When purchased: February 2018
From: Romans International
Price: £175,000
Ext colour: Black
Int colour: Black
Engine: 6.75L, V12, naturally aspirated
Gearbox: Automatic
I first saw this car for sale at Romans International and I was immediately beguiled with its unique shape, its upright stance, the sheer size of it, and its presence. This is surely one of the all-time great Rolls-Royces.
I didn’t buy it during that visit, but it played on my mind, and when it was subsequently taken off-sale because its owner wanted to go on a tour to France, I regretted not snapping it up.
What followed was six months of seed-theory and subtle hints that if the car was put back on the market, I’d have it. And then - after the car had been fully Topaz’d at a cost of £10k, the owner weakened and said he’d sell it.
I’ve never moved so fast!
There’s something so ridiculously opulent about the Phantom Coupe, it feels like a Bond villain car, and it gives me the perfect luxury slot for the garage. It’s also rare - there will never be another one, because Rolls-Royce now has the Wraith. It is thought less than 1,000 were ever made, and that makes it even more special.