1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sports Saloon by Barker - Excellent Runner!

This stunning example has a known history from new having been initially delivered to Frederick Brant Rentschler (1887-1956), an aircraft engine designer, aviation engineer, and industrialist. As President of Wright Aeronautical Corp, he championed air cooled engine design. Finding no interest among the mostly Financial types on the Wright board, he left and developed a a proposal for a high powered air cooled aircraft engine for the US Navy. Gaining a promise of approval, he approached Pratt and Whitney Corp who agreed to fund its development-creating the Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Company, of which he was given a controlling interest. In 1928, He the formed the United Aircraft and Transport Corp-the predessor to United Aircraft (later United Technologies). In 1929 He ended his association with Pratt and Whitney Tool Co but was allowed to retained the Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Co name. He ran the firm for the rest of his working life, developing many successful aircraft engines, helicopters, and jet engines after WWII. Mr Rentschler used the car at his Winter home in Florida.
The car was purchased by noted collector Jerry Gebby in 1955, after a 3 year search. Most PIII's are formal cars with division windows or town cars, and Mr Gebby-who was over 6 feet-wanted a car with more room. This narrowed the field down to 50 cars out of the 725 PIII's built. Mr Gebby commented later that "this prolonged the search to a nearly endless affair" Mr Gebby kept the car, along with an SJ Duesenberg. for most of his life-passing it on to the current owner-a noted Rolls Royce Collector and Preservationist.
Under the care of our client the car has been fully sorted, and had major engine work recently performed.The car runs extremely well- without fault really. All the guages and instruments perform their function, including the trafficators. The car is accompanied by a complete and extensive set of factory tools, books, Build Sheet, a good file of historical documentation, and some spares. Our client chose to preserve the original finishes and interior appointments all of which are in very good to excellent condition showing appropriate patina.
This is a special car, a car that has traveled through the hands of only 3 dedicated motorists.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a car that will be a standout at any show, the centerpiece of any collection.