Rolls-Royce Phantom III

Infobox Automobile


name=Rolls-Royce Phantom III
manufacturer=Rolls-Royce Ltd
production=1936–1939
727 produced
predecessor=Phantom II
successor=Silver Wraith
Phantom IV
class=Luxury car
engine=7338 cc V12
transmission=4-speed manual
wheelbase=142 in (3607 mm)The Rolls-Royce Phantom III was the final large pre-war Rolls-Royce. Introduced in 1936, it replaced the Phantom II. This would be the only V12 Rolls-Royce until the 1998 introduction of the Silver Seraph.

There were 727 V-12 Phantom III chassis constructed from 1936 to 1939, with an impressive survival rate for these cars.

Engineering

The III was distinguished by its aluminium alloy V12 engine. With a bore of 3.25 inches (82.5mm) and a stroke of 4.5 inches (114.3mm), the new twelve displaced 447in³ (7.34L). It was a pushrod engine with overhead valves operated by a single camshaft in the valley between the cylinder banks. Early cars had hydraulic tappets, these being changed to solid adjustable tappets in 1938. The Phantom III is unusual as it has twin ignitions, with two distributors, two coils, and 24 spark plugs. Fuel is provided by a twin SU electrical pump.

Wire wheels are fitted as standard, but many cars carry Ace wheel discs.

The car featured on board jacking and a one-shot chassis lubrication system, operated by a lever inside the drivers compartment.

Another major feature was front independent suspension. This coil spring- based system was complemented by a carryover semi-elliptical spring unit in the rear.

A 4-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on gears 2, 3, and 4 was used. Overdrive was added in 1938. 4-wheel servo-assisted brakes (using a servo made under licence from Hispano-Suiza) were also specified, the brakes being applied by cable.

The radiator shell is of Staybrite steel.

Original specification

*12 cylinders (V-12), overhead valves, 3 ¼" x 4 ½". (7340 cc)
*single -plate clutch
*4 speed transmission
*dual-coil ignition
*4 wheel brakes with servo plus independent handbrake
*suspension - independent front with enclosed coil spring and semi-elliptic rear
*wheelbase Auto in|142|0
*chassis weight without spare wheel or lamps Auto lb|4050|0
*tyres 7.00 x 18
*price (chassis) £1850.

Movie appearances

A 1937 Phantom III painted yellow-gold is Goldfinger's vehicle in the movie of the same name (See List of James Bond vehicles). The vintage Rolls Royce driven by the deadly Korean Manservant, Oddjob, has a precious cargo - Gold has been melted down and recast into parts of the car's bodywork to allow Goldfinger to smuggle his bullion around the world. Other Phantom III are in films such as; The Yellow Rolls-Royce (This particular Phantom is Goldfinger's), Major Barbara (1941), The Millionairess (1960), Doctor in Clover (1966), etc [ [http://www.imcdb.org/vehicles.php?make=Rolls-Royce&model=Phantom+III Internet Movie Cars Database: Rolls-Royce Phantom III in Movies and TV series] ] .

Another 1937 PIII limousine is featured in Pan's Labyrinth (2006).

References

External links

* [http://www.p3ts.org The Phantom III Technical Society]