Rolls-Royce Phantom III

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Rolls-Royce Phantom III

Manufacturer	Rolls-Royce
Production	1936–1939 727 produced
Predecessor	Rolls-Royce Phantom II
Successor	Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
Class	Luxury car
Engine	7338 cc V12
Transmission	4-speed manual
Wheelbase	142 in (3607 mm)

The Phantom III was the final large pre-war Rolls-Royce. Introduced in 1936, it replaced the Phantom II.

The III was distinguished by its novel all-aluminium V12 engine. With a 3¾ in (95.2 mm) bore and 4½ in (114.3 mm) stroke, the new twelve displaced 7.3 L (7338 cc/447 in³). It was a pushrod engine with overhead valves operated by a single camshaft in the valley between cylinder banks. This would be the last V12 Rolls-Royce until the 1998 introduction of the Silver Seraph.

Another major feature was an independent suspension in front, based on a General Motors design. This coil spring-based suspension was complemented by a carryover semi-elliptical spring unit in the rear.

Again, 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 were also specified.

[edit] Movie Appearances

A 1937 Phantom III painted yellow-gold (and supposedly including tonnes of smuggler's 18 kt trim) 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 has a precious cargo. Gold has been melted down and recast into parts of the car to allow Goldfinger to smuggle his bullion around the world