1961 Rolls Royce Phantom V James Young Sedanca de Ville, 5AT76, Pebble Beach First In Class 2014

I am pleased to offer this incredible 1961 Rolls Royce Phantom V James Young Sedanca de Ville. This particular car is one of only seven PV22SD design cars. It was selected to be the Earls Court London Show Car for 1960 and was purchased before construction by Mrs. Elsie Tritton, a VIP for both Rolls-Royce and James Young. The coach is finished in magnificent James Young Midnight Blue, a very deep dark blue that changes hue with the light. This is not a standard dark blue and unique to James Young. Inside there is beige Connolly leather to the front compartment and rare today James Young beige tone on tone striped wool to the rear, piped in beige Connolly leather to match the front compartment. In combination with the magnificent matched “butterfly” burl wood from division to floor, the rear compartment is an oasis of luxury and calm.
A New Yorker, Elsie Tritton was first married to Sir Louis Baron, who made a fortune as the chairman of Black Cat Cigarettes. They subsequently divorced and the resilient Elsie later married Robert Tritton, a purveyor of fine art and antiques to wealthy customers and Queen Mary. The Trittons had a London home on Grosvenor Square and a country home, a 2100-acre estate called Godmersham Park near Canterbury. The home was previously owned by Edward Knight, the brother of Jane Austen. She is said to have written at Godmersham and received inspirations there for many of her characters and scenes in her books, such as in Pride and Prejudice.
Mrs. Tritton was known for being very particular with her cars. For example, she specified to A.F. McNeil, James Young Chief Designer and B.O. Davis, General Manager, that there would be no occasional seats, as she wanted to see their finest burl walnut from the division window to the floor. Instead she ordered burl wood cabinets on either side of a burl speaker facia, so that there would be a veritable sea of beautiful burl wood. These cabinets were specified to be finished in polished burl on the inside as well, which is quite unique.
The rear armrest contains leather mirror, cigarette case, burl brush and notebook with pen. The fitted cabinets to the division contained crystal decanters, glasses and smoking accessories. The Sedanca with her custom registration plate “ET 38” when seen in London was said to lead to speculation that this car must belong to Elizabeth Taylor! Mrs. Tritton died in 1983. The car was then sold to its second owner, J. Seward Johnson, Chairman of Johnson and Johnson in the United States.
Extremely rare and elegant, today the James Young Phantom V Sedanca de Ville is one of the most valuable and sought after post-war cars by collectors. This particular Sedanca is very special indeed just as Mrs. Tritton specified over 50 years ago. An extensive leather history book with rare photos when the car was new in England, ownership, photos of the original owners, chauffeur, etc. accompanies the car. All the hard to find tools, jack, tire pump, owner manuals and very rare period original James Young literature also accompany the car. In short, it is very complete and in concours/show condition in all respects.
History:
The James Young Coachbuilders’ Sedanca de Ville was considered in its time to be the epitome of elegance and fine coachwork, winning numerous coachwork competition awards. Today’s automotive historians agree. Dalton calls the Sedanca, “The very essence of elegance,” and both Dalton and Martin Bennett feature James Young Phantom V on the cover of their respected post-war coachwork books.
The Sedanca was the most expensive Rolls-Royce of the time with only the special order State Landaulette, which was made for heads of state, being more expensive. The unique front roof panel slid back into a receptacle in the roof to open the front compartment and provide a very elegant look.
Price: $750,000
Terms & Conditions
This item is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied unless there is a warranty in effect from the factory. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected this item, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer’s request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the item.
Buyer is responsible for cost of shipping but seller may be able to assist in arranging shipping. I can be reached at (630) 567-0066 to discuss the item.
Good luck!