This magnificent Motor Car is a supreme example of the individually hand-built Rolls-Royce cars . . . It has been specially built for Lex Mead by H.J. Mulliner Park Ward and is a superb example of craftsmanship and coachbuilding. The specification is unique and includes all the refinements associated with luxury motoring.

–“The Exclusive Phantom”

Lex Mead of Maidenhead, 1972

This Phantom VI, chassis no. PRH4703, was commissioned by the well-known Rolls-Royce dealers Lex Mead of Maidenhead as a company ‘demonstrator,’ that would show every available luxury accoutrement that could be specified for one’s new limousine. A special promotional brochure, “The Exclusive Phantom,” was produced, showing this car and its equipment to prospective customers. Afterward the automobile was delivered to Lew Grade, later Lord Grade, the powerful British entertainment magnate and impresario, most famous on these shores as an early backer of Jim Henson’s Muppets, and remained with his family for over 30 years.

Finished in Black over Garnet and striped in Antique Gold, the car features a driver’s compartment in Dark Red Connolly hides, piped in Black, overseen by a glass roof panel with its own privacy blind. The rear compartment was upholstered in special Deep Red Drayton velvet, including the headliner and head cushions, with the rarest burled walnut veneers selected throughout; bud vases and power-operated velvet privacy curtains added a touch of gracious elegance. Coddled in either the capacious power-adjustable bench seat or one of the two jump seats, passengers faced a cabinet containing a Sony television and Lear Jet Stereo, a set of cut glass decanters, and matching sherry glasses. The center armrest sported a leather accessory set for gentleman and lady, including a gold-plated grooming kit and even a checkbook.

The Phantom VI has been splendidly fully restored to the correct specifications, and, in fact, aside from its unique accessories, is almost certainly the finest example of the model in the U.S. Its only alterations from ‘stock’ – a relative term! – are a more up-to-date Grundig television and Blaupunkt radio in the rear compartment, which will be appreciated by modern passengers. Both, of course, are fully functional, as are all other accessories with which the Phantom VI was supplied.

In the fashion of the pair of Phantom VIs produced for British businessman, George Moore, a pair of burled walnut tables, finished to match the interior and supplied in the boot, were designed to fit snugly onto the front fenders, secured by the mounts for the flag masts. Once they were installed, a service of fine china could be retrieved from its wicker hamper and set into place. Comfortable seating was achieved using “toadstool” seats, small, heavily upholstered stools that mount to the front bumper guards. A bottle of chilled white could be retrieved from a wine cooler in the boot.

The assembled result, with perhaps a pâté de campagne, some cornichons, and a loaf of good bread, was the most elegant roadside meal imaginable – at what was, most certainly, the most expensive picnic table ever created. The car is offered with all of the pictured china and flatware, and, in the fashion typical to the Calumet Collection’s automobiles, runs and drives superbly.

This is sure to be the favorite of all its new owner’s friends – an automobile for the ‘host with the most,’ and the representation of all that could be had, with the right bank account, from Rolls-Royce in 1972.