Among James Young’s many variations on the Rolls-Royce Phantom V was their body style number PV22SD, which was based on their popular PV22 Touring Limousine. “SD,” in this case, refers to the sliding roof, which transforms this style into an open-drive town car or, in Roll-Royce parlance, a Sedanca de Ville. By the early 1960s, popularity of this incredibly elegant style had waned, as most owners preferred to drive themselves rather than employ a chauffeur. Yet, enough of a tiny market existed for James Young to continue offering the style.

Only seven original examples were built to style number PV22SD. These were the final Sedanca de Villes built on Rolls-Royce chassis. Among formal Phantom Vs, they are the most seldom sold, meriting the highest respect from enthusiasts and often, appropriately, commanding the highest price.

A SINGULAR WOMAN AND HER SINGULAR CAR

Phantom V chassis number 5AT76 was ordered October 14, 1959, by famous London retailer Jack Barclay for display at the 1960 London Motor Show at Earls Court. While design of the car was still being finalized, the planned Phantom V was sold to Elsie Tritton, the wealthy American-born wife of prominent British antiques collector and dealer Robert Tritton.

The Trittons were customers in good standing with both Rolls-Royce and James Young, and they enjoyed great involvement in the bespoke specification of their automobiles. Surviving records, copies of which are on file, record the request of dual storage lockers, replacing the folding jump seats in the rear compartment; additional burled walnut trim; and fitted personal items, such as a notebook and mirror, within the rear-seat armrest. The body was to be finished in James Young Midnight Blue, with Beige (VM 3210) leather to the front compartment, William Playne twill to the rear, and beige wool carpeting throughout. The file even includes a copy of the pattern for a monogrammed quilted lap blanket that had been requested for the rear compartment!

Upon its completion, the Phantom V appeared at the Earls Court Motor Show as planned. It was then delivered to the demanding Mrs. Tritton at her palatial country home, Godmersham Park, “promptly” at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 1961.

The Sedanca de Ville was regularly used by the Trittons until 1971; later in their ownership, it was partially restored by the original coachbuilder, James Young. The car was then acquired by John Seward Johnson I, American heir and chairman of Johnson & Johnson. It remained in the Johnson family until 1988 and has since been enjoyed by only five further owners, including prominent California-based collector Harry Clark. The present caretaker acquired the Phantom V in 2008 and proceeded to have it fully and beautifully restored to original condition by marque expert Dan Collins, using proper Rolls-Royce NOS parts.

The elegant Sedanca de Ville was judged to be Best in Class of the special class for Phantom IV, V, and VI at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It is offered with an impressive file of documentation, including copies of its original, highly detailed factory build records; correspondence between James Young, Rolls-Royce, and Mrs. Tritton; various historical photos and information relating to the Tritton family and their use of this Sedanca de Ville; and other ownership and awards information from over the years. It is also accompanied by a complete, correct set of original hand tools, as well as the correct original jacking equipment, both rarely found intact with Phantom Vs.

A sumptuous Phantom V of singularly important design, history, and exquisite restoration, this is undoubtedly one of the finest examples in the world, deserving of its Pebble Beach laurels and of inclusion in the most selective collection.