James Knight points out that the gap in value between cars with relatively standard bodies and those with coachbuilders’ unique interpretations and more daring design is increasing, and that quality and model integrity are more paramount than ever.

The Annual Rolls-Royce and Bentley auction continues to be a firm date and a popular fixture in the enthusiast’s calendar. So is the venue, Rockingham Castle, one of the organisers’ favourites.

This year, Bonhams managed to conjure up a summer storm, thus trapping casual onlookers as well as registered bidders under the marquee: with over thirty Rolls-Royces and Bentleys to sell, Head of Motoring James Knight had a couple of busy hours ahead of him.

Yet, despite good overall results (80% success rate, and over £1m takings) the auction itself was not ablaze with exciting revelations. Pre-war and early post-war Rolls-Royces and Bentley rely on unique, bespoke coachbuilt bodies to catch the imaginary collective: good quality, vintage motoring does not come more varied and exclusive than this. However, factory bodies, lower-end models such as the Silver Spirit, mundane Bentley T2s and Turbo Rs, all make potential ownership of two of the most evocative badges in British history well within the people’s range.

Not all was within the average buyer’s reach, or – at least in one case – even the more ambitious punter: a beautiful 1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Cabriolet (coachwork by Mazzara & Meyer) with the newer V12 engine after the marque’s six-cylinder models, independent front suspension and an original Hooper and Co landaulette body recorded in its past history, was offered with a 1960s topless variant, gained during the car’s sojourn in the States. It remained ‘not-quite-sold’ after bids only reached £130k against a £160k/180k estimate.          

Yet the six-cylinder Phantom II, Rolls-Royce’s best pre-war effort in terms of engineering as well as design, is all the more sought-after with the most extravagant bodies built by renowned coachbuilders all over Europe: the 1931 40/50 Phantom II saloon limousine (coachwork by Barker & Co) with Barker’s signature dipping headlights and quiet elegance, fetched the highest price at £118,100.

James Knight points out that the gap in value between cars with relatively standard bodies and those with coachbuilders’ unique interpretations and more daring design is increasing, and that quality and model integrity are more paramount than ever.