Rolls-Royce Phantom V James Young 1964

History and Background

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V was introduced in 1959 as the successor to the Phantom IV and remained in production until 1968. The model was intended for heads of state, royal families and other clients requiring a prestigious limousine with a separately coachbuilt body. Unlike the Phantom IV, which was supplied exclusively to royal households and heads of state, the Phantom V was also available to private customers. A total of 832 examples were built during its production period, making it a relatively low-volume model.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V was based on a separate chassis onto which specialist coachbuilders could realise their own designs. The most prominent coachbuilders included H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young. The latter company, based in Bromley, Kent, England, had a long history of producing exclusive coachwork. James Young began as a carriage builder in the nineteenth century and later developed into a specialist supplier of bodies for marques including Rolls-Royce and Bentley. The company was known for its traditional construction methods and understated styling.

The 1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V James Young belongs to a generation of limousines in which the bodywork was still manufactured separately from the chassis. During this period, the British automotive industry was gradually transitioning from traditional coachbuilding to integrated production processes. James Young remained active as a coachbuilder until the 1960s and produced its final car bodies in 1967. The Phantom V therefore represents one of the last generations of Rolls-Royce models for which several independent coachbuilders were still creating their own designs.

Features and Special Characteristics

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V was powered by a 6,230 cc V8 engine paired with an automatic transmission. This engine belonged to the new generation of Rolls-Royce V8 engines introduced in 1959. The model featured a separate chassis with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. The construction was designed for use as a large limousine, with passenger comfort and a smooth ride being key priorities. The wheelbase measured approximately 3.68 metres, providing coachbuilders with considerable space for the layout of the passenger compartment.

A distinctive feature of the Rolls-Royce Phantom V James Young is the combination of Rolls-Royce engineering with a body crafted by an independent British coachbuilder. James Young followed its own design principles and incorporated distinctive coachwork details, setting its versions apart from those produced by H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward. This 1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V James Young is in running condition. The exterior is generally presentable, while the interior appears original and complete.

Summary

The 1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V James Young is a limousine from an era when Rolls-Royce still supplied its larger models with separately manufactured coachwork. The combination of the Phantom V chassis, V8 engine and bodywork by James Young makes this model representative of the British automotive tradition of the 1960s. With a total production of 832 Phantom V examples, the model represents a limited series in Rolls-Royce history. This particular example is in running condition, with an exterior that is generally presentable and an interior that appears original and complete. To gain a proper impression of this lot, we recommend attending the viewing day.