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With a shorter 144 inch wheelbase, the Phantom II Continental was envisioned for a sporting customer that would be more interested in driving themselves than being chauffeured in a limosine. It built upon already outstanding Phantom II platform but offered a higher level of driving performance. Each had distinct bodywork, but the Three-Position Drophead Coupé known as the Sedanca and built by Gurney Nutting was especially highly regarded.

Continental chassis were upgraded in several ways with stiffer five-leaf springs, a shorter 12/41 (3.416) rear axle and Hartford remote-control shock absorbers. Futhermore the cabin floor was designed to be much lower than the standard model. As an added incentive, the engine was upgraded with high compression and powered the car to a 160 kph (100 mph) top speed.

Like all Phantoms, the Continental was exceptionally well equipped and ofter described as the best in the world. It had more mechanical systems than most models of area with it's automatic oiling, servo-assisted mechanical drum brakes and remote-control shock absorbers.

Of the 1400 Phantom IIs produced, only 278 were made on the Continental platform.

Important Chassis & Sales

74PY-1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Three-Position Drophead Coupé. Designed by London’s Rolls-Royce main agent Captain H.R. Owen, 12 Three-Position Drophead Coupés were made by J. Gurney Nutting. First owned by Lady Yvonne de Rothschild, 74PY was assigned the UK registration number AXH 494. Last restored in December of 1995. Shown at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Sold by RM Auctions at their Automobiles of Arizona sale for $528,000 USD.

156MY-1933 Rolls-Royce Phanton II Continental Hooper Sport Coupé. Only only four seat Sport Coupé by Hooper & Co. Special Ivorine steering wheel, knobs, shift lever and handbrake. Features one of the first to feature an integral trunk with walnut tool box. Features Hooper's patented Automatic Signaling Arms. First ordered for Captain P.C. Peck of Tudor House in Bournemouth on registration number AGN 976. Spent 40 years in the Gilmore Museum. Restored by RM Auto Restorations Inc in 2007. Sold by RM Auctions at their 2010 Automobiles of London sale for £143,000.

124MY-1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Sedanca. Ordered for the H.R. Owen & Co. dealership and sold to Keith Nuttall for £1,850. Restored for the John W. Rich Museum and subsequently displayed at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the 2008 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance.

253AJS-1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental Brewster Town Car. Limosines were untypical on the shorter Continental chassis so this Town Car is a rarity. Acquired by the McMullen collection and subsequently restored by Classic & Exotic Restorations of Troy, Michigan in 1999. Displayed at the Meadow Brook Concours. Sold by RM Auctions in 2007 for $209,000 USD.