Rolls-Royce Phantom V Park Ward Landaulette 1960

History and Background

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V was introduced in 1959 as the successor to the Phantom IV. The model was intended for heads of state, royal families and other distinguished individuals requiring a prestigious limousine. Unlike the Phantom IV, which was exclusively available to royal households and heads of state, the Phantom V was also supplied to private customers. Production continued until 1968, when the model was succeeded by the Phantom VI. A total of 832 Phantom V examples were manufactured.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V featured a separate chassis on which specialist coachbuilders created various body styles. Among the most prominent coachbuilders were H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward, which merged in 1961 to form H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward. In addition to traditional limousines, special versions were produced for ceremonial and diplomatic use. One such version was the Landaulette, featuring a rear roof section that could be opened. This body style allowed passengers to be presented publicly during official occasions.

This 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, chassis number 5AT72, was delivered new in September of that year to the Governor of Northern Nigeria. The delivery took place during the transition towards Nigerian independence, which was declared on 1 October 1960. The car was originally built as a limousine and only later received its current Landaulette bodywork.

Features and Special Characteristics

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V was technically based on the Silver Cloud II, but featured an extended and modified chassis suitable for accommodating large coachbuilt bodies. It was powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine paired with an automatic transmission. The separate chassis construction allowed coachbuilders to create a wide variety of layouts and body styles. The Phantom V was also developed with chauffeur-driven use in mind, with particular emphasis on the comfort of rear-seat passengers.

This Rolls-Royce Phantom V was later extensively restored and converted on behalf of the British Rolls-Royce specialist Chelsea Workshop. During this process, the original closed limousine body was converted into a Landaulette, featuring an opening roof section above the rear passenger compartment. The original single headlamps were also replaced with twin headlamps, a configuration that became customary on the Phantom V from 1962 onwards. The original grey interior was replaced with a combination of burgundy and beige leather. Additional equipment installed in the rear included a television, DVD player, telephone, printer and minibar.

Park Ward originally produced only five Phantom V State Landaulettes. Chassis number 5AT72 is not one of these five examples originally built as State Landaulettes. Its current body style is the result of the later conversion carried out by Chelsea Workshop. This distinguishes the Rolls-Royce Phantom V Park Ward Landaulette from the original factory-built versions.

Summary

This 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V combines a diplomatic history with a later extensive restoration and body conversion. Its original delivery to the Governor of Northern Nigeria, the conversion by Chelsea Workshop and its modified interior are the defining characteristics of this particular example. The car is a Phantom V subsequently converted into a Landaulette and is not one of the five State Landaulettes originally built by Park Ward. To gain a proper impression of this lot, we recommend attending the viewing day.