Today’s Cool Find is something for the oligarch who spits on normal Rolls-Royces. Based on the already-exclusive Phantom VI (374 built), this example features coachwork penned by Maserati designer Pietro Frua.
We can see elements of Maseratis of the era in the taillights and doorhandles, for example. Combined with the sleek length, there is also a hint of Citroen SM about the vehicle. It is rare to see a car of Cadillac Eldorado proportions with such soft, elegant detailing. The contrast between pistachio green paint and whitewall tyres continue a theme of distinctive without being ostentatious.
A clean front end features a split-winged bonnet, bisected by a chrome strip which forms a bridge between the windscreen and the Spirit of Ecstasy statue.
This particular example was built as a custom order placed in 1971 for the consul of Switzerland and Monaco, Simon van Kempen. Auctioneer Bonhams provided the following accompaniment:
“Very few Phantom VI chassis were sold to the trade. Chassis PRX4705 is one of these extremely rare examples and, therefore, presents a remarkable opportunity for the dedicated Rolls-Royce collector. The combination of its absolutely stunning size and presence, coupled with Pietro Frua’s unique and compelling Italian bodywork, makes the possibility to purchase PRX4705 an absolutely unique occasion, not to be missed.”
It goes under the hammer on September 26 at Frederiksen Auction in Denmark, so if you absolutely, positively must have a pistachio Rolls-Royce convertible, bring between a quarter and half a million euros to said auction. More info can be found at Bonhams website here.
