For many connoisseurs, the Phantom II is the most coveted pre-war Rolls-Royce, as it is considered the last model for which Sir Henry Royce was entirely responsible for its development. Among the approximately 125 factory-built left-hand-drive chassis of the AJS and AMS series that were manufactured in Derby for North America, Chassis 226AJS holds a special place and is now up for sale.
According to the seller, only six of these were delivered to customers outside North America. This is the only car that was built in Berlin; due to the Kellner bankruptcy, it is likely one of the last bodies produced by the renowned company.
Ordered in Geneva, built in Berlin
The Phantom II was ordered through the Rolls-Royce dealership in Geneva. In April 1931, the bare chassis was shipped to Berlin, where Alexis Kellner built a four-door convertible.
At the time, Kellner was one of the leading names in German coachbuilding and was particularly known for his patented, spring-assisted convertible tops, which could be operated by a single person. Only three Rolls-Royces are known to have been built by Kellner: a 20 H.P., a Phantom I, and this Phantom II.
The body sits on its own subframe, which is connected as a single unit to the long chassis via rubber mounts, ensuring torsional rigidity and a smooth ride. It remains in its original condition to this day, including the Kellner plaque with the patent notation. Additional features include a pop-up windshield, a steering wheel with a horn ring, adjustable individual front seats, burl wood trim, leather upholstery, and two spare tires.
From Switzerland via Belgium to Germany
The first owner was a Swiss national; in 1935, a second Swiss owner took over the car and kept it until the 1960s. During World War II, the Rolls-Royce was taken off the road due to gasoline rationing.
It was then owned by a technically savvy enthusiast in Belgium, whose correspondence with the factory has been largely preserved. Since the early 1980s, the Phantom II has been in the hands of a German collector.
Technical Specifications and Condition
At the factory, the car was delivered with wider rear brake drums, a wider track, and improved engine lubrication, all at the customer’s request. The speedometer in kilometers, the fuel gauge in liters, and a French-language type plate indicate that it was intended for the European market.
According to the dynamometer report, the inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 7,668 cubic produces 92 PS at 2,500 rpm; dual ignition, a four-speed transmission, and power-assisted drum brakes on all four wheels are standard equipment. The wheelbase measures 3,810 mm.
Following an engine overhaul in 2004–2005 and additional work on the cylinder head and block, the car underwent a complete restoration starting in 2017, including the engine and transmission. The Phantom II is being offered by Ni-Cola Classics in Ladenburg, Germany; price is available upon request.
Technical Specifications: Rolls-Royce Phantom II “Kellner”
| Body | Four-door convertible, Alexis Kellner, Berlin |
| Chassis/Engine No. | 226AJS / B55M |
| Delivery | April 1931, left-hand drive ex works |
| Engine | Inline six-cylinder, overhead valves |
| Displacement | 7,668cm³ |
| Bore x stroke | 108 x 139.7 mm |
| Power | 92 PS at 2,500 rpm (factory test bench report) |
| Ignition | Dual ignition (battery and magneto) |
| Transmission | Four-speed transmission, single-plate dry clutch, cardan drive to rear wheels |
| Chassis | Semi-elliptical springs and hydraulic shock absorbers all around |
| Brakes | Drum brakes on all four wheels, brake booster |
| Wheelbase | 3,810 mm (long chassis) |
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