Among the most notable Rolls-Royce patrons of the interwar years was Captain Jack Kruse—a flamboyant bon vivant, spirited rival to the Bentley Boys, and one of the era’s most charismatic motoring figures. A devoted owner-driver with an unerring taste for the extraordinary, Kruse became renowned for commissioning some of the most distinctive and uncompromising motor cars of his day—including the legendary supercharged Phantom I “31 HC”—and his Phantom II Continental, chassis 42 GX, was no exception. Custom-ordered expressly for Kruse, the car’s factory chassis card leaves little doubt as to his intentions, bearing the unequivocal instruction: “This chassis to be absolutely as fast as it is possible to make it.”

Accordingly, 42 GX was tailored by Rolls-Royce with an array of performance-oriented features, including a high axle ratio, revised suspension, lowered steering column, friction shock absorbers, twin rear-mounted spare wheels, a supplementary fuel tank, and an extended gear lever. Delivered to Barker in December 1930, the chassis was clothed in a striking and elegantly sporting open touring body replete with lightweight “clamshell” front wings, a low, purposeful stance, close-coupled seating, a fully folding hood, and neatly integrated rear luggage compartments.

Kruse retained the car for only a short period before it passed to R.H.W. Jaques of Easby Abbey and Piccadilly. Under Jaques’ ownership, 42 GX was used as intended and actively campaigned in period, participating in the 1932 RAC 1000 Miles Rally and later the Monte Carlo Rally where it was driven alongside noted lady competitor Margaret Allen, finishing 30th out of a field of 71 entrants.

The car remained with Jaques until his death before passing through a documented chain of enthusiastic custodians. Demonstrating the enduring capabilities of the Phantom II Continental, the car successfully completed the 2013 Peking to Paris Challenge, finishing an impressive 14th overall. A thorough restoration is said to have followed in 2017, during which its original engine (number DH95), gearbox, and chassis components were rebuilt as required, the coachwork refinished in its present livery and the red leather interior refreshed.

Offering exceptional provenance and documented period competition history, 42 GX represents a truly singular Phantom II Continental—a uniquely tailored Rolls-Royce created for one of the era’s most colorful motoring figures.