1975 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI

Three owners from new and just 17,800 recorded miles

No Reserve

Reg No: IOM Registered

Chassis No: PRH4818 MOT: Exempt

By far the most expensive car that money could buy when launched in 1968, the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI remained in production for twelve years (albeit the final few examples were not finished until 1991/1992 due to the model’s handbuilt nature). Notable as the last Rolls-Royce to employ a separate chassis, the majority were bodied by Mulliner Park Ward as seven-seater limousines. Though, a hearse and even convertible versions were constructed (the latter conceived by the Italian Carrozzeria, Frua). Equipped with independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung back axle and fourwheel drum brakes, the Phantom VI was all about passenger comfort and boasted the world’s first dual zone air-conditioning system. Powered by a 6230cc (later 6750cc) OHV V8 engine allied to automatic transmission, gearing was chosen such that it could be driven at anything from walking pace to 100mph. Customers were encouraged to tax the ingenuity of Rolls-Royce’s in-house craftsmen to the extent that very few, if any, of the 374 completed were to standard specification.

Modelled on the 1973 Earl’s Court Motor Show car, chassis PRH4818 is reportedly the only other Phantom VI to have been originally finished in Peacock over Silver Mink. Initially earmarked for a Gloucestershire property developer who informed S.P. Broughton & Co Ltd of Cheltenham that he intended to replace his Phantom VIs every two years, the Rolls-Royce was in fact supplied new via Jack Barclay of London to Adnan Mohamed Khashoggi and first registered as ‘1 AMK’ on April 1st 1975. Among the richest men in the world, the Saudi businessman and arms dealer’s assets encompassed: twelve homes, fully staffed at all times, including a 10,000-acre ranch in Kenya, an estate in Marbella and houses in London, Paris, Cannes, Madrid, Monte Carlo and Manhattan. He had a stable of Arabian horses and 200 exotic animals, 100 limousines, a personal airline of three jets and a fleet of three superyachts, including the $75m Nabila (named after his daughter) which was used in the James Bond film, ‘Never Say Never Again’. The nature of the business conducted inside the Phantom VI was doubtless facilitated by its rear and side window curtains, electric rear seats and cocktail cabinet.

Having exchanged his personalised numberplate ‘1 AMK’ for the age related one ‘LGF 609N’, Mr Khashoggi sold the Rolls-Royce to Martin Bromley of the gaming giant SEGA SA on October 16th 1981 with a V5 Registration Document being issued to Mr Bromley’s solicitors, CSI of Pump Court, Temple London. The late Robert Furniss Riding became the Phantom VI’s third (and current) registered keeper on May 5th 2003, at which time its odometer showed just 16,000 miles with supporting maintenance invoices from the likes of Michael Hibberd, Hadley Green Garage, Jack Barclay and J & M Bentley and Partners. Sparingly used by Mr Riding as part of an impressive Rolls-Royce and Bentley collection up until his death last year, he also loaned the Limousine to the Manx Motor Museum for a time. Indeed, the most recent bill on file is from January 2021 and concerns some light recommissioning / servicing work following the seven-seater’s return to Mr Riding’s stable. Displaying a highly credible 17,789 miles at the time of consignment and previously valued for insurance purposes at £300,000, this storied Phantom VI is surely worthy of a place in another museum or collection? Running and driving whilst in our care, we would nonetheless suggest a proper check over prior to sustained usage. Offered for sale at ‘No Reserve’ from the late Robert Riding’s Estate, the vast majority of which has been left to charity with the RNLI as the predominant beneficiary, accompanying documentation comprises a bookpack, Phantom VI literature (brochure, press release), RREC copy chassis records, correspondence between Mr Khashoggi and Mr Bromley, copy V5 Registration Documents, numerous bills / invoices and sundry newspaper articles about the first owner. Please note: We have been advised that vehicles registered on, and imported from, the Isle of Man are not subject to Import Duty. Nor is a NOVA application required for their re-registration in the United Kingdom.