1932 Rolls Royce Phantom "Kellner Salamanca"
Specifications
Configuration: Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive
Engine: Pushrod-OHV straight 6
Displacement: 7.7L
Horsepower: 50hp
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
A Little History
The Rolls-Royce Phantom II was the last Rolls-Royce model designed by Sir Frederich Henry Royce before his death, and improved upon the engine, chassis and top speed of the Rolls-Royce’s Phantom I model making for an even faster car with better handling.
This car on display was bodied by the Kellner Coachbuilding company, which was founded by the famed George Kellner, who had been designing and building custom bodies for carriages since 1861. As their clientele transitioned from horses to automobiles during the late 1890’s and early 1900’s the Kellner Company did as well, building custom coach bodies for automobiles beginning in 1903.
It was Georges Kellner’s son, Georges Kellner Jr., who is credited with the creation of the famous “torpedo” body style seen on this Phantom II. Even decades thereafter, the torpedo body design reappeared in many (especially European-modeled) cars.
The deep color – Salamanca blue – is named after 1913 winner of the grueling, 190-mile Spanish Grand Prix, Marques Don Carlos de Salamanca. Don Carlos Salamanca, friend of Sir Henry Royce and importer of Rolls-Royce into Spain, was famous for maintaining a serene composure even in the most physically and emotionally taxing races.
