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Rolls-Royce Phantom III gallery (1936–1939)

The third generation Phantom introduced an advanced aluminium V12 engine and independent front suspension.

All photos 344 I 0 1925–1931 II 8 1929–1935 III 7 1936–1939 IV 0 1950–1956 V 3 1959–1968 VI 0 1968–1990 VII (RR01) 259 2003–2017 VIII (RR11) 67 2017
Rolls-Royce Phantom III photo 93433 2048 x 1536 20 Phantom Aero Coupe (III) — 1937
Rolls-Royce Phantom III photo 93432 2048 x 1536 14 Phantom Aero Coupe (III) — 1937
Rolls-Royce Phantom III photo 93431 2048 x 1536 17 Phantom Aero Coupe (III) — 1937
Rolls-Royce Phantom III photo 93430 2048 x 1536 17 Phantom Aero Coupe (III) — 1937
Rolls-Royce Phantom III photo 93429 2048 x 1536 21 Phantom Aero Coupe (III) — 1937
Rolls-Royce Phantom III photo 93428 2048 x 1536 21 Phantom Aero Coupe (III) — 1937
Rolls-Royce Phantom III photo 93427 2048 x 1536 18 Phantom Aero Coupe (III) — 1937

Launched in 1936, the Rolls-Royce Phantom III represented an ambitious technological leap forward for the brand. It was powered by the marque's first production 7.3-litre 60-degree V12 engine, constructed with an aluminium-alloy cylinder block and crankcase, overhead valves, and hydraulic zero-lash tappets that delivered whisper-quiet operation and immense low-end torque. Another groundbreaking feature was the introduction of independent front suspension based on a General Motors unequal-wishbone design with coil springs enclosed in oil-filled damping units, providing unprecedented ride smoothness. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on second, third, and fourth gears. As before, Rolls-Royce supplied a rolling chassis to bespoke coachbuilders like Hooper, Park Ward, and Freestone & Webb, who created palatial limousine and town car bodies. Production ceased in 1939 due to the outbreak of World War II, making the Phantom III one of the rarest, most complex, and prestigious pre-war flagships ever built.