised by styling cues such as a more flowing “turtle deck” rear.

A copy of the factory data card shows that this example, chassis 5VF157, was originally delivered on 29 December 1967 to long-established Scottish dealership Macrae & Dick. Believed to be the 502nd of the 516 total Phantom Vs built, this Touring Limousine by James Young was finished when new in two-tone Black over Garnet to accompany Beige leather upholstery. The car was further specified with air-conditioning, hydraulically operated rear seats, silk curtains, radios for both passenger compartments, plus a glassware set.

Registered on New Year’s Day of 1968, little is known about the initial ownership history of this Phantom V. However, the car found a long-term custodian between 1978 and November 1999. It was subsequently acquired by Mr Peter Nightingale of Royston, Hertfordshire.

Purchased by The Dean Kronsbein Collection in May 2014, this car has in recent years been attended to by renowned classic Bentley and Rolls-Royce specialist P&A Wood of Dunmow, Essex. Presented today in its original colour scheme, this car, as with all Phantom V examples, remains synonymous with peak luxury motoring.